Robine Maffo Woulefack
“Article of the month” award June 2025. Elucidating assembly and function of VirB8 cell wall subunits refines the DNA translocation model in Gram-positive T4SSs. Science Advances (2025).
Profile
Robine MAFFO WOULEFACK, 29, is a dynamic young researcher with a passion for the life sciences. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in Cameroon, she pursued her academic career in France, where she obtained a master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell regulation at the University of Lorraine. Driven by a deep interest in fundamental research, she then pursued a PhD in structural biochemistry and microbiology at the DynAMic UMR1128 laboratory under the supervision of Professor Nathalie Leblond and Dr Badreddine Douzi. She was awarded her doctorate from the University of Lorraine in December 2024.
She is currently serving as a Temporary Teaching and Research Assistant (ATER) position at the DynAMic laboratory -. Her research focuses on the study of the Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) in Gram-positive bacteria – a key mechanism mediating the conjugative transfer of mobile genetic elements between bacteria, and thus playing a central role in the spread of antibiotic resistance. Although the T4SS is widespread, particularly among diverse pathogens such as enterococci and streptococci, its architecture and mode of action remain poorly understood. Through her research, Dr Woulefack contributes to a better understanding of this system, opening new avenues for combatting the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
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Apply for the Dina Surdin Award
Applications must be submitted in March. The exact deadline is announced each year by email.
Documents to be submitted:
Downloadable application guidelines document below, a copy of the thesis manuscript.
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Applications must be submitted by email to martin.picard@ibpc.fr. The exact deadline will be announced annually via email.
Required Documents:
Updated CV, including a summary of the candidate’s work and publications, formatted according to the downloadable guide below.
Any application received after the specified deadline will not be considered.
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Apply for the Maurice Nicloux Award
Applications must be submitted by March of each year. The exact deadline will be announced annually via email.
Required Documents:
Updated CV, including a summary of the candidate’s work and publications, formatted according to the downloadable guide below.
Any application received after the specified deadline will not be considered.
Our scientific awards
“Article of the Month” award
Honors a young researcher for a paper published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Dina Surdin award
Rewards a young researcher for an outstanding PhD thesis in biochemistry or molecular biology.
Marianne Grunberg-Manago Award
Honors a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to public research, recognized for the significance of her work and her impact in her scientific field.
Maurice Nicloux award
Honors an established researcher for their overall contribution to the scientific community and to research in biochemistry or molecular biology.