In 2020, EFI launched a short-term mobility grant (STM) for early stage researchers and professionals from or visiting EFI Associate and Affiliate Member organisations. We were lucky to talk with one of the grantees, Sauradipta Ganguly, who was the first scholar from an Asian organization to receive this scholarship. We revisit the reasons why he applied, and how the experience of spending time with the staff of InnoRenew, Slovenia affected his career path. He also tells about his current work at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background before receiving the short-term mobility grant?
Sauradipta: Before being awarded the grant by European Forest Institute, I was a research scholar in the field of Wood Science and Technology, registered with Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India. My curiosity to explore the unknown began rather early, during my school days, where it was continuously nurtured and encouraged by my mom and subsequently by my teachers. This support grew into a commitment and inspired my aspiration to pursue a career in research and innovation. I built a strong foundation in the fundamental aspects of research and its practical applications during my master’s at Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India. These experiences culminated my formal entry into the research field as a doctoral researcher. During my Ph.D., I worked extensively on the modification of timber treatment to solve the difficulties in treating commercially important wood species in India through microwave treatment to enhance their impregnation and biological resistance. I also worked on several lesser utilized and highly perishable timber species to enhance their durability by means of thermal and microwave modification. The main objective of my Ph.D. was to explore the domain of wood modification for efficient resource utilization and sustainable management of secondary and refractory timber species for improved end products.
During my Ph.D. I was also associated with the Biotechnical Faculty of University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where I was the recipient of several bilateral mobility grants sponsored by CMEPIUS under the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Slovenia to pursue part of my doctoral research.
Q: What motivated you to apply for the short-term mobility grant, and what were your expectations at the time?
Sauradipta: During my course of study, I got to know about InnoRenew, Slovenia and their field of study from a few of my colleagues and my mentor Dr. Marko Petrič in the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. Given my ongoing work with modified wood, and the anticipated rise in demand for these materials in the Indian market, I sought to understand the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of wood and wooden products composed of modified wood through the short-term virtual mobility (STM) grant at InnoRenew CoE under the mentorship of Dr. Andreja Kutnar. This knowledge was intended to inform stakeholders in India, where such analyses and a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) were notably absent.
Prior to applying for the grant, I conducted a literature review on the ISO standards prevalent across the European Union, which piqued my interest in this subject. My aim was to gain a comprehensive understanding of LCI fundamentals, its role as a reference point, and the process of conducting LCA using various software tools. I expected this visit to provide practical insights into inventory data collection, which I intended to share with Indian wood industry stakeholders for future application as a part of shifting towards circular bioeconomy.
Q: Let’s talk about the impact of the Mobility Grant, first, how did the mobility grant change your life or career path?
Sauradipta: The mobility grant sponsored by EFI was a pivotal experience in my academic career that expanded my horizons both personally as a human being and professionally as a researcher in the domain of Wood Science and Technology. It deepened my expertise in Life Cycle Assessment and introduced me to advanced methodologies and tools that I could utilize in my research and professional career. The grant also provided me with invaluable international networking opportunities, fostering collaborations that have enriched my work and broadened my perspective. Ultimately, it has solidified my commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the wood industry, positioning me to make a meaningful impact in my field as a researcher driving positive change and innovation for a greener future.
Q: Did you face any challenges during the mobility period, and how did you overcome them?
Sauradipta: During the mobility period, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges, and we had to shift to virtual training. Adapting to this new mode of learning required a steep learning curve. Complex topics like Life Cycle Assessment through virtual platforms was initially daunting. However, I embraced the digital tools at my disposal and made a concerted effort to stay connected with my mentor Dr. Kutnar through regular virtual meetings and discussions. This experience not only honed my ability to leverage online resources effectively but also taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience in overcoming unforeseen obstacles. Through these efforts, I was able to successfully complete the training and gain valuable knowledge despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Q: Beyond professional skills, how has the experience affected you personally?
Sauradipta: Beyond the acquisition of professional skills, this experience has had a profound impact on me personally. It has significantly contributed to my growth as an early career researcher, instilling in me a sense of confidence, and a deeper understanding of my field. The opportunity to collaborate with world class international experts and engage with cutting-edge research methodologies has broadened my perspective and enhanced my analytical skills. This journey has also shaped my leadership abilities and my passion for mentoring emerging researchers. As a faculty at Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University, Dehradun, I had the privilege to mentor 25 students for their master’s theses during 2020-2024. Currently, in my role as a Senior Scientist at LUKE, Joensuu, I am dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in the Wood Science and Technology Sector. The wisdom and understanding I’ve gained from my mobility experience continue to influence my efforts to bring sustainable changes in the niche domain of Wood Science research.
Q: And what can you tell us about your new job at LUKE?
Sauradipta: As a senior scientist at LUKE, my responsibilities include: taking part in several ongoing research projects focused on innovative solutions for enhancing wood utilization through the improvement in long-term durability and extension of life cycle of wood-based and biohybrid products as well as other technical and aesthetic capabilities of wood. I work closely with a team of researchers and industry partners to develop and implement strategies that promote the efficient and environmentally friendly use of wood resources with commercial benefits. As a researcher I am looking forward to more international collaboration through projects and short-term exchanges ensuring that we stay at the forefront of advancements in the field. My current position allows me to apply the skills and insights I gained from my previous experiences, driving forward to our common goal of advancing towards the sustainable use of natural resources and bioeconomy.
Q: Do you see any direct benefits from the skills or insights gained during the mobility grant period?
Sauradipta: Absolutely, the skills and insights gained during the mobility grant period have had a direct and substantial impact on my work since its completion. The advanced understanding of Life Cycle Assessment and inventory data collection techniques have significantly enhanced my research capabilities. These tools have allowed me to implement more sustainable practices within my projects and provide evidence-based recommendations to industry stakeholders. Additionally, the international collaboration experience has broadened my professional network, opening new avenues for research partnerships and knowledge exchange. This has also positioned me to contribute more effectively to the global discourse on sustainable wood utilization. The practical knowledge and innovative methodologies I acquired persist as vital components of my contributions as a Senior Scientist at LUKE Joensuu, advancing our organizational objectives toward a more balanced and harmonious ecosystem.
Q: And finally, let’s talk about personal growth. What lessons have you taken from this experience that impact your daily life or the way you approach new opportunities?
Sauradipta: This experience has imparted not only one but several key lessons that significantly influence my daily life and approach to new opportunities.
Firstly, the training underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience, particularly during the transition to virtual training due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This taught me the value of being flexible and open to new ways of learning and working.
Secondly, the experience reinforced the critical role of international collaboration and networking. Engaging with experts from different backgrounds has broadened my perspective, enhancing my problem-solving skills and fostering innovative thinking.
Lastly, the practical knowledge gained, particularly in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainable practices, has not only enriched my research but also my approach to everyday tasks and decision-making. This commitment to sustainability and continuous learning drives me to seek out and embrace new opportunities that contribute to both personal growth as a researcher and the advancement of my field.
Q: If you had to sum up the impact of the mobility grant in one sentence, what would it be?
Sauradipta: The mobility grants significantly broadened my understanding of and approach to Life Cycle Assessment and provided me with practical knowledge that I am eager to apply in advancing sustainable practices within the scope of my present work profile.
Feature photo: Ekaterina Pokrovsky
