Dr Julien Olivet Rega Institute/KU Leuven Belgium
Julien Olivet is an exceptional candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his innovative research in structural and chemical biology, leadership in managing research projects, and significant international recognition. His technical expertise, particularly in cryo-EM and drug discovery, stands out. Additionally, his commitment to teaching and science outreach is commendable. To strengthen his candidacy, he could emphasize the real-world impact of his research and diversify his research topics and publications. Overall, Julienās achievements and contributions make him a highly deserving nominee for the award.
scholar
š Education
PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bioinformatics and ModelingUniversitĆ© de LiĆØge, Belgium (2015-2021)Thesis: Selective disruption of histone deacetylase complexes by small-molecule inhibitors.MSc in Chemistry of Life and NanomaterialsUniversitĆ© de Namur, Belgium (2013-2015)Thesis: Synthesis of alginate/SiO2-TiO2 hybrid material for cell encapsulation.BSc in ChemistryFacultĆ©s Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium (2009-2013).High School Diploma in Mathematics, Sciences Institut Notre-Dame de Loverval, Belgium (2003-2009).
š¬ Research Experience
Postdoctoral Fellow, KU Leuven (09/2021-present),Focus: Cryo-EM structures of SIN3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes, managing collaborations, drug design.Visiting Senior Scientist, UniversitĆ© de LiĆØge (09/2021-present)Focus: Inhibitors of SIN3 protein in HDAC complexes, drug screening, spin-off development.PhD Research Fellow, UniversitĆ© de LiĆØge (01/2021-06/2021)Focus: Small molecule screening pipelines, virus-host interactions.Visiting FRS-FNRS/WBI PhD Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School (11/2015-12/2020)
Focus: Chemical genetic selections, protein interaction assays.
š Honours and Awards
NSFC-FWO Collaboration Project Award (2024-2025),Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Belgium.McKinsey & Company Scientific Award (2022)EUR 5000.Marie SkÅodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) European Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022-2024),EUR 191760.Best Oral Presentation Award (2019)Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA.
Publication
- Maximizing binary interactome mapping with a minimal number of assays
- Authors: SG Choi, J Olivet, P Cassonnet, PO Vidalain, K Luck, L Lambourne, …
- Year: 2019
- The HTLV-1 viral oncoproteins Tax and HBZ reprogram the cellular mRNA splicing landscape
- Authors: C Vandermeulen, T OāGrady, J Wayet, B Galvan, S Maseko, M Cherkaoui, …
- Year: 2021
- Alternative glycosylation controls endoplasmic reticulum dynamics and tubular extension in mammalian cells
- Authors: D Kerselidou, BS Dohai, DR Nelson, S Daakour, N De Cock, …
- Year: 2021
- A systematic approach to identify host targets and rapidly deliver broad-spectrum antivirals
- Authors: J Olivet, SB Maseko, AN Volkov, K Salehi-Ashtiani, K Das, …
- Year: 2022
- AI-guided pipeline for proteināprotein interaction drug discovery identifies a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor
- Authors: P Trepte, C Secker, J Olivet, J Blavier, S Kostova, SB Maseko, I Minia, …
- Year: 2024
- Identification of small molecule antivirals against HTLV-1 by targeting the hDLG1-Tax-1 protein-protein interaction
- Authors: SB Maseko, Y Brammerloo, I Van Molle, A Sogues, C Martin, C Gorgulla, …
- Year: 2023
- A quantitative mapping approach to identify direct interactions within complexomes
- Authors: P Trepte, C Secker, SG Choi, J Olivet, ES Ramos, P Cassonnet, S Golusik, …
- Year: 2021
- Expanding the HDAC druggable landscape beyond enzymatic activity
- Authors: J Olivet, SG Choi, S Sierra, TM O’Grady, M de la Fuente Revenga, F Laval, …
- Year: 2023
- Interactome and structural basis for targeting the human T-cell leukemia virus Tax oncoprotein
- Authors: SB Maseko, I Van Molle, K Blibek, C Gorgulla, J Olivet, J Blavier, …
- Year: 2021
- The viral oncoproteins Tax and HBZ reprogram the cellular mRNA splicing landscape
- Authors: C Vandermeulen, T OāGrady, B Galvan, M Cherkaoui, A Desbuleux, …
- Year: 2021
- Structural basis for targeting the human T-cell leukemia virus Tax oncoprotein and syntenin-1 interaction using a small molecule
- Authors: SB Maseko, I Van Molle, K Blibek, C Gorgulla, J Olivet, J Blavier, …
- Year: 2021
- Selective disruption of histone deacetylase complexes by small-molecule inhibitors of protein interactions
- Author: J Olivet
- Year: 2021
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Conclusion
Julien Olivet is a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his outstanding research achievements, leadership skills, and contributions to the scientific community. His innovative work in cryo-EM and drug discovery, combined with his active role in mentoring and outreach, aligns well with the criteria for the award. Addressing the areas for improvement, particularly in demonstrating the broader impact of his research and expanding his publication portfolio, could further solidify his candidacy.