“I appreciate the support of the German scientific system towards women”
Dr. Sushmita Pahari Chakraborty, Immunologist at the Centre for Infectiology at Heidelberg University Hospital
Postdoctoral research stay in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene at the Centre for Infectiology at Heidelberg University Hospital from July 2014 to August 2015, Research stay in the same department from October 2021 to April 2022.
When, how long and in what position did you stay at Heidelberg University for the first time?
In 2014, I came to Heidelberg for the first time for my post-doctoral research work at Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg in the group of Prof. Katharina Hieke-Kubatzky (Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene) and I stayed for 14 months.
When did you arrive in Heidelberg for your actual stay and how long do you plan to stay? What are your goals for your time in Heidelberg?
Currently, I am working in the areas of autoimmunity and osteoimmunology. To better understand these areas and to equip myself for future research endeavours and challenges, I came to learn in the research group of Prof. Katharina Hieke-Kubatzky. My research stay is supported by DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance. I arrived in October 2021 and will be staying until April 2022.
Why did you decide in favour of Heidelberg University?
My research experience with Prof. Katharina Heike Kubatzky helped me to grow in my scientific career. She is an extraordinary person and a wonderful mentor. It is my privilege to be associated with her research team. She has introduced me to the field of osteoimmunology and also groomed me by encouraging me to participate in international meetings where I got the opportunity to meet global leaders. The scientific exposure at Heidelberg University has helped me tremendously in getting an individual grant from DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance. In my current grant, Prof. Hieke-Kubatzky is my mentor and I look forward to collaborating with her again in the future.
What have you learned so far in Heidelberg? What experiences have been particularly valuable?
Heidelberg city has enriched me with lots of experiences both professionally and personally. The calmness of the city helps me to think deeply and understand the perspective in a better way. The work-life balance, which I observe here is something which I would like to achieve and inculcate in my personal life. I also find the people in the city very helpful and professional.
What do you like best about being in Heidelberg? What suggestions would you have for improvements?
I enjoy the spectacular view of the castle and the old city while walking along the river Neckar. The city is so charming and very convenient for international people that I really do not want any changes. Also, the city is very friendly to international people. However, it would be wonderful to get affordable international schools for the kids accompanying the international scholars.
What is your view of the German scientific system in comparison to that of your home country or to that of other countries where you may have conducted research?
The German scientific system cultivates high quality of research and maintains robust scientific integrity, which is unfortunately not observed in many countries. I always admire the way the German scientific system inculcates the adherence of good scientific practice across all levels of researchers. Additionally, I like the fact that the German scientific system is extremely open to scientific exchanges by facilitating various research schemes and fellowships. Also, I appreciate the support of the German scientific system towards women in science which really helps them to excel in their research areas. It would have been wonderful to get similar support in my country. Unfortunately, in my country, women researchers who are in their early career face a lot of hurdles due to inadequate policies related to childcare, flexible timing, career breaks etc.
In your opinion, what is the importance of international exchanges for researchers?
International exchanges are extremely important for researchers as it provides an excellent platform for collaborations. It enables the researchers in understanding the emerging research areas and cutting-edge technologies.
Do you recommend a research visit to Heidelberg University to your students or to colleagues in your scientific network?
Surely, I would like to recommend my students or colleagues to visit Heidelberg University. As I plan to continue my work with my mentor and through our collaboration, I will always remain connected with Heidelberg university. Also, I would really wish to expand my collaborations with other research groups as there are so many outstanding research groups available in Heidelberg.
