A Look at LOTUS 2025 Part 3: Mrinalini of Nagoya University

The LOTUS Programme, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency's Sakura Science Exchange Program, aims to strengthen Japan-India joint research efforts by fostering collaborations and building networks between research institutions in Japan and India. In this installment of A Look at LOTUS, we spoke with Mrinalini, a PhD student at the University of Hyderabad, who is conducting research at Nagoya University as part of her experience participating in the program.

Q1. Please tell us about your background.

A1. A focus on condensed matter physics leads to the LOTUS Programme

I'm a research scholar from India at the University of Hyderabad. I completed my master's in physics, focusing on condensed matter, and I'm now a PhD student. Through the LOTUS Programme, as well as on earlier visits, I've had the opportunity to conduct research in Japan on magnetism and spin wave devices.

Q2. What research are you undertaking with the LOTUS Programme

A2. Making use of materials with both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties

I am working on multiferroics. These are materials that exhibit both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties, which is why they are called 'multiferroics.' Here in the lab, we are exploring their applications. In the area of magnetism, we are making and preparing thin films and studying their magnetic properties. With these materials we are exploring a new field called magnonics (the study of spin waves in magnetism) by making a "spin wave device." Currently, society relies on semiconductor-based technologies, but we are exploring devices that use only magnetism for information processing, to obtain miniaturized and low power consuming logic devices in there near future.

I actually had a few chances to visit Japan previously for a shorter duration to do work on device fabrication. There was the possibility that I wouldn't have another chance to come back through my university. However, through the LOTUS Programme, I was able to be here for a long-term stay and got a very good opportunity to finish the work that I had started earlier. So yeah, I'm thankful for the program.

I've also participated in other activities, including basic Japanese language classes, which were very helpful. I think it helped me a lot in understanding some basic words and phrases while I was here. The program also organized a research work presentation meetup for the LOTUS participants from all around the country. It was nice meeting other LOTUS scholars and hearing about their work. It was very beneficial, and I hope that more of these events can be helpful in future years of the program.

Q3. Tell us more about your experiences in India compared with Japan

A3. A whole new instrument filled world

I had never been to anywhere outside India before coming to Japan. So, when I first arrived, I really liked how a developed country looks like. The culture here and how all the things are organized are all very different from India, which I really liked. Overall, everything was great. For this experience, I arrived in May of last year and have had 7 and a half months to undertake my research.

I think one issue on our side is the language in the beginning, because we don't know Japanese before we arrive and here most people only speak Japanese. In the university, it's not a problem, but there can be difficulties when we are out and about.

In India, one of the biggest challenges is the research facilities that are available. There are fewer instruments to use, and their operating time is also restricted. For example, if office hours are nine to five, some operator is assigned for each instrument, and we have only that time to use them.

But here, the equipment is available 24/7 meaning that research goes much faster. I think this is one of the biggest things I have seen. Another limitation is that there are still issues with utilizing the limited facilities and available time. Sometimes, because of funding issues, institutions at home don't seek outside help, but try to repair things themselves, or find ways to work around issues and make use of the equipment or material. This is actually a benefit at times as they know how to fix things because professional help can be limited. This is an interesting point that has led to them being proficient at working around equipment issues.

Q4. A message for future LOTUS Scholars

A4. A wonderful opportunity that all Indian students should apply to

I think more and more Indian students should apply for this program. I found it to be a really good opportunity, and I think that it will be especially useful for people who have not been here before or been exposed to the facilities available in Japanese universities. I think a chance like this would change their perspectives on how research is done and also open them up to the kinds of opportunities that are available in the future. For example, through this program we are getting exposure to small internships as well, so I'm really finding it to be a good experience.

Most Indian students plan for a postdoc opportunity after finishing their PhD. I am personally looking towards some universities in Japan, but as I am also getting exposure through an internship, I'm thinking I will decide if I want to go for an academic or industry position in Japan once it is finished. I'm looking forward to it!

I am thankful to the LOTUS Programme and recommend it to other scholars in India looking for a good place to do research.

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