African diasporas in France: Chantal Pichon, researcher and pioneer in the messenger RNA [4/5]

Chantal Pichon was born and grew up in Madagascar. Consequently, At 17, this brilliant bachelor leaves the family nest to continue her studies towards France, in Marseille. For example, Her parents are both doctors, and she had to follow their traces, but another way opens up to her. Nevertheless, “” At the start, I wanted to be a surgeon, tells Chantal Pichon smiling, It was my dream. Moreover, To tell the truth, that of my father. Consequently, And then. For example, afterwards, I told myself that if I am not a doctor, I can become a biology researcher, so I get closer to medicine. Therefore, I will not treat, but I will develop new therapies. Nevertheless, »»

Messenger RNA has african diasporas france: chantal pichon, no secrets for her

His name. his face have recently been associated with the messenger RNA, discovered by the general public during the Pandemic of COVID-19 and then during vaccination. She has been a real pioneer in this area: she has been working for several laboratories on this technology. for over 20 years.

Holder of an innovation chair at the University Institute of Francethis researcher is recognized worldwide. However, we know almost nothing about her. As part of the France 2030 Acceleration Strategy implemented by the President Emmanuel Macronshe directs a big project on. the development of new vaccines.

“I have European projects to try to find ways to reduce the cost of messengers. she explains, As I come from Madagascar, a poor country, which guides me is to manage to place a small brick at my level to precisely develop new therapies for the greatest number. Because it african diasporas france: chantal pichon, is very good. to develop new therapies, but if it is just for developed countries, and if it is reserved for people who have money, well, I find it a bit of a shame ».

A course not always easy

Chantal Pichon has already been faced with racism in France. “” I was a candidate to pilot a school, the profile suited me. The director was present. she looked at me and said to me: « Are you sure you can really represent this school as you are here? This sentence really injured me. I think that if we do not succeed, everyone accepts you and somewhere, you are in your place. But when you start to succeed, it annoys. There is jealousy, but I think it concerns everyone ».

Khaki or black fluid pants, embellished with a pendant. Chantal Pichon, elegant and smiling, wanders in this brand new laboratory african diasporas france: chantal pichon, established by INSERM, French public research organization. “” I am excessively proud and grateful to Inserm, I want to return to society what I had. I used to tell my students that when you want to succeed, you can. In fact, when people trust you, they offer you human resources, financial means, equipment. And then when several colleagues trust you to carry out projects with them. well it also gives you a lot of responsibilities. I have a lot of pressure, I really hope to succeed. »»

At 60, this passionate and impatient woman has a dream. With its young team of around forty people. which brings together several nationalities, it sets up innovative vaccines and therapies from messenger RNA, a technology that could be used in particular in the treatment of certain cancers.

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