In a packed auditorium, the IRCM had the immense privilege of welcoming Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, co-winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for an exceptional lecture that gave the audience an insight into her remarkable scientific career and the revolutions brought about by her discoveries.
A biologist, geneticist, and microbiologist, Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier is world-renowned for her discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, a revolutionary genome editing technology. This “genetic scissors,” developed with Dr. Jennifer Doudna, has transformed molecular biology and opened up immense possibilities in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.
During her lecture, Dr. Charpentier discussed her international career, marked by scientific curiosity, innovation, and rigour, as well as the ethical and social implications of genetic editing. Her presentation deeply inspired the researchers and students in attendance, reminding them of the importance of fundamental research in major scientific advances.
Generous with her time, the scientist took the time to interact with an audience that was clearly captivated and enthusiastic after a solid presentation. The audience included not only members of the community but also many people from outside the community.
Her visit marks a high point for the IRCM, reaffirming our mission: to push the boundaries of biomedical research while training the next generation of scientists.
A huge thank you to Dr. Charpentier for her generosity, vision, and commitment to science, as well as to the organizers of this special Marie and Willie Chrétien conference, organized by the IRCM Student Association.
