DAAD Scholar, Gayathri Gaganan from India, Pursues a PhD in Plant Biochemistry at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry

My name is Gayathri Gaganan, and I am in the first year of my PhD at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry in Halle, Germany. My interest in plants started early in life and gradually grew into a strong desire to understand them more deeply. While many different things fascinated me growing up, it was the complexity and quiet resilience of nature that left the deepest impression on me. Choosing Botany as my subject of study during my undergraduate years felt like a natural step forward, and it has shaped the course of my academic journey ever since. During my bachelor’s studies, I was introduced to plant taxonomy, which gave me an appreciation for the diversity of life around us. I. My real turning point came at the University of Hyderabad, where I pursued my master’s degree in plant biology and biotechnology. The environment there, with its well-equipped laboratories, committed teachers, and opportunities for research, gave me both confidence and direction. It was here that I began working on phosphate starvation responses in plants, which has since become the central focus of my research interests.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I am grateful to be supported by the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship, which has made it possible for me to continue my studies in Germany. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,300, an annual research allowance of €460, and a travel allowance of €1,100. This support has allowed me to concentrate on my studies without worrying too much about financial matters, and I see it as both a privilege and a responsibility.

More than the funding, the scholarship has given me the chance to be part of an international academic community. Meeting other scholars, exchanging ideas, and being exposed to different perspectives has been an enriching experience. It has reminded me that science is not just about individual achievements but also about collaboration and shared curiosity.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Botany at Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College, affiliated with the University of Calicut, with a CGPA of 5.42/6. Those years introduced me to the basics of plant sciences and gave me my first real taste of fieldwork and research. After that, I pursued my Master’s degree in Plant Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Hyderabad, graduating with a CGPA of 9.18/10. My time there was very meaningful. The university offered not only excellent academic training but also an atmosphere of encouragement. With the support of my mentors, I was able to explore areas like functional genomics, cell biology, and molecular biology in more depth. My master’s thesis on phosphate starvation responses was particularly significant because it gave me a clear sense of the kind of research I wanted to continue.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

My path to the DAAD scholarship was not complicated in terms of requirements. I did not need to take standardized language or aptitude tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE. Although I had taken the Duolingo test earlier while working in Madrid, it was not required for this scholarship. What mattered most were the academic experiences I had gathered, the way I presented them, and the guidance I received from my mentors.

In preparing my application, I tried to be clear about my motivation and to present a research proposal that was practical and focused. The publications I had from my master’s work strengthened my profile, but I believe it was the combination of a sincere motivation letter, a structured proposal, and strong recommendation letters that really helped. I now feel very fortunate to be working under Prof. Steffen Abel and Dr. Christin Naumann at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, where the supportive environment and advanced facilities are helping me learn and grow every day.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to apply again, I would spend more time refining my research proposal to make it even more detailed and polished. A research plan is not only about methods and experiments, but also about how clearly you can convey the importance of your work. I would also take more care in shaping my CV and motivation letter, because these documents are often the first impression for the selection committee. Looking back, I realize that there is always room for improvement, and each attempt teaches you something new about how to present yourself more effectively.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For anyone thinking of applying for scholarships like the DAAD, my advice would be to start early and approach the process with patience. Take time to understand the requirements and put sincere effort into writing your motivation letter and research proposal. These documents should reflect not just your academic achievements, but also your curiosity, your values, and your reasons for choosing a particular path.

It also helps to build your profile steadily through small-step projects, internships, or publications because they show your readiness for research. Equally important are good mentors who can guide you and provide strong recommendation letters. And most importantly, try to be genuine in your application. Rather than trying to sound impressive, be honest about what excites you, what you want to learn, and how you hope to contribute. In the end, sincerity and clarity often speak louder than big words.