On October 8, 2024, the L’Oréal-UNESCO Foundation revealed the names of the 35 winners of the France 2024 Young Talents Prize for Women and Science. Among them, Melissa Saichi, doctoral student in the Dynamics of Epigenetic Plasticity in Cancer team (CNRS UMR3244 / Department of Translational Research/ Sorbonne University), was distinguished for her research on the early detection of the most aggressive forms of cancer. breast. Congratulations !
Happy winner of the Young Talents France 2024 For Women and Science prize, Melissa Saichi, doctoral student in the Dynamics of epigenetic plasticity in cancer team (CNRS UMR3244 / Department of Translational Research / Sorbonne University) led by Dr Céline Vallot, stood out for her innovative work on improving the detection of triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms resistant to current treatments.
While she wanted to be a doctor, Melissa changed her direction to a degree in health science technology. Through perseverance, she won a first excellence scholarship, then joined a renowned research team in immuno-oncology and viral diseases. In 2022, she will begin her doctorate in bioinformatics and systems biology thanks to a scholarship.
Today, his research focuses on studying the evolution of gene networks in mammary gland cells toward a tumor state. By deciphering the molecular mechanisms that lead to malignant transformation, she hopes to identify new targets to intercept pre-tumor cells in high-risk patients.
“My dream is to help understand part of the puzzle of how a healthy cell transforms into a cancerous cell. » she explains.
In the long term, his work could not only improve early detection strategies for breast cancer, but also be extended to other types of cancer.
By joining the circle of winners of the Young Talent Prize, Melissa joins the largest community of women scientists in the world, bringing together more than 4,400 researchers from more than 140 countries. This award not only offers him a financial endowment to support his research, but also a leadership training program to help him develop his scientific career.
“Being surrounded by brilliant women scientists strengthened my desire to continue on this path and overcome all obstacles. I believe that more women in science would be a valuable asset to approach issues from different angles. » says Melissa.
Each year, the L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents France Prize for Women in Science honors 35 promising young researchers, recognized for the excellence of their work and their commitment to scientific research. For this 18th edition, nearly 800 candidates from mainland France and overseas, working in various disciplines, were evaluated by a jury of more than 40 members of the Academy of Sciences.
The official award ceremony will take place on October 9, 2024 in Paris, at the Academy of Sciences.
