How overseas experience changes you as a researcher?
The Experimentalist interviews Dr. Wang Miaoxiao, a postdoctoral researcher at the Eawag aquatic research institute in Switzerland to gain insights into his transition from Chinese to European research institutions and to explore key differences between these two research communities.
A recent observation in Forbes pointed out how living abroad enhances one’s perspective and reflection towards diverse socio-cultural experiences. Perhaps, that is why most universities prefer well-traveled academic profiles as faculties to accommodate the diverse cultural interests and backgrounds of their student bodies. Even in countries where the majority of students are local, academics with international experience guide students in pursuing study programs and research collaborations abroad. There are numerous stories of early-career scientists navigating through different countries for relevant research opportunities [see Martin Schwarzer, Lise Bjerke] and their experiences while adjusting to new cultures, languages, and policies.
How do these experiences influence or challenge one’s scientific acumen?
Roy’s day in the lab at Eawag
We speak to Dr. Wang Miaoxiao (popularly known as Roy), who is currently pursuing his postdoctoral research at Eawag, on his experience coming to Switzerland and how that changed his personal and scientific perspectives. Roy became fascinated with plant-associated microbes during his undergraduate studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
“My research was mainly on plant pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae. This bacterium kills rice plants and causes severe economic loss to paddy farmers. We explored mechanisms used by the bacterium to infect plants and devised ways to prevent this disease. The research output and the possibility of its real-world impacts motivated me to pursue academic research and I enrolled in an integrated Masters-PhD program at Peking University.”
The research experience during PhD and the appreciation he received from mentors prompted Roy to consider a career in academia and become a professor. To broaden his career perspectives in the Chinese academic system, his peers advised him to gain overseas experience. International research exposure has become crucial for expanding career horizons in the Chinese academic system. It exposes individuals to diverse teaching methods, and research practices and promotes collaborations from different universities. Moreover, such experiences foster cultural understanding and adaptability, while also enhancing the competitiveness for academic positions and grants within China and internationally.
The pursuit of this international research experience brought Roy to Switzerland to work with Martin Ackermann at Eawag. Like every applicant, he approached various research groups for postdoctoral opportunities in the US and Europe after his PhD. After receiving several offers, he decided to choose a position at Eawag, affiliated with ETH, due to its reputation and research opportunities. “I did have a few offers from US and European universities, but Martin’s group attracted me the most. They use quantitative methods to understand microbial communities, which fits my interests very well. Martin is very kind. He offered me many suggestions on how to work happily with science and improve work-life balance.” states Roy.
Differences between academic approaches in China and Switzerland
“In China, the research supervisors typically initiate and design projects for their group members, who then spend the majority of their time conducting experiments. In Switzerland, however, researchers have more autonomy to propose their projects and determine which experiments are necessary. They also have more time to summarize their work, structure research stories, discuss their outputs with other researchers, and present their achievements to the global scientific community”, observes Roy.
These differences stem from various factors. Firstly, Chinese research groups often face greater pressure to produce results quickly, leading supervisors to direct projects for efficiency. Secondly, group compositions differ, with more master students but fewer experienced researchers in China, while Swiss groups consist mostly of PhD students and seasoned Postdocs skilled at project designing. Lastly, geographical constraints and travel costs for collaborations potentially limit knowledge exchange compared to the more accessible landscape of Switzerland and Europe.
Work-life balance poses another challenge for Chinese researchers. Many work long hours, including weekends, which limits their time for personal interests and family engagements. The reason researchers tend to work hard is the peer pressure. Everyone around you works hard and one feels compelled to do so. But it isn’t rewarding beyond a certain level.
Supervisors in China often shoulder heavier burdens than PhDs, handling responsibilities ranging from conceptualizing ideas to managing the lab and students. Meanwhile, students and other researchers are occupied with experimental setups, data generation, and technical operations.
Roy notes implementing a Swiss academic approach of having professional technicians and project assistants might be a strategic solution to the current work-life balance issue in Chinese academia. “You see, in China, most people aspire to become individual researchers rather than technicians tasked with only equipment operation and project management,” adds Roy. “However, In Switzerland, many people train to become lab managers and technicians. This has improved my output here. Having technicians around saves me time. They assist with experimental preparations such as media preparation and reagent ordering. This helps me concentrate better on my work, leaving me more time to relax after work. It also frees my headspace to think about ideas!”
How has postdoc experience in Switzerland shaped his research style?
Leading the Crazy Hikers group in Zurich
“Definitely, it has changed. Previously, I used to spend a lot of time on work. After conducting experiments in the lab, I would proceed with analysis or writing before calling it a day. However, I've come to realize that such heavy workloads can sometimes result in decreased efficiency. That has changed now. I take weekends off from science to engage in hiking or travel. Alongside several other Chinese students in Zurich, we founded an association called ‘Crazy Hikers Zurich’. In my role as a hiking leader, I regularly lead groups of Chinese students during weekends to explore the beautiful Swiss mountains. I find these hikes very relaxing, and it is fulfilling to introduce more researchers to the joys of outdoor activities, which can enhance work efficiency. Moreover, I make a conscious effort to avoid working in the evenings, instead using that time to document my travel experiences on social media platforms,” describes Roy.
Imaging fluorescent bacterial cells under microscope
Roy studies how the interaction between bacterial cells shapes the structure and functioning of microbial communities. After moving back to China, he feels he will need to consider his research questions from an applied point of view to attract funding from the industry. Most research funding is driven by the applied sector, so finding relevance in health, agriculture, or the food industry can significantly boost funding opportunities.
“That’s the challenging aspect. University funding is always competitive. There are other funding opportunities for incoming professors which I plan to apply, like the Excellent Young Scientists Foundation Overseas. With this fellowship, it is relatively easier to obtain a tenure-track position and have better support to start my lab in China,” explains Roy.
As a supervisor in China, he also hopes to implement the practice of group retreats and outdoor meetings, something that is prevalent in European research groups. “Hiking is something I fell in love with after I arrived in Switzerland. And I would want to continue doing that when I am back in China. Maybe with my students, I could arrange a group hike to discuss science in the mountains, giving them a different perspective. Let’s see if I can do that at least once every three months. I would like my research group to have a healthy work-life balance and enjoy the beauties outside of the lab,” laughs Roy.
Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland [Source: Wang Miaoxiao]