Don't hold back. The competition is open to everyone and is free. Don't hesitate to give it a try. Plus, there are options to be admitted based on your application for both the first AND second years. So if you really want to get in, know that there are several options available—put the odds in your favor.
His Career
Romain Coudray is a doctoral student and teaching assistant at the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology, in the Archaea Cell Biology team. He reflects on his journey at ENS Paris-Saclay in the Department of Biology. He is studying the adaptations of hyperthermophilic archaea (microorganisms that thrive at temperatures above 85°C) when the cells are exposed to high concentrations of metals, which allow us to replicate the living conditions of these cells, which originate from hydrothermal vents found on the ocean floor.
What has your journey been like at ENS Paris-Saclay?
After earning a technological baccalaureate in STL (Laboratory Sciences and Technologies) with a focus on biotechnology, I was able to enroll in the Technology and Biotechnology (TB) preparatory class. In recent years, the Biology Department at ENS Paris-Saclay has allocated specific spots for this preparatory class (CPGE), which allowed me to enroll at ENS Paris-Saclay through the competitive admissions process in 2019. I subsequently completed my third year of undergraduate studies (L3) and first year of master’s studies (M1) in the Biology Department at ENS Paris-Saclay and at the University of Orsay, followed by a second year of master’s studies (M2) in “Training for Higher Education in Biochemistry and Biological Engineering.” Finally, I completed a Master’s 2 in research in fundamental microbiology.
Did you know from the start what you wanted to do when you entered ENS Paris-Saclay?
To be honest, not really. I knew I particularly liked biology, but I was used to seeing issues approached from a more technical angle. The Biology Department is very focused on the fundamentals, and that took some time to adjust to.
Which specific program did you pursue?
I completed the FESUP Master’s 2 program in “Biochemistry and Biological Engineering” (BGB), which prepares students for the BGB agrégation exam.
Did you want to do research from the very beginning of your studies?
Not really. I arrived at ENS Paris-Saclay with no preconceived notions, as I wasn’t very familiar with the school. I didn’t come with the intention of doing research, but it eventually became a career path for me.
What is your PhD research about?
I’m working on the adaptations of hyperthermophilic archaea (microorganisms that thrive at temperatures above 85°C) when the cells are exposed to high concentrations of metals. This allows us to replicate the living conditions of these cells, which originate from hydrothermal vents found on the ocean floor.
What do you plan to do in the future?
Having passed the agrégation exam and as I continue my research, I definitely want to teach. My introduction to the research environment and my involvement in supplementary teaching activities at the Orsay faculty have allowed me to meet associate professors (particularly within my team). After many discussions, I think I’d like to continue combining research and teaching in the future.
Can you tell us what the School has given you during these four years of your degree program?
I think the School has allowed me to truly discover the world of research and, above all, to get closer to it. As for teaching, the opportunity to prepare for the agrégation in such a structured way as part of our curriculum is a great advantage, and I think that’s the main thing I’ll take away from it.
What advice would you give to students who are hesitant about applying to ENS Paris-Saclay?
Don’t hold back. The entrance exam is open to everyone and is free. Don’t hesitate to give it a try. Additionally, there are options to enter based on your application in both the first AND second years. So if you really want to get in, know that there are several options available—put the odds in your favor.