Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

Dr. Sananda Biswas

Welcome to the Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast! Here, we unravel the intricate career 'phases' of individuals with PhD degrees who've navigated the complex worlds of academia and beyond. Each episode offers a deep dive into their unique trajectories, starting from their earliest aspirations right up to their current impactful roles. Join us as we decode the pivotal decisions and strategic moves that shaped their paths. We explore their daily practices, uncover unexpected 'hacks' for productivity and success, and reveal the profound impact of mentors and role models on their remarkable journeys. Whether you're a student, a PhD student charting your next steps, a researcher exploring new horizons, or simply curious about the diverse career paths stemming from advanced degrees, this podcast is your guide to insightful conversations and actionable wisdom. 👉 Follow the DPT Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Episodes

  1. 28/12/2025

    From Physics PhD to Industry: Dr. Charu Garg on Navigating Academia, Rejection & Career Transitions

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.12 || Guest: Dr. Charu Garg In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Charu Garg - an experimental physicist, whose journey captures many of the pivotal phases of a scientific career — from discovering a love for physics, to navigating an integrated PhD, postdoctoral research, and eventually transitioning into industry. She shares an honest and detailed account of academic life — how to prepare for national competitive exams, how to navigate coursework and research during an integrated PhD, and how to deal with rejection in science. She offers practical advice on literature search, reading and annotating scientific papers, and writing research articles without getting overwhelmed. We also explore her postdoctoral journey, including skills she developed during those years, and the often-overlooked art of asking for help. The episode then moves into her decision to transition into industry, how she identified her transferable skills, reached out to mentors, adapted to new work dynamics, and handled the early challenges of industry life. This episode is especially valuable for: ✨Undergraduate and Master’s students considering research ✨PhD students navigating uncertainty and rejection ✨Postdocs exploring options beyond academia ✨Anyone curious about how scientific training translates into industry roles It’s a candid, grounded conversation about growth, self-assessment, and making thoughtful career decisions — without seeing any phase as a failure. **The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music ** 🎙️ About The Guest: Growing up in India, Charu began her academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at University of Delhi. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to pursue research, she went on to join the Integrated Master’s and PhD program at IISER Pune, one of India’s leading research institutes. Then she moved abroad for her postdoctoral research at Goethe University, Frankfurt in Germany before making a transition into industry. 🔗 Resources & Links: Delhi University: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_University IISER, Pune, India: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/en Jens Müller: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/49965558/Prof__Dr__Jens_Müller ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:10 – Falling in love with physics 05:36 – Why tutoring classes were necessary 08:33 – What's a gap year 14:16 – Choosing Delhi University 16:01 – Role of parents, teachers & peers 19:09 – Bachelor’s degree journey 24:20 – Choosing an Integrated PhD at IISER Pune 29:23 – IISER Pune experience 32:07 – Preparing for national competitive exams 38:37 – Master’s degree journey 42:32 – Inside an Integrated PhD program 46:11 – The PhD journey 56:36 – How to read papers effectively 01:02:21 – Research exposure during PhD 01:06:50 – Dealing with rejection in science 01:11:53 – Value of a PhD 01:18:33 – Advice to her PhD-era self 01:20:40 – Applying for postdoc positions 01:28:38 – How to ask for help 01:39:17 – Starting a postdoc during COVID 01:42:56 – Skills gained during postdoctoral research 01:46:49 – Deciding to move to industry 01:53:31 – Reaching out to mentors before transitioning 01:58:48 – Transferable skills from academia to industry 02:01:56 – Early challenges in industry 02:06:48 – Industry work culture 02:08:46 – Skills industry teaches scientists 02:10:22 – Tracking progress in industry 02:13:47 – Fun trivia about her 02:15:59 – Advice to her younger self 02:19:59 – Final Thoughts 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PhDJourney #IntegratedPhD #IISERPune #DelhiUniversity #PostdocLife #IndustryTransition #ScienceCareers #WomenInSTEM #AcademicLife #ResearchJourney

    2h 22m

  2. 30/11/2025

    Prof. Ali Hassanali on Curiosity, AI in Science, Perseverance & Career Advice for Young Scientists

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10 Guest: Prof. Ali Hassanali In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ali Hassanali, Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at ICTP Trieste, Italy and faculty member at the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA, Italy. Ali’s story spans continents — from his childhood in Africa, to studying mathematics and computer science at Purdue University, USA to earning a PhD in Physical Chemistry at The Ohio State University, followed by postdoctoral training with the renowned Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, Switzerland. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ Why water still mystifies science ✨ How to build a strong academic network ✨ Winning major grants (ERC, Horizon 2020) ✨ Why he never had a Plan B ✨ The future of AI in scientific research ✨ His advice for young researchers and more. This episode is a deep dive into how one builds a meaningful scientific life — through exploration, humility, and the courage to keep following the questions that matter most. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Ali Hassanali is a Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and a faculty member in the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA. His academic path began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from Purdue University, followed by a PhD in Physical Chemistry from The Ohio State University, where his fascination with water and molecular systems took shape. He later worked as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, developing expertise in computational chemistry, quantum effects, and hydrogen bonding. Ali’s research explores the fundamental mysteries of water, proton transfer, and quantum effects in biological systems Major Awards & Grants ERC Consolidator Grant Horizon 2020 Award (Artificial Photosynthesis) ERC Proof of Concept Grant for CUSHOP Using AI to design eco-friendly, skin-safe UV-absorbing molecules for next-gen sunscreens website: https://www.ictp.it/member/ali-hassanali#biography Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qSyBReYAAAAJ&hl=en 🔗 Resources & Links: ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Perdue University, USA: https://www.purdue.edu Ohio State university, USA: https://www.osu.edu Sherwin Singer: https://chemistry.osu.edu/people/singer.2 Michele Parrinello: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Parrinello Sandro Scandolo: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Erio Tosatti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:42 – Why water still needs research 10:05 – Childhood in Africa 17:33 – Schooling, mentors & early influences 19:14 – Role of parents in shaping curiosity 22:26 – Moving from Africa to the US: challenges 25:17 – How 9/11 affected his experience 27:47 – Advice for young (African) students 36:24 – Studying Math & Computer Science at Purdue University 41:05 – Feeling like a “small fish in a big pond” 44:38 – Falling in love with pure mathematics 48:50 – Turning toward other sciences 53:12 – Why he never had a Plan B 55:18 – Choosing the right grad school for a PhD 57:49 – The PhD interview process 59:05 – Inside the PhD journey 01:05:33 – Biggest challenge during his PhD 01:08:30 – His PhD research question 01:10:44 – Strategy for postdoctoral search 01:19:27 – His postdoctoral research 01:26:47 – How to build a strong academic network 01:31:30 – Securing a permanent academic position 01:41:26 – His vision for African science 01:44:32 – Secrets to securing research funding 01:56:17 – His vision for AI in scientific research 01:59:35 – Fun facts about him 02:03:41 – His biggest challenge & advice to his younger self 02:08:24 – Final thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScientificCareers #AcademicJourney #PhDJourney #AIInResearch #WaterScience #ComputationalChemistry #AfricanScience #CuriosityOverFear #SciencePodcast #STEMStories #ResearchInnovation #MachineLearningForScience #GlobalScience #ResilienceInScience

    2h 10m

  3. 12/11/2025

    Prof. Karim Zantout on Weaving Science, Identity & Experience into a Meaningful Career

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10 Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Karim Zantout, Professor of Data Science and IT at the Faculty of Information Management and Media, Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA) — the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe. His story is one of transformation — a journey that weaves together science, identity, and experience into an integrated and meaningful career.Born in Lebanon, he moved to Germany at the age of six, facing cultural change and discrimination during his early school years. What began as a difficult start became a story of discovery and resilience, guided by inspiring teachers and a growing passion for science. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, specializing in the computational study of high-temperature superconductors. After his PhD, he expanded his path into data science through his work in industry, later joining the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) as a research fellow, where he explored how climate change influences human migration. Today, as a Professor of Data Science and IT at Die HKA, Prof. Zantout brings together insights from physics, climate research, and data-driven innovation — showing how the threads of one’s past can come together into a cohesive, impactful career. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ His journey from Lebanon to Germany 🇱🇧➡️🇩🇪 ✨ Facing and overcoming discrimination in education ✨ How mentors and curiosity changed his path ✨ Lessons from academia, industry, and research ✨ Finding purpose across disciplines — from physics to data science ✨ His reflections on identity, belonging, and imposter syndrome This episode is not just about academic success — it’s about growth, courage, and creating meaning from every chapter of life. 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout holds a PhD in Physics from Goethe University Frankfurt, where he researched high-temperature superconductors.He has worked in data science and renewable energy (Emsys Renewables) and as a research fellow at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), focusing on climate change and human migration.He currently serves as Professor of Data Science and IT at Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA). 🔗 Resources & Links German students scholarships for universities: Efellows.net Hans Bockler Stiftung : https://www.boeckler.de/de/index.htm emsys, Oldenburg, Germany: https://www.emsys-renewables.com Goethe University, Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Berlin: https://www.pik-potsdam.de/members/karimza/homepage-de University of Applied Science, Karlsruhe: https://www.h-ka.de/en/about-hka/organization-people/staff-search/person/karim-zantout ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:05 – Moving from Lebanon to Germany as a child 🇩🇪 04:57 – Why the family decided to migrate 07:42 – Early challenges in a German primary school 10:47 – Incidents that became turning points 19:14 – Falling in love with science 22:51 – The role of parents in shaping curiosity 25:06 – Choosing a career path after school 27:50 – Self-counselling and applying for an engineering internship 30:55 – University life: learning, challenges, and growth 32:40 – How German student scholarships opened new doors 38:02 – Creating awareness for parents and communities 44:00 – What helped him overcome challenges 47:08 – The scholarship that changes his core beliefs 53:17 – Life lessons from science and physics 01:00:09 – The decision to pursue a PhD 01:04:21 – When curiosity meets frustration 01:07:06 – His PhD research questions 01:11:28 – 1st career transition: stepping into data science 01:17:49 – Moving to Potsdam for a postdoc 01:21:19 – Building a career aligned with your passions 01:28:02 – 2nd career transition: from postdoc to faculty position 01:34:28 – Current research interests and big questions 01:35:21 – The decision behind his latest transition 01:37:55 – Fun trivia and personal moments 😄 01:47:38 – Advice to his younger self 01:49:09 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #AcademicJourney #Resilience #DataScience #Physics #AIInResearch #CareerInScience #HochschuleKarlsruhe

    1h 51m

  4. 31/10/2025

    Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (IISER Pune) on Postdoc to Faculty Journey, Research & Career Tips || Part 2/2

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.9 || Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (Part 2/2) In this second part of our conversation, Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, takes us through his postdoctoral journey, transition to a faculty role, and his current research in sustainable materials and catalysis. In Part 1, we explored his early years — how his love for physics began, the influence of mentors and family, and the lessons learned from setbacks and self-discovery. [Check it out here:h ttps://youtu.be/kXNOw7fai4U] In this episode, we turn to the next chapter: life after PhD, the realities of postdoctoral research abroad, and what it truly takes to build an academic career in India. 🎙️Prof. Ghosh shares pro tips for young scientists and postdocs — including: ✨How to search and apply for faculty positions (especially in India) ✨The documents and proposals required for applications ✨Funding opportunities for new faculty members ✨How to prepare for interviews and take on early-career responsibilities with confidence We also discuss his current research interests, which focus on reducing greenhouse gases through catalysis and applying AI tools to perform research in thermoelectric materials — bridging fundamental physics with real-world sustainability. Prof. Ghosh’s humility and authenticity shine throughout — he explains his journey with the same groundedness that defines his approach to science and mentoring. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast below YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dpt-podcast/id1842946744 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MJH3m3TJeEAALoTdc4T5e Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/972eaf17-675f-4e38-af37-ccf1f40d940b Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/decoding-phase-transitions-the-6239581 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, India, where he joined in 2010. He completed his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICTP, Trieste, Italy. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics from BHU, Banaras and a B.Sc. from Calcutta University. Homepage: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/research/department/physics/people/faculty/regular-faculty/prasenjit-ghosh/267 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mCp5bRoAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, heterogeneous catalysis, photo- and electro-catalysis, thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: BHU, Banaras: https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site JNCASR, Bangalore: https://www.jncasr.ac.in ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Shobhana Narasimhan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobhana_Narasimhan Umesh Waghmare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare Ralph Gebauer, ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/member/ralph-gebauer#biography Sandro Scandolo, ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Stefano de Gironcoli, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-de-gironcoli Stefano Fabris, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-fabris O.N. Srivastava, BHU: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onkar_Nath_Srivastava ANRF Research Fund : https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/About?HomePage=New BRNS Research Fund: https://brns.res.in/brns_rp.php DAE: https://dae.gov.in DST: https://dst.gov.in 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:03 – Postdoc or Plan B? 03:13 – Challenges after arriving in Trieste 06:22 – Shaping his research direction during postdoc 08:02 – Research in catalysis and excited states 24:40 – Key lessons learned from postdoctoral years abroad 27:33 – Deciding to return to India 29:13 – Tips for those seeking faculty positions in India 47:03 – What to expect after joining as faculty 57:23 – His current research interests 01:02:53 – Fun trivia about him 01:08:28 – The turning point 01:11:55 – Final Thoughts #DPTPodcast #AcademicCareers #PostdocLife #FacultyPositions #ResearchJourney #Sustainability #Catalysis #AIInScience #IISERPune

    1h 13m

  5. 17/10/2025

    Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh on Resilience, Curiosity, Adaptability & Student Success Tips || Part 1/2

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.8 || Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (Part 1/2) In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh, Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics at IISER Pune, India. His research group, the computational material science group, focuses on having a microscopic understanding of the physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, using first principles based computational methods. Prof. Ghosh’s journey is one of curiosity, resilience, and humility — from a young student discovering his love for physics, to earning his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, India, and later working across continents from Cambridge (UK) to Trieste (Italy). He also shares pro tips for students and early researchers on assessing their strengths, building confidence, and approaching academia with purpose and patience. Prof. Ghosh’s humility stands out — he speaks of achievements casually, never taking full credit for the perseverance and insight that shaped his path. 🎙️We dive into his inspiring journey. Here's some highlights: ✨ Overcoming setbacks after leaving school ✨ How to get back on track after failure ✨ Why he chose to drop an MBA for a PhD ✨ What to expect in a PhD interview and how to prepare for it 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast below YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dpt-podcast/id1842946744 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MJH3m3TJeEAALoTdc4T5e Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/972eaf17-675f-4e38-af37-ccf1f40d940b Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/decoding-phase-transitions-the-6239581 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, India, where he joined in 2010. He completed his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICTP, Trieste, Italy. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics from BHU, Banaras and a B.Sc. from Calcutta University. Homepage: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/research/department/physics/people/faculty/regular-faculty/prasenjit-ghosh/267 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mCp5bRoAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, heterogeneous catalysis, photo- and electro-catalysis, thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Raj College, Burdwan: https://burdwanrajcollege.ac.in Presidency College, Calcutta: https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/ Maharaj Manindra Chandra College: https://www.mmccollege.co.in Rajabazar Science College: https://www.caluniv-ucsta.net BHU, Banaras: https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site Rajabazar Science College: https://www.caluniv.ac.in/campuses/campus-2.html JNCASR, Bangalore: https://www.jncasr.ac.in CNR Rao, JNCASR: https://www.jncasr.ac.in/faculty/cnrrao Theoretical Sciences Unit, JNCASR: https://www.jncasr.ac.in/research/research-units/theoretical-sciences-unit Stefano de Gironcoli, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-de-gironcoli Stephen Jenkins, Cambridge https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/person/sjj24 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – What sparked his love for Physics 02:11 – Academic role models who inspired him 05:34 – Parents’ influence on his choices 08:11 – The “gap year” that shaped his path 12:42 – Why he left home for Calcutta one day 17:18 – When his father chose Physics over Economics for him 19:54 – Challenges after leaving school 28:22 – Practical tips for students rebuilding after setbacks 30:34 – Coming back on track: strategies to move forward 37:52 – Relief after success & how parents reacted 39:07 – Life at BHU: the Master’s experience in Banaras 44:27 – Why everyone should spend time in a hostel 48:18 – Why he pursued an MBA after his Master’s 50:35 – How to do a PhD in India (for science students) 55:42 – Dropping MBA for PhD – the turning point 01:00:50 – Preparing for PhD interviews: Pro Tips 01:09:07 – The JNCASR interview experience 01:14:50 – Inside his PhD journey at JNCASR, Bangalore 01:15:57 – His core PhD research questions 01:27:47 – Industry exposure during PhD 01:30:53 – Working with scientists across Cambridge & Trieste 01:40:26 – Final Thoughts

    1h 42m

  6. 25/09/2025

    From Scuola Normale to ICTP 🇮🇹 🇺🇸 🇮🇹 || Prof. Sandro Scandolo’s Journey of Science and Leadership

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.7 || Feat. Prof. Sandro Scandolo In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, I sit down with Prof. Sandro Scandolo, physicist and Head of Research at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. Prof. Scandolo is not only an accomplished scientist with publications in Nature, Science, and other top journals, but also a leader who has successfully balanced cutting-edge research with major organizational responsibilities. Prof. Scandolo was awarded the Fellowship of the American Physical Society, the J.C. Jamieson Award, and recognized as a “Male Champion for Women in Science” (2018) for his advocacy of diversity in scientific careers. 🎙️We dive into his inspiring journey. Here's some highlights: ✨Climbing the ladder from researcher to ICTP leadership roles ✨Transferable skills from research to management ✨How to foster diversity and open scientific environments ✨Hacks and mental models that helped him overcome challenges ✨AI’s role in shaping research and PhD journeys today 📌 Whether you’re an early-career researcher, a PhD student, or simply curious about how science and leadership intertwine, this conversation offers timeless lessons. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Sandro Scandolo is a physicist and the Head of Research at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. He studied physics at the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, earned his PhD, and later carried out postdoctoral research in Trieste before being appointed at SISSA. He also spent time as a visiting scholar at Princeton University before returning to ICTP, where he has since held several leadership roles. Homepage: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mJEVOdQAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: Computational condensed matter physics, particularly in the area of materials at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Princeton University, USA : https://www.princeton.edu Global Outreach ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/home/global-outreach SISSA, Trieste, Italy: https://www.sissa.it Scoula Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy: https://www.sns.it/it Synchrotron facility, Elettra: https://www.elettra.eu Mathematics Olympiad: https://www.imo-official.org Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Laureate and Particle Physicist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Rubbia Roberto Car: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Car Michele Parinello: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Parrinello Franco Bassani: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco_Bassani Car Parinello Method: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car–Parrinello_molecular_dynamics Erio Tosatti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti Stefano Baroni: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-baroni Quantum ESPRESSO project: https://www.quantum-espresso.org 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 03:11 – Leading and managing a research institute 06:37 – Transferable skills from research to management 09:16 – Fostering open environments at ICTP 12:13 – How Sandro became curious about physics 16:57 – Encouraging teachers in school 18:21 – School years in Italy & Scuola Normale 18:48 – First time living alone & why it wasn’t a challenge 23:26 – Experience at Scuola Normale 27:52 – Applying to Scuola Normale 30:19 – No plan B heading into a PhD 32:33 – PhD research work 41:39 – Overcoming challenges when stuck 48:17 – Postdoc in Trieste 57:05 – Princeton days 01:00:05 – Decision to come back 01:02:18 – ICTP journey to leadership 01:04:11 – Hacks to staying productive while leading 01:07:11 – Nature paper in 1 hour? 01:08:47 – How AI is reshaping research & PhD journeys 01:16:39 – ICTP’s promise for young researchers 01:23:41 – Fun trivia about Sandro 01:28:18 – Lessons from My Wife’s Scientific Journey 01:29:47 – Challenge that changed everything 01:32:34 – Final Thoughts ‼️ Correction: The pH scale is in the range of zero to 14, not minus 7 to plus 7 as mentioned in the conversation. #DPTPodcast #SandroScandolo #ICTP #ScienceLeadership #PhDJourney #AcademicLife #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificCareers #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfScience #ResilienceInScience #DiversityInSTEM #InspiringScientists #CareerInAcademia

    1h 34m

  7. 18/09/2025

    Dr. Iverina Ivanova on Language as Patterns, PhD Life, and Linguists in the Age of AI

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.6 || Feat. Dr. Iverina Ivanova (Part 2/2) In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Iverina Ivanova, we dive deeper into her academic and professional journey across Europe. From cultural shocks in Belgium to combining linguistics with technology during her Master’s in Marburg, Germany and ultimately making the bold decision to leave her job as a junior analyst to pursue a PhD in Frankfurt am Main — this episode is a story of courage, curiosity, and transformation. Dr. Iverina Ivanova is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Linguistics at Goethe University Frankfurt, where she also completed her PhD in Linguistics (dissertation title: "Text-type Constraints on the Choice of Linguistic Mechanisms in Research Articles: A Corpus-based Approach"). Her academic journey began at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology. She then pursued a Master’s in Linguistics and Web Technologies at the Philipp University of Marburg, Germany, combining her passion for language with the emerging world of digital technologies. Today, Dr. Ivanova's research and teaching explore the intersection of language, technology, and learning. Her story reflects resilience, curiosity, and the courage to turn challenges into opportunities — qualities that continue to shape both her academic and personal journey. If you haven’t already watched Part 1, where Dr. Ivanova talks about her early journey through language, resilience, and turning challenges into stepping stones — be sure to check it out here: [https://youtu.be/-QqnRUvCFSg]. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to this channel for more inspiring stories from brilliant minds in academia and beyond! ⏰ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:38 – Decisions for doing masters in Germany 06:20 – Considering other countries for masters 07:30 – Cultural shock in Ghent, Belgium 09:57 – Masters in Marburg: combining tech with linguistics 14:55 – Was learning German necessary to study in Germany? 16:27 – Challenges in Marburg 17:53 – Advantage of sharing accommodations in the early days in a new country 21:30 – Things to do in Germany after moving from other countries 22:00 – After masters: job experience in Bulgaria 25:23 – Challenges teaching small kids 26:47 – Working as a junior analyst 32:47 – Back to academia: Academic assistant 39:15 – Moving to Frankfurt 44:45 – Decision to do a PhD 46:16 – PhD work: Research question 01:03:48 – ChatGPT and LLMs and more - in a nutshell 01:07:17 – GPT is more than predicting next words 01:13:07 – Current research interest 01:15:08 – Role of linguists in current technological landscape / Can linguists help to minimise deep fake? 01:21:00 – Satisfactory and Challenging aspects of teaching in higher education 01:25:30 – Fun trivia about her 01:31:38 – Learnings from PhD journey 01:44:06 – Final thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgeria: https://www.uni-sofia.bg/eng Philipps' University of Marburg, Germany: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study WordNet: https://wordnet.princeton.edu Linguist list: https://linguistlist.org link for linguists to search job worldwide Standford core NLP: https://stanfordnlp.github.io/CoreNLP/ spaCy: https://spacy.io 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #IverinaIvanova #PhDJourney #Linguistics #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #LargeLanguageModels #HigherEducation #AcademicLife #CareerInAcademia #LanguageAndTechnology #Deepfake #TeachingInHigherEducation #Resilience #InspiringStories

    1h 45m

  8. 27/08/2025

    From Failure to Confidence: Resilience & Growth with Dr. Iverina Ivanova

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.5 || Feat. Dr. Iverina Ivanova (Part 1/2) In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Iverina Ivanova — a linguist, researcher, and lifelong learner whose love for the English language shaped her academic and personal journey. From falling in love with English as a child, to navigating the pressures of exams, and learning how to turn setbacks into stepping stones — Dr. Ivanova shares her story of resilience, motivation, and growth. Along the way, she reflects on the role of family, teachers, and self-belief in shaping her path, and what it really means to stay motivated after failure. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or someone on your own learning journey, this conversation is filled with insights on resilience, curiosity, and the courage to follow your inner compass. 🎧 In Part 1, you’ll hear about: ✨ Falling in love with English and early inspirations ✨ The influence of parents and teachers ✨ Facing exams, failure, and lessons learned ✨ Staying motivated through setbacks ✨ Leaving home, hustling, and making sacrifices ✨ Planting the seeds of a career in linguistics Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Iva’s Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral work, highlighting the role of a linguist in today's technology. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Dr. Iverina Ivanova is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Linguistics at Goethe University Frankfurt, where she also completed her PhD in Linguistics (dissertation title: "Text-type Constraints on the Choice of Linguistic Mechanisms in Research Articles: A Corpus-based Approach"). Her academic journey began at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology. She then pursued a Master’s in Linguistics and Web Technologies at the Philipp University of Marburg, Germany, combining her passion for language with the emerging world of digital technologies. Today, Dr. Ivanova's research and teaching explore the intersection of language, technology, and learning. Her story reflects resilience, curiosity, and the courage to turn challenges into opportunities — qualities that continue to shape both her academic and personal journey. Homepage: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/63596210/Iverina_Ivanova His Research Areas: Discourse Analysis and Academic Writing; English Syntax; Syntax, Semantics, and Distribution of Non-finite Clauses; Natural Language Processing; Corpus Linguistics; E-Learning for linguistic purposes ⏰ Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:12 – Falling in love with the English language 10:53 – How her brother act as an catalyst 12:16 – The role of teachers in shaping curiosity 17:54 – Parents’ influence and expectations 19:51 – Why her family didn’t initially see her as a linguist 22:38 – Facing the “Matura” school-leaving exam 28:22 – Learning how to become a better student 37:17 – First taste of failure and lessons learned 45:20 – How to prepare effectively for exams 52:01 – Staying motivated after setbacks 54:49 – Building resilience 59:30 – Studying Philology at Sofia University 59:47 – What is philology? 01:01:09 – Why she chose philology 01:03:10 – Leaving home for the first time & moving to Sofia 01:05:39 – Finding a side hustle 01:08:22 – Sacrifices made during student years 01:11:11 – Stress that comes with hustling 01:14:09 – Missed opportunities… or not? 01:16:23 – The seed of a career idea 01:19:03 – Combining linguistics skills with technology 01:24:42 – Why pursue a Master’s degree 01:26:55 – The Bachelor’s exam experience 01:28:12 - Final Thoughts 01:44:55 Final thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgeria: https://www.uni-sofia.bg/eng Philipps' University of Marburg, Germany: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PodcastInterview #LifeLessons #Resilience #Motivation #LearningJourney #StudentLife #Exams #StudyMotivation #FailureToSuccess #ConfidenceBuilding#PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Linguistics #Philology #LanguageLearning #LoveForLanguage #LifelongLearning

    1h 30m

  9. 03/08/2025

    Navigating Academic Landscape || Prof. Andreas Kreisel || Physicist || DPT Podcast || Ep 4

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.4 || Feat. Prof. Andreas Kreisel (Part 2) Welcome to another amazing episode of DPT podcast with Professor Andreas Kreisel! Ready to navigate the academic world? Join us as we break down the post-PhD journey! In Part 2 of our two-part series, we cover everything from postdoc interviews and moving to the US, to the pros and cons of the research environments in Europe vs. the US. Plus, get expert advice on the ideal time to start writing those all-important funding proposals. We also take a deep dive into the mind-blowing world of superconductivity—what it is, why it matters, and what makes it so "unconventional." If you're a student or a budding researcher, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom you won't want to miss! In this episode, we'll explore: - What to expect in postdoctoral interviews - Expert advice on securing funding and writing winning research proposals. - A fascinating breakdown of superconductivity and its real-world impact. - Rewards and challenges of teaching in academia. If you’ve missed part 1, check it out here [https://youtu.be/Wd5xCgRGi7s] Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Professor Andreas Kreisel is currently an Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. From early 2026, he will be an Associate Professor at Uppsala University, Sweden. His extensive academic background includes a Habilitation from the University of Leipzig, postdoctoral work at the Niels Bohr Institute and the University of Florida, and a PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt with a dissertation titled "Spin-wave calculations for Heisenberg magnets with reduced symmetry." Homepage: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/research/condensed-matter-physics/?pure=en/persons/472920 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DoVjYpYAAAAJ&hl=de His Research Areas: Magnetism and Unconventional Superconductivity ⏰ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:16 Why to do postdoc? 05:09 The postdoctoral interview 10:41 Moving to the US 12:41 US vs Europe: Research environment 15:57 Ideal time to start writing research proposals 21:15 What is superconductivity? 24:19 What is coherence? 26:40 Research status in superconductivity 34:50 Huge Impact of ‘solid state physics’ in current society 37:38 Superconductivity: Why should we care? 37:39 What is so ‘unconventional’ about it? 43:41 Teaching style and aspects of teaching 53:19 Rewarding aspect of teaching 55:32 How to learn quickly and deeply in research? 58:19 Scientific approach to physical problems 01:00:48 How to deal with challenges in science research? 01:02:01 Favourite challenge that proved to be important work 01:07:22 Moving to Uppsala University next year 01:11:56 Fun Trivia: Hobbies, Languages, Role Models 01:15:07 PhD : To do or not to do 01:18:57 Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Niel’s Bohr Institute, Uni Copenhagen, Denmark: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/study/ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA: https://admissions.ufl.edu Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study University of Leipzig, Germany: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/courses-of-study Uppsala University, Sweden: https://www.uu.se/en/study/search 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #️⃣ Hashtags:#Academia #HigherEducation #Research #PhDLife #EarlyCareer #Physics #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #AcademicChallenges #Podcast #UniversityLife #ScienceCareer

    1h 20m

  10. 11/07/2025

    Challenges in Higher Ed & Research || Prof. Andreas Kreisel || Physicist || DPT Podcast || Ep 3

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.3 || Feat. Prof. Andreas Kreisel (Part 1) Welcome to a truly insightful episode of DPT podcast! In Part 1 of our two-part series, we sit down with the brilliant Professor Andreas Kreisel, a physicist currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. Many of us don't anticipate the hurdles that come with a career, especially in the demanding world of higher education and research. But what if you could be prepared? In this compelling conversation, we dive into the pivotal early decisions and strategies that shaped Professor Kreisel's remarkable career journey. In this episode, we'll explore: * What the initial years after earning your degree truly look like. * Strategies for facing challenges during the crucial early phases of higher education and research. * A dive into how groundbreaking research is conducted. * Understanding the demands of pursuing a PhD. This episode focuses on his incredible journey leading up to and including his PhD. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 (https://youtu.be/gU4SORrSlgI), where we'll delve into his postdoctoral work, his habilitation experience, and his exciting new role as an Associate Professor at Uppsala University in Sweden starting from 2026! Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Professor Andreas Kreisel is currently an Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. Homepage: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/research/condensed-matter-physics/?pure=en/persons/472920 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DoVjYpYAAAAJ&hl=de His Research Areas: Unconventional Superconductivity ⏰ Episode Chapters: 0:00:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 00:03:24 Falling in love with Physics 00:04:37 Childhood influences & interests 00:08:53 German school system: then & now 00:12:46 Parental support & its role 00:14:23 Why choose Physics? 00:16:30 University selection process 00:19:22 The importance of campus visits 00:21:14 Initial university challenges & coping strategies 00:36:47 Choosing a PhD advisor & topic 00:41:00 PhD research questions & problem-solving methods 01:01:41 Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Niel’s Bohr Institute, Uni Copenhagen, Denmark: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/study/ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA: https://admissions.ufl.edu Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study University of Leipzig: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/courses-of-study 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #️⃣ Hashtags:#Academia #HigherEducation #Research #PhDLife #EarlyCareer #Physics #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #AcademicChallenges #Podcast #UniversityLife #ScienceCareerDecoding

    1h 3m

  11. 03/07/2025

    Decoding the Path to Global Career || Prof. Na Zou || Economics || DPT Podcast || Ep. 2

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.2 || Prof. Na Zou's Global Career Journey (Part 2) Join us for Part 2 of our deep dive with Professor Na Zou, Assistant Professor at the University of Bath! If you're a student, PhD candidate, or aspiring academic, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. We pull back the curtain on how Professor Zou leveraged her student activities to secure a job offer immediately after her Master's degree. Then, we dive into the often-challenging but critical PhD experience, discussing how to successfully navigate multi-disciplinary research projects and make them work for your long-term goals. Perhaps most importantly, Professor Zou reveals the paramount importance of networking at academic conferences and shares how her exceptional presentation skills led directly to powerful word-of-mouth recommendations that were instrumental in landing her subsequent academic positions. Learn directly from her firsthand experiences on how to strategically approach career development in academia and beyond. This episode offers a roadmap for anyone looking to build a global career and navigating through complex career phases. In this episode, we'll explore: ∙ The unexpected career benefits of active student participation ∙ Navigating the visa process and settling into a new city ∙ Strategies for PhD students tackling complex, interdisciplinary research ∙ Why honing your presentation skills is a non-negotiable for career advancement ∙ How professional referrals, born from excellent work, can create new opportunities. ∙ Importance of mastering the art of networking at academic conferences Don't Miss Part 1: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBrJR6vLts&list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk] - Hear about Na Zou's academic foundations and her strategic career planning. Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Na Zou: Assistant Professor, Strategy and Organization Division, School of Management, University of Bath LinkedIn: / nazou Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/nazou/?... Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?... Her Research Areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Networks, Corporate Strategy ⏰ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:11 Student Activities at IDEON 15:55 Getting a Job 18:59 Moving to Stockholm 20:04 Why a PhD? 29:14: The PhD interview 34:59 PhD Journey begins 37:40 Initial challenges in the city 48:38: Managing multi-disciplinary project during PhD 58:40 Job offer 01:04:18 Reasons for choosing Academia 01:11:18 Shall academia prep for industry? 01:18:48 Networking at conferences 01:23:25 Fun Trivia 01:29:40 Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: University of Lund: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/home Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study IDEON - the innovation hub https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/research-and-innovation/innovation-and-entrepreneurship/innovative-environments Prezi for making presentation: https://prezi.com/ DEMOLA: https://www.demola.net Bocconi University, Milan, Italy : https://www.unibocconi.it/en/applying-bocconi?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13526854705&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Uxdcs1u7yqHPJ0AGzAPVcQeAat&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVh2aajbelTzQ81-luwsy7z2jzF9fITEmqrMCxhfE6xzljYeT3erErkaAiBjEALw_wcB Copenhagen Business School, Denmark : https://www.cbs.dk/en Esade (Barcelona and Madrid), Spain: https://www.esade.edu/en INSEAD, France: https://www.insead.edu/executive-education/masters-and-execed?CampaignId=GGL_Search_A&SiteId=GGL&CampaignName=EUR-DE[EN]_GGL-Brand[GEN]-INSEAD-Pure_MT-Phrase&AdId=JOINTBRANDPURE&device=c&term=insead%20business%20school_(e)&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18956356993&gbraid=0AAAAAD6tgXybdrRC03ia64I0sAW1a8RUs&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVhPRfzphTH8Ob6nvFz4hrwqSz81uuQBjX1vXstqAsGv3WGAuQaAYloaAkOOEALw_wcB HEC, Paris: https://www.hec.edu/en Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands https://www.rsm.nl/ 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #️⃣ Hashtags: #DecodingPhaseTransitions #DPTPodcast #CareerJourney #PhDLife #Academia #CareerStrategy #DrNaZou #UniversityOfBath #Economics #InternationalEducation #AcademicCareer #InternationalCareer #ResearchLife #CareerPlanning

    1h 31m

  12. 12/06/2025

    Prof. Na Zou on making smart academic choices despite constraints || Career Journey of an Economist || Ep.1

    Prof. Na Zou's Global Career Journey (Part 1)   Welcome to Part 1 of our inspiring conversation with Prof. Na Zou, an Assistant Professor at the University of Bath's School of Management. In this episode, we dive deep into her foundational academic journey, from her school days to dual Bachelor's degrees in China, extending to her Master's studies in Sweden. Discover the early decisions, cultural transitions, and strategic thinking that shaped the initial phases of her remarkable career.       🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Na Zou: Assistant Professor, Strategy and Organization Division, School of Management, University of Bath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazou/ Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/nazou/?pli=1 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8Hgq0hsAAAAJ&hl=en Her Research Areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Networks, Corporate Strategy   ⏰ Episode Chapters:   0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 0:33 Introducing Dr. Na Zou: Her Academic Journey 1:57 Choosing Economics as a Career Path 5:55 Childhood and Early Life in China 11:43 The Role of Parents 14:39 Impact of Siblings' Career Journeys 30:00 Schooling and Navigating Exams 47:12 Challenges and Learnings Up to Her Master's Degree 53:31 Adapting to a New Culture & Academic System in Sweden 59:08 Practical Tips for Adapting to a Master's Curriculum Abroad 1:02:44 Master's Thesis and the Impact of Her PI 1:13:20 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to Part 2: The PhD Journey     🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: IELTS Test: https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org University of Lund: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/admissions/bachelors-and-masters-studies/masters-degree-studies Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services     👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

    1h 14m
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast! Here, we unravel the intricate career 'phases' of individuals with PhD degrees who've navigated the complex worlds of academia and beyond. Each episode offers a deep dive into their unique trajectories, starting from their earliest aspirations right up to their current impactful roles. Join us as we decode the pivotal decisions and strategic moves that shaped their paths. We explore their daily practices, uncover unexpected 'hacks' for productivity and success, and reveal the profound impact of mentors and role models on their remarkable journeys. Whether you're a student, a PhD student charting your next steps, a researcher exploring new horizons, or simply curious about the diverse career paths stemming from advanced degrees, this podcast is your guide to insightful conversations and actionable wisdom. 👉 Follow the DPT Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Information