I completed my Ph.D. from Indian Association for the Cultivation Of Science (IACS), Kolkata, after which I was on the lookout for a post-doctoral position in biophysics laboratory where I could learn state-of-the-art electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. This is when I found Prof. Daniella Goldfarb’s EPR lab at Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), Israel. Her lab has advanced facilities and, thus, I decided to pursue my further studies from WIS.
Work-life balance
I am in the right place here, as I am able to balance work and life. I am extremely happy with the advanced instrumental facility provided, and it is inspiring to learn from a renowned expert such as Prof. Goldfarb. The staff help me in every step, making learning easier. Though my lab members are from different cultures, they are helpful. Professors are approachable and encourage discussions. WIS encourages collaborations, internationally and within the institute; talks, seminars and conferences are a part of our daily routine and provide us with a good opportunity to learn.
Feinberg Graduate School (FGS) is the academic wing of WIS, and is responsible for fellowships and funding. I have received the PBC fellowship from Israel government. FGS also provides travel allowance to each student for attending international conferences. They also cover major expenses starting from medical insurance to arrival expenses.
A swift change
There was huge shift from the long administrative procedures in Kolkata to the easy admission process in Israel. I instantly felt at home when I saw my professor and non-academic staff trying to help me resolve initial issues while I was settling down here. It was hard to believe, but joyful to see, that my joining was completed within the first half of the day. The international office (IO) and housing branch of WIS took care of my visa and housing respectively, which are major concerns for students before coming abroad.
WIS also has a rich Indian community which helped me feel included — the IO also organises Holi and Deepavali celebrations every year. They also organise day tours, cultural events and different creative programmes every month.
The campus is green and well-maintained. We have seven restaurants on campus that cater good food at subsidised rate. WIS is located close to the center of Rehovot city, and is well connected with public transport. The accommodation is costly, but easy availability of Indian products never makes us feel away from India.
Manas Seal is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the department of chemical and biological physics at Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
