L'international à l'ESBS : partons en Suisse

Eloïse BERST, étudiante-ingénieure en biotechnologie en troisième année, nous donne plus de détails sur sa formation à l'ESBS et son stage de fin d'études qu'elle effectue chez Novartis à Bâle !

Would you mind sharing your journey before joining ESBS?

My name is Eloïse, I’m 24 years old. Before joining ESBS, I completed a franco-german double bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Strasbourg. Having grown up in Germany, I was especially drawn to the unique trinational program at ESBS, which combines outstanding academic courses with an international perspective. This blend of cultures and opportunities made ESBS the perfect fit for me.

What did you enjoy the most throughout your three-year engineering training?

Beyond the valuable theoretical and practical skills I gained, as well as the hands-on experience from various internships, what I enjoyed most was the vibrant student life at ESBS. The students offer countless opportunities for social events and gatherings, which helped me build lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. Traveling together to cities like Freiburg and Basel was also a real highlight of my time here.

Where and why did you choose to go abroad for your internship?

For my 6-month internship, I chose to move to Basel and join Novartis. Basel’s location at the crossroads of France and Germany resonated with my own background, and the city is a major hub for biotechnology innovation. Working in such a dynamic environment, surrounded by colleagues from all over the world, has been an incredible opportunity to experience a new culture and expand my professional horizons.

Can you elaborate on the project you’re currently working on?

I am currently part of the Functional Genetics and Chromatin Biology Team at Novartis. My work involves applying advanced genomics techniques, such as CUT&Run and HiCut, on THP1 monocytes to explore the 3D organization of the genome. I’m also using CRISPR-Cas9 to generate new cell lines. This project is particularly meaningful to me because it allows me to contribute to a deeper understanding of gene regulation, which is fundamental for future medical breakthroughs.

Do you think other students would benefit from this type of experience?

Absolutely! I highly recommend choosing an internship that truly excites and motivates you. This is your final experience before graduation, and it’s a fantastic chance to connect with professionals and grow both scientifically and personally. My time at Novartis has shown me how rewarding it is to work in an environment where you feel inspired and passionate about what you do.

Something to share with ESBS students?

My advice is to start collecting experiences as early as possible. It’s perfectly normal not to know exactly which area of biotechnology you want to pursue — after all, it’s a vast and diverse field. Try out different things: apply for voluntary internships, attend forums and presentations, and don’t hesitate to reach out to people who inspire you. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow!