Outgoing: Mélie Talaron at the University of New South Wales, Australia

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Mélie Talaron is a doctoral student in neuroscience at the University of Bordeaux. Mélie spent 2 years at the University of New South Wales within the framework of a cotutelle agreement. Three questions about her experience.

Photo : Mélie Talaron, joint PhD student in neuroscience © université de Bordeaux
Mélie Talaron, joint PhD student in neuroscience © université de Bordeaux

Why pursue a joint PhD?

Following a research internship at the Institute of Cognitive and Integrative Neurosciences of Aquitaine (Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine - INCIA) during my Master, I decided to pursue a joint PhD programme. Motivated by and interested in the scientific content of my internship, I was keen to build on the project I had started at the laboratory. As my thesis focuses on the role of the hippocampus in sensory preconditioning, I chose to set up a joint supervision arrangement with a laboratory in Australia, where the researchers are experts in higher-order conditioning, which includes sensory preconditioning. My laboratory in Bordeaux and I already had contacts with my Australian thesis supervisor, Nathan Holmes, so we built the project together. I also wanted to experience living abroad.

How is your project progressing?

After two years, my research at the University of New South Wales in Sydney has come to an end. As the protocol I intended to work with had already been developed and tested in Australia, I was able to start my research as soon as I arrived at my Australian laboratory. This saved me time and meant that the first year of my PhD was very productive. I was also very well welcomed by Nathan and integrated into a supportive environment, where I met other PhD students and researchers.

I will now spend the third year of my doctorate in my French laboratory. My thesis supervisors and I have made arrangements to ensure a smooth transition between the two laboratories. I will focus more on a neurobiological approach and less on behavioural aspects, unlike in Australia.

How do you feel this experience will benefit you?

Even though joint supervision can be complicated to set up, it has been a really positive experience for me. From a professional standpoint, I am benefiting from the complementary nature of the expertise offered by my Australian and French laboratories, which have two different approaches. This is also what has given meaning to my project. I can apply what I have learned in Australia in Bordeaux and vice versa, thereby developing my own approach to research.

At the end of my PhD, I will obtain a double degree and will be able to use either one depending on the situation. My experience working in Australia and France also demonstrates my desire to collaborate and broaden my horizons, as well as my ability to adapt to different laboratories, teams and approaches.

From a personal point of view, I have experienced much more than just an exchange. I have adapted and integrated into the culture and my working environment, and have been able to visit the country. I have forged strong bonds, learned, shared and discovered... It's invaluable!

Find out more about cotutelle opportunities

Even though joint supervision can be complicated to set up, it has been a really positive experience for me. From a professional standpoint, I am benefiting from the complementary nature of the expertise offered by my Australian and French laboratories, which have two different approaches. This is also what has given meaning to my project.