Portraits of theUM

Karim Majzoub leads the “RNA Viruses and Host Factors” research team at the Montpellier Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM). A 2020 Atip-Avenir–MUSE awardee, he received a 1.5 million euro grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to conduct his research on delta viruses. A virus responsible for hepatitis D in humans, but recently found in a large number of animal species

Rocio Semino is a researcher at the Charles Gerhardt Institute in Montpellier. Last December, she was awarded a grant of 1.35 million from the European Research Council (ERC) to conduct her research on metal-organic networks. A profile of a chemist who masters the art of synthesis… without a test tube!

Following the recommendation of Patrick Caron, Vice President for International Relations, the University of Montpellier awarded Professor Tawana Kupe an honorary doctorate last October. A native of Zimbabwe, this media specialist has enjoyed a distinguished career in South Africa, culminating in his current position as vice chancellor of the University of Pretoria.

Based on the recommendations of Montpellier professor Philippe Vande Perre, the University of Montpellier awarded an honorary doctorate to Zambian pediatrician Chipepo Kankasa last October. Unanimously recognized for her research on mother-to-child transmission of HIV, she is also a pioneer in providing African children with access to antiretroviral treatments and in implementing prevention strategies in Zambia to combat HIV transmission through breastfeeding.

A 2018 Nobel Prize laureate for his fight against mass rape and sexual violence against women in his country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the man many call “the man who heals women” has once again called for changes to international criminal law and for gender equality.

Alexandra Garancher, a specialist in brain tumors, is continuing her research in immunotherapy at the Montpellier Cancer Research Institute (IRCM) thanks to funding from Muse.