MolPlay
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Summary
A scientific software solution developed and distributed to the scientific community.
About
Highly accomplished Senior Principal Investigator and Research Director with extensive expertise in theoretical biophysics, AI/computing/data, and high-performance computing. Proven leader in driving scientific innovation, securing over €10.5M in funding, publishing 180+ peer-reviewed articles, and developing 10 widely-adopted software solutions with over 22,500 downloads. A strategic visionary adept at leading international research initiatives, mentoring scientific talent, and translating complex scientific concepts into impactful solutions for both academia and industry.
Work
Baaden Scientific
|Expert Consultant & Founder
Strasbourg, Grand Est, France
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Summary
Founded and led an independent consulting firm, providing specialized scientific expertise and strategic guidance to major industry partners worldwide.
Highlights
Provided high-level scientific and strategic consulting services to approximately 10 industry partners, including Air Liquide, UCB BioPharma, and Servier labs.
Managed all aspects of a micro-enterprise, demonstrating entrepreneurial skills in client acquisition, project delivery, and business development since 2020.
Leveraged deep expertise in theoretical biophysics, molecular dynamics, and scientific visualization to deliver actionable insights and solutions for industrial research challenges.
CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research)
|Research Director DR1, Head of Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry (LBT), Scientific Delegate at CNRS Chemistry
Paris, Île-de-France, France
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Summary
Directed a leading theoretical biophysics laboratory and served as a strategic delegate for AI/computing/data, driving high-impact research and innovation within the national scientific framework.
Highlights
Led the Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry (LBT) with 30-40 staff (17 permanent) since 2016, establishing it as an international reference in theoretical biophysics.
Served as Scientific Delegate at CNRS Chemistry (since 2019), providing strategic leadership in AI, computing, and data initiatives for section 15.
Secured over €10.5M in competitive funding, including 14 ANR projects and international industrial collaborations, significantly advancing research capabilities.
Authored/co-authored 189 publications with an H-index of 47 and 7577 citations, demonstrating significant contributions to scientific knowledge.
Oversaw the development and distribution of 10 open-source software packages (e.g., MolPlay, MDDriver, UnityMol), achieving over 22,500 downloads and multiple awards.
Mentored and supervised 12 PhD theses (11 defended), 12 other PhD students, 17 M1-level trainees, 11 M2-level trainees, 33 internships, and 22 post-doctoral fellows.
Contributed to over 340 talks, conferences, and seminars, including 120 invited presentations (56 international), enhancing scientific discourse and collaboration.
Paris, Île-de-France, France
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Summary
Advanced to Research Director, contributing to national scientific initiatives and committee leadership within CNRS.
Highlights
Promoted to CNRS Research Director in 2012 (1st class since 2018), recognizing sustained scientific excellence and leadership potential.
Served as Deputy Head of the LBT laboratory from 2015 to 2016, assisting in strategic planning and operational management.
Actively participated in national scientific committees, including the National Committee for Scientific Research (section 13, 2008-2012) and HCERES committees (2016-2025).
Paris, Île-de-France, France
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Summary
Led a research team within the Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry, driving scientific projects and mentoring early-career researchers.
Highlights
Appointed Chargé de Recherche at LBT in 2003, achieving 1st class status by 2007, reflecting rapid career progression and research impact.
Led a research team since 2007, managing 2 to 8 non-permanent members and fostering a collaborative research environment.
Contributed to significant research output leading to 189 publications and 7577 citations, establishing strong scientific credibility.
Engaged in extensive community activities, including serving on 59 PhD, 8 HDR, 4 award, and 4 internship panels across 10 countries.
Oxford, England, UK
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Summary
Conducted advanced research as an EC Marie Curie Research Fellow, collaborating with Professor Sansom's esteemed group.
Highlights
Performed cutting-edge research in theoretical biophysics as an EC Marie Curie Research Fellow, contributing to the field's advancements.
Collaborated effectively within Professor Sansom's esteemed research group, enhancing interdisciplinary skills and scientific output.
Strasbourg, Grand Est, France
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Summary
Held a temporary teaching and research position while completing PhD studies, contributing to academic instruction and research initiatives.
Highlights
Executed teaching duties and research activities as an ATER, contributing to both academic instruction and scientific investigation at ULP Strasbourg.
Awarded an MNESR PhD fellowship (1997-2000), providing foundational support for doctoral research in theoretical chemistry.
Education
French Habilitation Diploma
Strasbourg, Grand Est, France
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Habilitation
Diriger les Recherches
EHICS (Ecole des Hautes Etudes des Industries Chimiques de Strasbourg)
Strasbourg, Grand Est, France
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Degree
Chemical Engineering (Material Sciences)
Grade: Valedictorian
Courses
Tri-lingual curriculum (French, English, German)
German High School (Abitur)
Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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School Leaving Examination (Abitur)
Bilingual curriculum (German/French)
Grade: Valedictorian
Awards
SEB Excellence Bonus
Awarded By
CNRS
Recognized for sustained scientific excellence and contributions to research from 2020-2024.
HP Best Presentation Award
Awarded By
Journée Aristote Collaborative Visualization
Awarded for the best presentation at the Journée Aristote Collaborative Visualization conference.
Young Researcher Award
Awarded By
Physical Chemistry Division of the French Chemical Society
Recognized as a promising young researcher in the field of physical chemistry by the French Chemical Society.
SEB Excellence Bonus
Awarded By
CNRS
Recognized for sustained scientific excellence and contributions to research from 2010-2017.
Young Researcher Award
Awarded By
Molecular Graphics and Modeling Group
Recognized as a promising young researcher by the Molecular Graphics and Modeling Group.
Thesis Award
Awarded By
Scientific Council ULP, Strasbourg
Awarded for exceptional quality and impact of PhD thesis research by the Scientific Council of ULP Strasbourg.
Scientific Excellence Bonus
Awarded By
EHICS, Strasbourg
Recognized for academic excellence during studies at EHICS Strasbourg.
Languages
French
German
English
Skills
Biophysics & Computational Biology
Biophysics, Biological Mechanisms, Membrane Proteins, Structural Bioinformatics, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, High Performance Computing, Scientific Visualization, Virtual Reality, Interactive Simulations.
Strategic Leadership & Management
Strategic Leadership, AI/Computing/Data Strategy, Laboratory Management (30-40 staff), Team Leadership (2-8 members), Project Management, Grant Acquisition (€10.5M+), Scientific Committee Leadership (National & International), International Collaboration, Expert Consultation, Mentorship, Doctoral Supervision (12 PhD theses).
Software Development & Innovation
Software Development, MolPlay, MDDriver, BioSpring, Epock, MDVerse, UnityMol, Open-Source Software (>22,500 downloads), Innovation Design, RIGOLE Interdisciplinary Week, MOOC Origins of Life, Escape from PharmaZ (Augmented Reality Game).
Scientific Communication
Scientific Communication, Invited Talks (120+), Conference Presentations (74 oral, 151 poster), Seminars (>340 total), Peer-Reviewed Journals (119 articles), Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings (21 articles), Book Chapters (11), Outreach (38 articles).
Research Funding & Grant Management
Grant Acquisition (€10.5M total), ANR Projects (14 projects, e.g., Aquafoldamer, Merlin, SuperET, MinOmics), Industrial Research Collaborations (UCB Biopharma), EU COFUND Projects, LABEX DYNAMO, EQUIPEX CACSICE, Expert for Research Funding Agencies (16 countries).
Projects
MDDriver
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Summary
A scientific software solution for molecular dynamics, distributed to the scientific community.
BioSpring
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Summary
A scientific software solution for biophysics research, distributed to the scientific community.
Epock
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Summary
A scientific software solution with industrial support, distributed to the scientific community.
MDVerse
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Summary
A scientific software solution for molecular dynamics visualization, distributed to the scientific community.
UnityMol
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Summary
A scientific software solution utilizing Unity for molecular visualization, distributed to the scientific community.