When the pandemic threw her plans into uncertainty, Megha Suresh from Kannur’s Azheekode didn’t pause — she pivoted. Refusing to be daunted by delays in exams and disruptions to her academic path, Megha charted a new course that has now earned her the prestigious EU Evolve Marie Curie Co-funding Fellowship, a research scholarship worth ₹1 crore, giving her the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge scientific research in Europe. 

From NEET prep to IISER
The daughter of M K Suresh and Sreeja, Megha was preparing for the NEET entrance exam when the pandemic disrupted her plans. As exams were repeatedly postponed, she shifted her focus and joined the Berhampur campus of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Odisha, for a BS-MS in Biological Sciences.

“When I joined IISER, I didn’t have any grand plans beyond completing my degree and getting a job,” Megha recalls. “But the environment there was different — everyone around me was passionate about science and research. That atmosphere gradually influenced me too.” It was at IISER that Megha discovered her true calling and decided to pursue a PhD.

A link that changed everything
In the final year of her MS programme, Megha had the opportunity to do her project at the University of Barcelona, Spain. During this period, a fellow student shared a link to the Evolve programme on findaphd.com after she expressed interest in pursuing a PhD abroad. Realising it perfectly aligned with her dream of international research, she applied.

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Her research focuses on “The Origin and Evolution of Life”, a four-year programme jointly run by Groningen University and Leiden University in the Netherlands.

The path to evolve
Megha submitted her application online, including a research proposal, bio-data, and a motivation letter outlining her interests. After clearing an online interview, shortlisted candidates were invited to Groningen University for an in-person interview, with all expenses covered by the university.

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For more details on the programme, visit: euraxess.ec.europa.eu.

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