| | 8 DECEMBER, 2025HIGHERReviewWhen Dr Sourabh Manna launched his PhD journey at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore), he brought with him a clear purpose: to become not just a teacher, but a researcher capable of guiding students beyond textbook knowledge."After completing my M.Sc. in India, I joined an engineering college in Kolkata as an assistant professor," Dr Manna recalls. "I enjoyed teaching, but my knowledge remained confined to lectures and textbooks. Meanwhile, I observed that colleagues involved in research could engage students in real projects. That made me realise that research doesn't just enhance knowledge. It also inspires curiosity and enables deeper understanding. I wanted to evolve into someone who could lead that process." That realisation became the turning point: Dr Manna resigned his position and set his sights on doctoral study.Dr Manna's interest in applied Physics took shape in spintronics, the study of magnetic properties of materials for computing and data-storage applications. He says, "Spintronics focuses on understanding technologies such as magnetic sensors and the hard drives we use every day. I saw enormous potential to contribute technically and scientifically, while still retaining my passion for pedagogy." Choosing NIE at NTUWhen he considered options for doctoral studies, Dr Manna evaluated both research reputation and the opportunity to grow as an educator. He explains, "NIE stood out as an ideal choice because of its unique combination of state-of-the-art research facilities and strong emphasis on teaching excellence. At NIE, I had the opportunity not only to engage in cutting-edge research in the natural sciences but also to receive high-quality training in innovative teaching methods." Singapore's reputation as a global education hub, combined with its efficient infrastructure and multicultural society, also appealed to Dr Manna.He further added that this dual focus on research and pedagogy distinguished NIE from other universities and aligned perfectly with his long-term career goals. Singapore as Home for Postgraduate StudyRelocating to Singapore felt like a natural fit."Singapore offered world-class education in a culturally familiar environment," Dr Manna shares. "It is geographically close to Kolkata, yet highly advanced. The prevalence of English, and an established Indian community, helped ease the transition. Day-to-day life from transport systems to administrative formalities is very convenient. Singapore is also safe. Its orderly environment gave me confidence to focus fully on my research."Dr Manna acknowledges some challenges, such as the pace of urban life and adapting to local norms, but he found strong support among faculty, peers and the wider Singapore community. What he particularly enjoyed was how Singapore brings together technological innovation and social diversity in one place, and how his work at NIE connected him to multidisciplinary research across departments.The Learning Experience at NIEDr Manna's first impressions of the NIE learning AN INDIAN PHYSICIST'S JOURNEY TO A PHD IN SINGAPOREHow a young academic traded the lecture hall for a world-class research lab and found new ways to inspire the next generation of scientists.IN MY OPINIONDr Sourabh Manna
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