Portraits of the UM

Karim Majzoub heads the "RNA viruses and host factors" research team at the Montpellier Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM). Atip-Avenir - MUSE 2020 laureate, he has been awarded a 1.5 million euro grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for his work 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 Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier. Last December, she was awarded a 1.35 million European Research Council (ERC) grant for her work on metallo-organic networks. Portrait of a chemist who wields the art of synthesis... without a test tube!

Last October, on the recommendation of Patrick Caron, Vice-President in charge of International Relations, the University of Montpellier awarded Professor Tawana Kupe the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. A Zimbabwean, this media specialist has had a brilliant career in South Africa, culminating in his current position as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria.

Last October, on the recommendation of Montpellier professor Philippe Vande Perre, the University of Montpellier awarded an honorary doctorate to Zambian pediatrician Chipepo Kankasa. Unanimously recognized for her research into mother-to-child transmission of HIV, she is also the driving force behind access to antiretroviral treatment for African children and the prevention strategies implemented in Zambia to combat HIV transmission through breastfeeding.

Awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize for his fight against mass rape and sexual violence against women in his country the DRC, the man many call "the man who fixes women" has once again pleaded for changes in international criminal law and for gender equality.

A specialist in brain tumors, Alexandra Garancher is pursuing her research in immunotherapy at the Institut de recherche en cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM) thanks to Muse funding.