François Rousset - Group Leader

I did my PhD in the Bikard lab at Institut Pasteur on CRISPR-based bacterial genomics. I then joined Rotem Sorek's lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science for my postdoc where I focused on the molecular mechanisms and the evolution of bacterial immunity against phages. I obtained a CNRS position in 2024 to open the Microbial Molecular Genomics lab at CIRI. Besides science, I enjoy playing music, climbing and hanging out with my cat.

Kevin Barthes - PhD student

Before joining the lab as a PhD student, I obtained a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the Strasbourg Graduate School of Biotechnology (ESBS). My research focuses on developing high-throughput approaches to investigate the functions of small phage genes in the phage–bacteria conflict. Outside the lab, you can often find me running along the Rhône riverbanks around 7 am, warming up for my experiments of the day. I also enjoy hiking, watching movies and series of all kinds, and sharing a good meal, whether at a restaurant or home-cooked.

Julie Baltenneck - Engineer

I hold a Master’s degree in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Lyon 1. As an engineer and lab manager, I split my time between supporting our microbiology and molecular biology research and making sure the lab functions properly (which is a science in itself!). Outside of work, I enjoy creative activities and cute stationery. I also like to improvise as the lab’s interior designer, giving our workspace a small aesthetic upgrade whenever inspiration strikes.

Aya Fellah - PhD student

I completed my bioinformatics engineering degree at Mohamed VI University of Health Sciences in Casablanca, then joined the lab for a Master's thesis before dedicating my PhD to the development of comparative analyses of viral genomes to investigate anti-defense genes. Outside the lab, I love getting lost in a good book, unapologetically enjoying sweets, and cherishing family time whenever I can.

Virginie Borges Cardoso - Engineer

I obtained a Master's degree in Human Pathology and a Master's degree in Infectiology, after which I worked for five years on Lassa virus in the BSL4 laboratory of CIRI/Institut Pasteur in Lyon. I am now a joint engineer between this lab and Lucie Etienne's lab (CIRI), where I investigate the evolutionary conservation of innate immunity from bacteria to humans. Outside the lab, I am on a personal mission to identify the best patisserie in every city I visit. I also love randomly hanging out to discover new streets and places, while eventually getting lost.

Wendy Le Mouëllic - Postdoc

After graduating from ENS Paris-Saclay and obtaining a Master’s degree in Microbiology, I did my PhD at the IPBS in Toulouse where I explored the sulfur metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Switching from a bacterial pathogen to phages, I am now investigating the molecular mechanisms of defense/immune strategies that are conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Outside of the lab I like reading, watching any kind of sport and spending time with my family and friends.

Corentin Morvan - Lecturer

I graduated from ENS de Lyon with a Master's degree in Modelling of Complex Systems. I then did my PhD in the Virology Lab of the University Hospital of Lille on the phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection by coxsackievirus B4. I am now a lecturer at ENS de Lyon and pursue my research activities in the lab on the evolution of bacterial immunity. I also really enjoy sports (swimming, cycling, running, and, of course, triathlons), hiking, and birdwatching. I also enjoy board games and video games.

Anna Kanevskaya - Postdoc

I hold M.Sc. degrees in Chemistry and Bioinformatics and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. My scientific journey began by studying short prokaryotic Argonautes and understanding how they function. In the lab, I am working on novel bacterial defense systems, unraveling the mechanisms they use to fight phage infections. I enjoy combining experiments with a bit of scientific detective work to solve biological mysteries. Outside the lab, I am passionate about chess, escape rooms, and exploring new places.

Fabio Veyrier - Master student

I am currently pursuing an engineering degree in biotechnology and a master’s degree in synthetic biology in Strasbourg Graduate School of Biotechnology. For my Master’s thesis, I am investigating the molecular mechanisms and the evolution of defense strategies shared between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. If not in the lab, i’m probably at the comedy club laughing out loud, enjoying my unlimited cinema subscription or testing the best flans in town.

Maxence Eren - Bachelor student

I graduated from the Catholic University of Lyon with a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Biology. I am currently pursuing an internship in which i work on the development of new strategies to identify new functional inhibitors of bacterial defense systems. Outside of the lab, you’ll probably find me at the dance bar or the pop quizz room having a good time with my friends.