[Profile] Marine Soulié, Research engineer in organic chemistry (UPRI, S2CB team)

What are your current scientific activities?

2024 has been a very busy year for our team: we are starting up new research thanks to ANR funding and have received support from theEUR Implanteus to carry out a thesis on the development of bio-sourced chemical tools. It's very exciting and I'm delighted to be able to witness it.
More personally, I defended in July a thesis thanks to the system of validation of acquired experience. This gave me the opportunity to showcase all the work I've been doing at Avignon University for nearly 10 years as a contract employee. I particularly enjoyed contributing to the latest articles published* which clearly demonstrate the versatility of our activities and our close links with our academic and industrial collaborators. It's time to present them to the scientific community, probably at the next Appicom Research Group to be held in November 2024 in Carry-le-Rouët.

*Latest articles :
"Photo-induced polymerization of styrene-maleic acid copolymers for the extraction of membrane proteins".
"Rigid Cyclic Fluorinated Detergents: Fine-Tuning the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance Controls Self-Assembling and Biochemical Properties".

Why did you choose to work in academic research?

I have a double degree: an engineering diploma and a Masters degree from a university. I discovered the world of industrial research during my end-of-studies placement. I was immediately drawn to the scientific approach, combining creativity and rigour with teamwork. As a professional, it was very important for me to be able to work in an environment that promotes the values I hold dear, such as freedom, transmission and the public service missionwhich the University tends to represent.

What advice would you give to students who want to do research?

Each path is unique and there are many ways to achieve what you aspire to... or to discover your aspirations along the way! You have to be daring... for example, by approaching a teacher whose courses you are particularly interested in to ask for a work placement. It's all the easier to learn a trade when you have a solid theoretical foundation, so don't get discouraged during your studies - it's an investment in your future! Research is a school of humility...

What object or image from your business best illustrates you?

I really like the practical and technical side of my job. Getting your hands dirty ... and that can take many different forms and colours!

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