After my bachelor, I studied biochemistry for 4 years at the University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris. I performed my last year of under graduated in Strasbourg on the DNA translesion synthesis mutagenic pathway in E. Coli. After I did my PhD in Paris University (1998-2002), under the supervision of Drs. S. Boiteux and JP. Radicella on the implication of oxidative stress DNA repair in kidney carcinogenesis. I understand how crucial a good working environment is and the importance of collaborations. During, my PhD I have the chance to developed different skills notably related to biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology.
After my thesis, I was a postdoctoral fellow in Prof. B. Salles’ research group on DNA Damage and Repair at the University of Toulouse (2002-2005). We discovered a new DNA double strand break repair pathway (MMEJ). At this period, I also understand that fundamental research could be applied to clinical cancer research.
After my postdoc I successfully applied for a permanent researcher position in TOXALIM unit in Toulouse (2006) in the institute for research on agriculture, food, and the environment (INRAe) to work on food contaminants metabolism and genotoxicity. I have developed a genotoxicity test with the use human cell lines and a new biomarkers (gH2AX and pH3). In parallel, I have apply this assay to numerous food contaminant families, alone or in mixture, for chemical risk assessment. I always try to combined fundamental and applicate research.
Since my PhD in 2000, I have published over 53 scientific papers (H index: 30), and participated or lead 15 European and National projects. I am a member of the management committee of the French Society of genetic toxicology (SFTG) and the French delegate to the EEMGS from 2012 and participate to the HESI GTTC society. I have been attending to most of the EEMGS meetings since 2010 and participate to three ICEM meeting.
One of the things I most enjoy in my academic and scientific career is to supervise and work with students. I do my best to encourage them and most of students have a published paper related to their passage in my lab. I am also proud to have co-founded with my former student a start-up (PrediTox) dedicated to genotoxicity testing and engaged some previous student unemployed.
I think the link between academia, companies and regulatory bodies is crucial for the future of genetic toxicology. If I be elected as vice-president of EEMGS, I will do my best to integrate as much as possible all these pillars in our scientific community.
As a vice-president of the EEMGS, I look forward to helping in the running and growing of the society with new initiatives, notably for young investigators. I hope to put in practice these new possibility at future EEMGS meeting and also for the 2026 ICEM conference in UK.
