A researcher with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) since 1983, I lead the BioMarCell group. My research concerns the reproduction, fertilization and development of marine invertebrates (ascidians, ctenophores, urchins..). I am particularly the structure and function of the cortex of eggs and embryos because of the information it contains which specifies axis determination and the differenciation of embryonic tissues. (see recent publications).
Our favorite experimental is the ascidian Phallusia mammillata and in june 2007we wellcomed our colleagues from the world at the 5th Internationnal tunicate meeting in Cap Ferrat
My research group- BioMarCell is part of the "Laboratoire de Biologie du Developpement", one of the 3 research laboratories associated to the CNRS making up the Observatoire Océanologique, a part of Paris 6 University (Pierre et Marie Curie).
Our laboratory is located on the French Riviera in the Station Zoologique in Villefranche sur Mer between Nice and Monaco. About 180 biologists, oceanographers and geologists work at the lab situated on the "Port de la Darse", built in the 18th century as the arsenal of the Kingdom of Savoie. The laboratory is an ancient building, "Le Bâtiment des Galériens" built in 1779 as a hospital and prison for galley slaves. You will find more on the history of the marine station on our website of "Navigation du Savoir" financed by the European project EUROMED.
I have an interest in teaching Cell and Developmental Biology, making films about embryos and cells such as “Voyage inside the Cell” and in working with Science Centers and Museums (Palais de la Découverte Paris, San Francisco Exploratorium)
I have been active as President of the French Cell Biology Society (SBCF2992-2004) and founder of the Fédération Réaumur des Sciences du Vivant. I have been an active participants to meetings through "Cinéma of the Cell" an international festival during SBCF and ELSO in Nice 2002, 2004, 2008, Dresden 2003, 2005, 2007). Multimedia documents, films and BioClips are available on our site BioClips.com.
Our most recent DVD about cells produced by CNRS images is being released. The French, English and German version "Au coeur du vivant: La Cellule" can be obtained from CNRS image in PAL format and its english/NTSC version, “Exploring the living Cell”will be available from Garland. The 2007 “EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences” comes as a recognition of my interest in communicating about cells and embryos.