Dr. Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard | Neuroscience | Outstanding Contribution Award
Retired, at Sorbonne University, French National Center of Scientific Research, France.
🌟 Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard is an Honorary Emeritus Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (C.N.R.S.). Born on April 9, 1939, in Sézanne, France, she has dedicated her career to marine cellular biology, protistology, and endocrine disruptor research. She led pioneering studies on unicellular eukaryotes, particularly dinoflagellates, revealing crucial insights into their genome and cell cycle regulation. With over 200 scientific publications, she has significantly contributed to molecular and cellular biology. Beyond research, she has been actively involved in public health advocacy, investigating the impact of synthetic hormones on psychiatric and somatic disorders. She is the founder and president of HHORAGES-France, championing awareness about endocrine disruptors. Since 2000, she has also explored sculpture as a creative outlet. Her illustrious career has been recognized with numerous awards, including the French Legion of Honor in 2021.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard pursued an outstanding academic journey in biological sciences. She obtained her Baccalaureate degrees in 1955 and 1956, followed by a License of State Doctorate of Sciences in 1960 with High Honors. In 1970, she earned her State Doctorate of Sciences (Ph.D.) with a Very Honorable Mention. Her doctoral research set the foundation for her future groundbreaking work in marine cellular biology, focusing on the genome and cell cycle of unicellular eukaryotes. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to scientific excellence, continuously expanding her expertise through collaborations with leading institutions worldwide. Her strong educational background paved the way for her contributions to molecular biology, marine ecology, and ecotoxicology.
Experience 👩
Marie-Odile’s professional career spans over five decades of impactful research and academic leadership. She began as a Research Intern at C.N.R.S. (1961-1963), advancing to Research Attaché (1963-1970), Researcher (1970-1974), and later as a Research Professor (1975-1984). She was promoted to 2nd Class Research Director (1984-1986) and subsequently to 1st Class Research Director (1986-2000). At the Banyuls-sur-Mer Oceanological Observatory, she led the “Genome and Cell Cycle of Unicellular Eukaryotes” Research Group from 1975 to 2000. Additionally, she served as the Director of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology (1984-1995). Since 2005, she has held the title of Honorary Emeritus Research Director at C.N.R.S., continuing to contribute her expertise as a scientific consultant and advocate for endocrine disruptor research.
Research Interests 🔬
Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard’s research interests cover a broad spectrum of biological sciences, including marine cellular biology, protistology, ecotoxicology, and endocrine disruptors. She has extensively studied dinoflagellates, uncovering their unique chromosomal structures, genome organization, and cell cycle regulation. Her work has provided fundamental insights into how these unicellular organisms contribute to marine ecosystems and their role in harmful algal blooms. In later years, she turned her focus to human health, investigating the long-term effects of synthetic hormones on psychiatric and physical disorders. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, environmental science, and medical research, highlighting the intersection between ecological and human health challenges.
Awards 🏆
Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard’s contributions to science have been widely recognized through prestigious awards:
- 1974: Laureate of the Paul Wintrebert Foundation.
- 1988: Winner of the Tregouboff Prize from the Academy of Sciences.
- 2000-2005: Emeritus of the National Center for Scientific Research.
- 2004-2009: Corresponding Member of the National Museum of Natural History, Paris.
- 2021: Decoration as French Knight of the Legion of Honor, acknowledging her lifetime achievements in scientific research and public health advocacy.
Top Noted Publications 📚
Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard has authored over 200 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, along with several books and invited chapters. Some of her notable works include:
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Kalfa et al. (2010) – The Journal of Urology
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Main Findings: This nationwide study reports a high incidence of hypospadias in the grandsons of women exposed to DES during pregnancy.
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Methodology: Large-scale epidemiological analysis.
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Citations: 150.
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Soyer-Gobillard (2011) – Médecine et Longévité (Elsevier)
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Main Findings: Discusses endocrine disruptors and behavioral disorders, emphasizing that lessons from DES exposure are still relevant.
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Focus: Health risks across generations and broader endocrine disruption effects.
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Citations: 90.
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Kalfa et al. (2011) – Fertility and Sterility
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Main Findings: Another nationwide multigenerational study reinforcing the increased risk of hypospadias in grandsons of DES-exposed women.
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Methodology: Clinical and epidemiological study with a larger dataset than the 2010 study.
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Citations: 120.
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Conclusion
Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Outstanding Contribution Award. Her extensive contributions to marine cell biology, molecular evolution, and public health research—along with her leadership, interdisciplinary impact, and national recognition—make her a strong contender. While she has transitioned into advocacy and public health research in recent years, her lifetime scientific achievements and continued influence justify this prestigious recognition.