Dr Pierre Parutto 

Hello there! I am currently a postdoctoral Research Associate at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience and UK Dementia Research Institute. I research how organelles contribute to cellular health with a specific focus on the Endoplasmic Reticulum and how its perturbations play a role in neurodegeneration.

I am primarily a computer scientist: I obtained an engineering degree in scientific computing from EPITA and there are few things that I enjoy more at work than a good C++ programming session. I then diversified my skills by completing an MSc in Bioinformatics and Modeling from Sorbonne Université and a PhD in Neurosciences from École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Through these experiences, I learned how biophysical modeling and precise data analysis can contribute to answering biological questions. In parallel to my studies, I have always been fascinated by living organisms and how we can engineer them.

In my work, I combine genetic engineering of various cellular models – especially human neurons derived from stem cells; Advanced microscopy imaging such as single-particle tracking; And the development of biophysical models and data processing algorithms. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge through teaching to diverse audiences: from programming to biology students to biology/bioinformatics to engineering students.

My long-term interest is to study the emergence of individualised information processing capability – consciousness – from networks of neuronal cells and how it can be harnessed to develop brain-computer interfaces for technological and medical purposes.