Ceremony to confer an honorary doctorate from the University of Montpellier on Michel Bouvier
On Thursday, April 13, 2023, Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, will confer an honorary doctorate from the University of Montpellier upon Michel Bouvier (Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montreal, Director General of the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer). The ceremony will take place following the lecture “A History of RCPG in Montreal and Montpellier” in the Genopolys Amphitheater on the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus starting at 5:00 p.m., in the presence of Philippe Marin, Director of the Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF).
Michel Bouvier will be awarded an honorary doctorate
Michel Bouvier, a professor of biochemistry and molecular medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montreal and Executive Director of the Montreal Institute for Research Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), is a world-renowned researcher in molecular pharmacology specializing in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Major scientific advances in molecular pharmacology
These receptors, which play a significant role in physiology and pathology, are the target of more than 30% of the drugs on the market. The work of Michel Bouvier and his laboratory has led to major advances in this field, which have greatly influenced and, in some cases, revolutionized our understanding of how GPCRs function. Among these are the concepts of constitutive activity and inverse agonism, biased signaling, GPCRs oligomerization, as well as the development of biosensors based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Many of these discoveries and technologies are now used by the pharmaceutical industry for drug development.
Close ties with the University of Montpellier
Since RCPGs are a flagship research area at the University of Montpellier, it is only natural that close ties have been forged between Michel Bouvier’s laboratory and several Montpellier-based teams, taking the form of exchanges of technologies, models, and biological tools—most often to the benefit of the latter. These collaborations have led to numerous publications in top scientific journals. Many students, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows of all nationalities—including several Montpellier natives who now lead teams with significant international visibility—have also benefited from the exceptional training provided in Michel Bouvier’s laboratory and continue to collaborate closely with him. Finally, the IRIC, led by Professor Bouvier, is involved in an international Master’s program in cancer biology involving the University of Pavia, the University of Montreal, and the University of Montpellier.
What does the title of "Honorary Doctorate" mean?
Established by decree on June 26, 1918, the origins of the honorary doctorate may date back to the 17th century. It is awarded to distinguished foreign figures who highlight and embody the university’s values through their contributions to the worlds of ideas, culture, the arts, and the sciences. Awarded during a formal ceremony, this academic title is the most distinguished and prestigious that can be conferred by the academic and scientific community.
Practical information:
- Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Genopolys Amphitheater, Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, Montpellier
- Registration is required at the following address:
- Registration is required via email.