PhD Biomedical Engineering Researcher Dr. Romel Bhattacharjee from India Shares His Journey of Studying at University of Strasbourg, France

My name is Dr. Romel Bhattacharjee, and I am from India. I am a biomedical engineer and healthcare technology researcher with a specialization in medical imaging, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and regulatory intelligence for medical devices.

Currently, I work with Aranca Mumbai Pvt Limited, where I focus on MedTech innovation, technology assessment, and regulatory landscape analysis, including FDA pathways and emerging AI-enabled healthcare systems.

My academic and professional journey has been driven by a clear objective: to bridge advanced engineering methodologies with real-world clinical and regulatory challenges, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (2018) by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This highly competitive scholarship enabled me to pursue advanced research at the University of Strasbourg, specifically within the iCube research laboratory for 10 months.

The scholarship provided comprehensive support, including financial assistance (1400 EUR per month), international mobility (return flight tickets), and integration into France’s research ecosystem (leisure activities and trips through Campus France).

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I have also received France Life Imaging & LabEx PRIMES Fellowship to attend Deep Learning for Medical Imaging School (Deep Imaging 2019) at INSA LYON, France.

Educational Background

• I completed my D. in Biomedical Engineering (2015–2020) from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, where my doctoral research focused on deformable registration of abdominal medical images. This work involved advanced image processing and computational modeling techniques for improving clinical imaging accuracy.
• Prior to that, I earned my Tech. In Biomedical Engineering (2013–2015) from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, graduating with a CGPA of 9.145. My thesis focused on the detection of acute lymphoblastic leukemia using image processing in MATLAB, reflecting my early engagement with AI-driven diagnostics.
• I completed my E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering (2008–2012) from the University Institute of Technology, The University of Burdwan, which provided a strong foundation in signal processing, systems engineering, and computational techniques, skills that I later applied extensively in biomedical contexts.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Strasbourg?

My preparation was highly intentional and research-oriented. I focused on identifying institutions and research groups with strong expertise in medical imaging, computational healthcare, and translational research. I aligned my academic interests with ongoing research at institutions like the University of Strasbourg and positioned my application around solving clinically relevant problems using engineering approaches.

I invested significant effort in crafting a statement of purpose and research plan that clearly connected my past work in medical image analysis with future goals in healthcare innovation.

How Did You Find Information About Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and University of Strasbourg?

I relied on a combination of official resources such as Campus France, institutional websites, and academic networks. Additionally, engaging with researchers’ publications and conference proceedings helped me identify the right labs and programs aligned with my interests.

Standardized Tests

Language proficiency assessments were not a part of my application process. I concentrated on building strong academic communication skills, particularly in writing and technical articulation.

How Did You Prepare for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

The Eiffel Scholarship is institution-driven, so my focus was on building a strong academic and research profile. I emphasized my work in medical imaging, AI-based diagnostics, and healthcare technology assessment, while also demonstrating global relevance and interdisciplinary impact. Additionally, I received valuable guidance and mentorship from my prospective supervisor at the ICube Laboratory at the University of Strasbourg, which significantly strengthened my application.

Experience at the University of Strasbourg

My experience at the University of Strasbourg, particularly within the iCube laboratory, was transformative. It provided exposure to cutting-edge research in medical imaging, including deformable registration and machine learning applications in healthcare.

Working in an international research environment enhanced my ability to collaborate across disciplines and strengthened my understanding of global healthcare systems.

How Do You Rate the University of Strasbourg Academically and Why?

The institution offers a strong balance between theoretical rigor and applied research. Its integration with clinical and technological domains, along with access to advanced research infrastructure, makes it highly conducive to innovation in healthcare.

How Does the University of Strasbourg Support International Students?

The university provides structured support through administrative assistance, cultural integration programs, and access to collaborative research networks, making the transition smooth for international scholars.

Language of Instruction & Adaptation

Most of the academic coursework and research activities were conducted in English. While French was not mandatory for academic success, gaining basic proficiency significantly enhanced day-to-day interactions and cultural integration.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to the strong integration of engineering, healthcare, and research. My work across multiple domains, ranging from leukemia detection and cardiac imaging to abdominal image registration, demonstrated both depth and continuity.

Additionally, my publication record in journals and IEEE conferences reinforced my research credibility. My experience working on Health Technology Assessment in collaboration with organizations like NHSRC and WHO also added a policy and impact dimension to my profile.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

In hindsight, I would have started earlier and explored a wider range of global funding opportunities. I would also have engaged more proactively with faculty members and international collaborators during the application phase.

Advice for Future Applicants

Focus on building a strong, coherent narrative that connects your academic background, research experience, and future goals. Scholarships like Eiffel are not just about academic excellence; they are about potential for global impact.

Invest time in understanding the research ecosystem you are applying to, and clearly articulate how your work contributes to solving real-world challenges. Consistency, clarity of purpose, and persistence are critical throughout the process.