Academic staff

University of Tours

I am a Professor at the University of Tours and the Insect Biology Research Institute. My research focuses on the long-term interactions between parasites and their hosts, whether insects or plants. I am particularly interested in uncovering the molecular dialogue that governs these relationships by characterizing parasite virulence factors and assessing their effects on hosts. Remarkably, many insect parasites depend on associated microbial partners including viruses to influence host physiology. To explore these complex interactions, I use approaches from functional genomics and molecular evolution. Through both my teaching and research, I aim to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving parasite–host interactions in insects and to apply this fundamental knowledge toward developing sustainable plant protection strategies in biocontrol programs.

I am a Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Director of the Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI) at the University of Tours. My research adopts an integrative, interdisciplinary approach at the interface of ecology, physiology, and evolution. I study the complex relationships among plants, insects, microorganisms, and their environments, combining tools from molecular biology, physiology, and environmental genomics. I aim to connect biological sciences with human and social dimensions, translating ecological understanding into sustainable agricultural practices, insect conservation and public policies. Through a systemic and creative vision, I explore insects as models linking science, society, and culture, fostering research, training, and innovation with tangible impact.

Personal webpage: https://www.univ-tours.fr/annuaire/m-david-giron

I am a Professor at the Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI). I have a particular interest in trophic interactions and the use of molecular techniques to inform the control of pest species, the conservation of endangered species and the restoration of native ecosystems.
I am also developing new tools and protocols for non-invasive DNA sampling and the detection of new or cryptic species.

Personal webpage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephane-boyer-b3a4605b/

University of Orléans

I am associate professor at the University of Orleans. I am conducting my research in the Physiology, Ecology, Environment (P2E) laboratory in the team Neurobiology and Neuropharmacology of Ionic Channels (NNCI). Our research mainly focuses on the molecular and pharmacological characterization of neuronal cholinergic receptors. These receptors are involved in learning and memory processes and are also the main target of neurotoxic insecticides.

Personal webpage : www.linkedin.com/in/emiliane-taillebois-5843434a

I am a Professor of Neurobiology and Neuropharmcology, and Director of the Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E) laboratory at the University of Orleans. My research focus on the functional and pharmacological properties of arthropod neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. I study how these receptors are involved in learning and memory processes, and the mode of action of pesticides.Website : https://www.univ-orleans.fr/en/p2e/teams/nnci/research-themes

I am a lecturer at the University of Orléans and I am conducting my research activities in Community Ecology at the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris).
The aim of my research activities is to understand how human activities affect biodiversity, species associations, and ecosystem services. I study the anthropogenic pressures involved in the decline of plants and pollinators, the resulting impact on pollination and nature-based solutions for landscape renaturation. To achieve this, I employ approaches from community ecology (interaction networks), functional ecology (traits and functional diversity) and landscape ecology to conserve pollinating insects in human-altered environments, primarily urban and agricultural areas.

Professional webpage : https://iees-paris.fr/annuaire/baude-mathilde/

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Orleans in the Physiology, Ecology and Environment Laboratory (P2E) since 2006. My research focuses on ecology and evolution of insect populations in a changing environment, particularly in forest insects. Since 2024, I have been interested in the population genetics of a xylophagous beetle that is a vector for an invasive nematode in Europe, as well as the use of molecular markers for biomonitoring, as part of my collaboration with Professor Géraldine Roux, head of our research group. I teach entomology, ecology and evolutionary biology at Bachelor's and Master's level. Since 2019, I have been in charge of the Master's program in Agrosciences, Environment, Territories, Landscape and Forestry, which comprises two specialisations, thus contributing to the training of around forty graduates per year.

Personal webpage : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephanie-Bankhead-Dronnet

University of Lisbon

I am an Associate Professor in the Medical Parasitology Unit at IHMT-NOVA. My research focuses on the ecology, behaviour and vectorial capacity of mosquito species of medical importance. I combine field and laboratory approaches to investigate how environmental and biological factors influence vector competence and disease transmission. I coordinate the MSc in Medical Parasitology (since 2015), have supported outbreak response during dengue epidemics (Madeira 2012; Mozambique 2014), and currently serve as a consultant to the Portuguese Ministry of Health. Through my teaching, research and institutional service, I aim to strengthen capacity in medical entomology and to advance evidence-based strategies for vector surveillance and control.
Personal webpage: https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/profiles/carla-sousa

I am a Full Professor of Medical Entomology/Parasitology and President of the Scientific Council at IHMT-NOVA. My work integrates clinical, ecological and public-health perspectives to understand the ecology, epidemiology and control of arthropod vectors. Trained in Medicine, Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, I apply multidisciplinary approaches to inform integrated surveillance and control. Particularly I have investigated arbovirus mosquito vectors, in Portugal, South Africa and Mozambique, their bioecology, morphology and phylogenetics of molecular markers, while training PhD and MSc students, contributing to capacity building.
Personal webpage: https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/profiles/paulo-g-almeida

I am an Associate Professor at the Medical Parasitology Unit and subdirector of IHMT-NOVA. I hold a PhD in Genetics (University of Lisbon) and postdoctoral experience at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK) and at University “La Sapienza” (Italy). Since 2021, I am field research manager for the University of California Malaria Initiative in São Tomé and Príncipe. My research addresses population genetics, evolution and control of malaria vectors. I have supervised numerous postdocs, PhD and MSc students and authored over 120 peer-reviewed papers.
Personal webpage: https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/profiles/joao-pinto

I am a Full Professor at IHMT-NOVA with a PhD in Parasitology from Imperial College London, UK. My research investigates mosquito-parasite interactions that shape pathogen transmission aiming at blocking malaria transmission, my work integrates, laboratory, insectary and field studies in Africa and South America with innovative tools, including a patented blood-free mosquito diet and spatial repellent trials, advancing practical, scalable solutions for vector control. I have held leadership roles at IHMT and coordinated doctoral programmes and major research centres to support advanced vector research.
Personal webpage: https://ghtm.ihmt.unl.pt/profiles/henrique-silveira-2/

I am an Assistant Professor specialising in the systematics and bioecology of Culicidae. My work emphasises the ecology and life-history of immature stages and the development and evaluation of targeted control methods for mosquito vectors of filariasis and arboviruses. I aim to improve vector surveillance and evidence-based mitigation strategies through ecological and taxonomic knowledge.
Personal webpage: https://novaresearch.unl.pt/en/persons/maria-teresa-louren%C3%A7o-marques-novo

I am an Invited Professor at IHMT-NOVA, currently teaching researcher in Medical Entomology, Statistics and Python Applied to Biomedical Sciences. and Scientific Collection Management at IHMT-NOVA. My research sits at the intersection of vector biology, taxonomy and biodiversity informatics, combining classical curation with digital tools to enhance the accessibility and scientific value of entomological collections. I support surveillance, systematics and education by ensuring high-quality reference data for vector studies.
Personal webpage: https://ghtm.ihmt.unl.pt/profiles/luis-filipe-lopes

I am a veterinarian and researcher at IHMT-NOVA, holding a PhD and Habilitation in Biomedical Sciences (Parasitology). I am a recognised European specialist in Veterinary Parasitology, and my research focuses on parasites of veterinary and medical importance, notably Leishmania, integrating epidemiology, vector ecology, host–parasite interactions and diagnostic development. I lead and contribute to national and international projects and serve as scientific adviser, reviewer and editor in parasitology.
Personal webpage: https://ghtm.ihmt.unl.pt/profiles/carla-maia

KU Leuven

I am a chemist and an associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven – Campus Geel. I am the program director for chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology and teaches bio-organic chemistry and instrumental analysis. I am also the head of the Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P). The research group's objective is to strengthen the insect value chain as a cornerstone of the circular bioeconomy in Europe by addressing both fundamental and practical research questions. I primarily focus on the chemical analysis and processing of industrially reared insects, as well as the isolation, modification, and characterization of added-value compounds from insects using green chemistry.

Personal webpage: https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00045923

A s a member of the research group for insect production and processing (IP&P) at KU Leuven Campus Geel, I tackle research questions that arise during the industrial production of insects for numerous applications (bio-control, alternative proteins, source of biochemicals, ...).

I am mainly interested in the role the gut microbiota plays in insects physiology, how insects interact with their gut microbiota, and how these interactions are shaped by the environment. To achieve this, I use a combination of microbiology, molecular genetics, imaging and -omics methods. The gathered fundamental knowledge I am using to develop microbiome engineering tools (e.g. probiotics) or novel biotechnological applications (e.g. enzymes) to boost insect performance, health or composition for specific industrial applications.

Personal webpage: https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00079598

I am an Assistant Professor of Sustainable Food Technology and Food Safety at KU Leuven, Campus Geel. My research focuses on food safety, quality and preservation, with a particular emphasis on microbiological aspects of sustainable food and feed matrices. In this context, I study how traditional and novel unit operations and processing technologies in the insect value chain affect product stability and safety, using tools from food microbiology, physicochemistry, and molecular biology. Through research and teaching, I thus aim to contribute to the development of innovative and resilient food and feed systems for a sustainable future.

Personal webpage: https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00100822