Bernard Mouillac | Biophysics | Best Researcher Award | 4493

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Dr. Bernard Mouillac | Biophysics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bernard Mouillac, Institute of Functional Genomics, France

Dr. Bernard Mouillac, PhD, is a distinguished French molecular pharmacologist with extensive expertise in cell biology, structural pharmacology, and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Currently serving as Team Co-leader and Research Director (DR2) at INSERM, he has led pioneering work at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle in Montpellier since 1998. His career includes a postdoctoral fellowship under Prof. Michel Bouvier in Canada and over three decades of contributions to receptor biology. Dr. Mouillac’s research, published in leading journals such as Science Advances and Nature, has significantly advanced the structural understanding of hormone-receptor interactions. He is co-author of 128 publications (H-index: 45, >8,500 citations) and holds four patents. An esteemed reviewer and committee member, his leadership spans European research projects and global GPCR initiatives.

Author Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits: A Foundation of Excellence

Dr. Mouillac’s academic journey began at the University of Montpellier, where he earned a Master’s degree (1986) and a Ph.D. (1990) in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology. His foundational studies equipped him with critical skills in cellular signaling, protein interactions, and biochemical pathways, setting the stage for an outstanding scientific career. His academic brilliance was further solidified during his postdoctoral fellowship (1991–1992) at the University of Montreal, Canada, under the mentorship of the globally renowned Prof. Michel Bouvier. This early exposure to receptor biology and pharmacological modeling shaped the direction of his life’s research.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Contributions

Dr. Mouillac has held progressively impactful roles in the French biomedical research ecosystem:

  • 1993–1998: Associate Researcher at CNRS-INSERM Centre for Pharmacology-Endocrinology, Montpellier.

  • 1998–Present: Team Leader at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, where he has advanced as a pivotal contributor in GPCR-related research.

His research focus is centered on G protein-coupled receptors, particularly vasopressin and oxytocin receptors, which are crucial in numerous physiological processes. Through cutting-edge structural biology techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and time-resolved FRET, he has deciphered the mechanisms of receptor-ligand interactions and biased signaling.

His co-authored paper in Science Advances (2022) describing the vasopressin hormone-V2 receptor-β-arrestin1 ternary complex is one of the landmark studies in the field, providing unprecedented insights into receptor conformation and signaling fidelity. Overall, he has authored 128 scientific articles, with an H-index of 45 and 8,565+ citations, illustrating both the quantity and quality of his research.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Mouillac’s excellence has been consistently recognized through numerous prestigious awards and funding:

  • Prix des Laboratoires Logeais (1993)

  • INSERM Prize for Scientific Excellence (2012–2015 and 2024–2027)

  • Principal investigator in multiple ANR projects (RIB, Neurosciences, Blanc Architect, StrainV2)

  • European project involvement under STREP 6th PCRDT

He has also been awarded significant grants from the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM), including an engineer grant (2014–2016) and team support (2015–2018).

🌍 Impact and Influence: A Global Scientific Voice

Dr. Mouillac is not only a researcher but also a global voice in pharmacological science. His ad hoc reviewer roles for elite journals such as Nature, PNAS, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, and JBC signify the trust the global community places in his judgment and expertise. He has evaluated grants for prominent institutions including ANR (France), Wellcome Trust (UK), AIRC (Italy), and Austrian Science Fund, showcasing his international influence.

He also chaired the IUPHAR Subcommittee on Vasopressin/Oxytocin Receptors (2004–2017), helping shape international classification and nomenclature systems for GPCRs.

🤝 Leadership and Collaboration in Research

Dr. Mouillac has long been a catalyst for collaborative science. He co-organized leading scientific events such as:

  • “A Day in the Life of G Protein-Coupled Receptors” (2004, Montpellier)

  • 3rd GPCR International Annual Meeting (2014, Montpellier)

His collaborations with structural biologists like Dr. Sébastien Granier and electron microscopy experts have enriched interdisciplinary approaches and led to co-corresponding author roles in several high-impact publications. His patents (including WO 2004/113539A3 and EP 2014 2708235A1) also show his aptitude in translational innovation.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

With more than 30 years at the forefront of GPCR pharmacology, Dr. Bernard Mouillac has already left a considerable legacy. Yet, he continues to push boundaries with current projects like ANR V2Cure (2023–2026) and ANR OT-ism (2024–2027). His mentorship of emerging scientists, leadership in INSERM’s CSS1 committee, and pioneering experimental designs ensure that the next generation of biomedical researchers will stand on solid shoulders.

✍️ Publication Top Notes

📘 Inactive structures of the vasopressin V2 receptor reveal distinct binding modes for Tolvaptan and Mambaquaretin toxin

Author:  Bernard MOUILLAC
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2025
📘 G protein peptidomimetics reveal allosteric effects and stepwise interactions in ghrelin receptor–G protein coupling
Author: Morgane Mannes; Charlotte Martin; Marjorie Damian; Sonia Cantel; Hélène Orcel; Jean-Alain Fehrentz; Bernard Mouillac; Julie Kniazeff; Jean-Louis Banères; Steven Ballet

Journal: Science Signaling

Year: 2025

📘 Structures of the arginine-vasopressin and oxytocin receptor signaling complexes

Author: Julien Bous; Aurélien Fouillen; Hélène Orcel; Sébastien Granier; Patrick Bron; Bernard Mouillac
Journal: Vitamins and Hormones
Year: 2023

Hadi Mohammadi | Biophysics | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Hadi Mohammadi | Biophysics | Best Researcher Award 

University of British Columbia | Canada 

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi's early academic journey reflects a strong foundation in biophysics and mechanical engineering. He pursued his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, with concurrent studies in Mathematics. His graduate research focused on heart valve prostheses and pyrolytic carbon-based mechanical heart valves, supervised by leading experts in the field. Dr. Mohammadi further advanced his knowledge by earning a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Western University, where his dissertation on heart valve prostheses was supervised by Dr. W.K. Wan. These early academic pursuits laid a robust foundation for his future contributions in biophysics and biomedical engineering.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi's professional career is distinguished by significant roles at prestigious institutions and a commitment to advancing biophysics and biomedical engineering. Before joining the University of British Columbia (UBC), Dr. Mohammadi held postdoctoral positions at Harvard Medical School and the University of Calgary, focusing on research in biomedical engineering and mechanical systems. At UBC, he has served as an Assistant Professor and now as an Associate Professor, where he has been instrumental in initiating and developing the biomedical engineering program. His innovative approach integrates biophysics research with classroom teaching, enhancing the learning experience for his students.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Mohammadi’s research contributions significantly impact the field of biophysics and biomedical engineering. His work includes the design and simulation of heart valve prostheses, optimization of mechanical heart valves, and innovative approaches to biomedical research. His research focuses on advancing biophysical methods for medical applications and improving prosthetic devices. Dr. Mohammadi's pioneering efforts in integrating research with teaching at UBC have led to the development of a cutting-edge biomedical engineering program, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field and applying biophysics to real-world challenges.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi's impact on biophysics and biomedical engineering is notable through his research and teaching. His innovative work on heart valve prostheses and mechanical heart valves has advanced the field, influencing both academic research and practical applications. Dr. Mohammadi's role in establishing and developing the biomedical engineering program at UBC has had a profound impact on the education and training of future engineers. His research and teaching have contributed significantly to the understanding and application of biophysical principles in medical engineering.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Mohammadi’s research has garnered substantial academic citations, reflecting his influence in the field of biophysics and biomedical engineering. His work on prosthetic devices and mechanical heart valves is frequently referenced in scholarly articles, underscoring the relevance and impact of his contributions. The recognition of his research through citations highlights the importance of his work in advancing biophysics and its application in medical engineering.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi's legacy in biophysics and biomedical engineering is marked by his pioneering research and commitment to education. His innovative approach to integrating research with teaching at UBC has set a standard for future developments in the field. Looking ahead, Dr. Mohammadi is poised to continue making significant contributions to biophysics, advancing the understanding and application of biomedical technologies. His ongoing research and teaching efforts will likely influence the future of biomedical engineering and the development of new biophysical methodologies.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION