Ceremony to award Michel Bouvier an honorary doctorate from the University of Montpellier
On Thursday, April 13, 2023, Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, will award an honorary doctorate from the University of Montpellier to 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 conference "A History of RCPG in Montreal and Montpellier" in the Genopolys amphitheater on the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus starting at 5 p.m., in the presence of Philippe Marin, Director of the Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF).
Michel Bouvier will receive an honorary doctorate
Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montreal and Executive Director of the Institute for Research Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) in Montreal, Michel Bouvier is a world-renowned researcher in molecular pharmacology in the field of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Major scientific advances in molecular pharmacology
These receptors, which are of considerable importance in physiology and pathology, are the target of more than 30% of 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. These include the concepts of constitutive activity and inverse agonists, biased signaling, GPCR oligomerization, and the development of biosensors based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Many of these discoveries and technologies are now being used by the pharmaceutical industry for drug development.
Close ties with the University of Montpellier
As RCPGs are a key focus area at the University of Montpellier, it is only natural that close ties have been forged between Michel Bouvier's laboratory and several teams in Montpellier, in the form of exchanges of technologies, models, and biological tools, most often for the benefit of the latter. These collaborations have led to numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Many students, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows of all nationalities, including several Montpellier residents who now lead teams with high 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, headed by Professor Bouvier, is associated with 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 "Doctor Honoris Causa" represent?
Created by decree on June 26, 1918, the origins of the honorary doctorate date back to the 17th century. It recognizes foreign figures who highlight and echo the values of the university through their contributions to the world of ideas, culture, arts, and 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 p.m.
- Location: Genopolys Amphitheater, Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus, 141 rue de la Cardonille, Montpellier
- Registration is required at the following address: communication@umontpellier.fr
- Registration by email is required.