Dr. Jeny Jose

I completed my Master’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology at Szent István University (now the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, MATE) after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences in India. Awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship in 2017, I pursued my studies in Gödöllő, where the research-driven and internationally oriented academic environment played a formative role in shaping my scientific direction.

During my Master’s studies, I worked on gene regulation in potato and graduated with a Certificate of Merit. I subsequently joined the Centre for Agricultural Research (now HUN-REN), contributing to genome editing projects in potato. Building on this experience, I began my PhD in Plant Science at MATE and was awarded my doctoral degree in 2025. My doctoral research focused on identifying disease susceptibility genes and applying CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing to enhance resistance against major potato pathogens.

Alongside my doctoral training, I pursued international exposure through advanced genome editing training at the John Innes Centre in the UK and a Short-Term Scientific Mission at the Australian National University (ANU). Following the completion of my PhD, I undertook my first postdoctoral position at the Umeå Plant Science Centre in Sweden and have since commenced a second postdoctoral appointment at ANU in Canberra, where my current research focuses on plant immunity.

The progression from doctoral research to two international postdoctoral positions within a short span reflects the strong academic preparation, adaptability, and global outlook instilled during my time at MATE. The university fostered not only technical expertise, but also resilience, curiosity, and the confidence to pursue ambitious research paths across continents.

In parallel with my academic work, I have remained actively engaged in volunteer initiatives, particularly in science communication. I volunteered with the Global Institute for Lifelong Empowerment (GiLE) in Hungary and currently contribute as a Prelighter for preLights, an initiative of The Company of Biologists.

The academic environment, institutional support, and the people I met during my time at MATE and in Hungary played a significant role in shaping both my professional development and personal outlook. I remain proud to be part of the MATE alumni community and hope my journey inspires students to embrace the same mindset I have always lived by: “Why can’t I? Let me give it a try, at least.”