About my research work
My research work was centered on the study of complex biological systems through formal analysis of qualitative dynamical models. I obtained my PhD at Aix-Marseille University in 2009. My last research position was a starting research position (Inria SRP, a type of associate researcher) in the Lifeware team at Inria Saclay - Île-de-France.
Dynamical models, based on state of the art knowledge of the mechanisms underlying biological processes, can be used to decipher the behaviour of these systems. During the modelling process, the comparison between predictions obtained through the dynamical analysis of such models and the observed phenotypes provide valuable information about gaps or inconsistencies in our knowledge. Models capable of reproducing the observed phenotypes can ultimately be used to guide the design of future experiments.
Qualitative models capture many relevant dynamical behaviours despite their lack of quantitative values. The use of non-deterministic simulation strategies yields a large number of alternative dynamical trajectories, which reflects well the complexity of the systems under study. The removal of unknown quantitative parameters enables the definition of models encompassing dozens of components. Qualitative formalisms further provide a framework to develop efficient analytical methods to identify some dynamical properties without performing costly simulations.
My main contributions to this interdisciplinary research area, combine methodological developments, software implementation, and applications to biological systems.
See also: publications - seminars.