Mélanie Romain: a passion for nanomedicine

• Can you tell us about your academic career so far and what led you to choose this area of research?

I have always been very curious, interested in everything, so choosing a path was difficult right from the start. Hopefully, I fell in love with nanomedicine in high school during projects we had to run over a year. Discovering how nanoscale changes everything to materials properties really blew my mind, and that oriented next choices for my studies.

My academic background is rooted in chemistry and nanoscience, with a progressive specialization toward nanomedicine. I first completed an international Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Bordeaux, including an exchange year at Université Laval in Canada, where I was already exposed to research in nanotechnology for biomedical applications.

I then pursued an engineering degree at ENSMAC (Bordeaux INP, equivalent to M.Sc), specializing in nano- and micro-technologies. During this time, I had several research experiences in both academia and industry on several continents, working on topics ranging from nanofiltration membranes and catalyst development to biomaterials, which helped me build a broad foundation in materials science and understand how chemistry can address real-world challenges.

What really confirmed the choice of my current field was this progressive exposure to nanomaterials applied to health and the environment. I became particularly interested in how we can design functional nanostructures to interact with biological systems. This naturally led me to pursue a PhD in chemistry focused on nanomedicine at the University of Burgundy. My research there involved the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles for targeting extracellular vesicles and the development of gold nanorod-based platforms for photothermal cancer immunotherapy.

Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher in Strasbourg, I continue in this direction by working on nanoparticles–peptides hybrid systems for antibacterial applications. Overall, what motivated my path is the strong interdisciplinary nature of this field, at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and biology, and the possibility to contribute to innovative therapeutic strategies.

• What does the research environment at ISIS bring you (professionally and personally)?

The research environment at ISIS is really stimulating and easy to grow in. What I enjoy most is the interdisciplinary aspect, working at the interface of chemistry, physics, and biology and hearing about it naturally brings new perspectives to my work and pushes me to think differently.

From a practical point of view, I’ve also really benefited from the almost open access to a wide range of equipment and characterization techniques. It makes it much easier to move projects forward efficiently and to explore ideas more independently.

It’s also quite impressive to be surrounded by such a high level of researchers, including leading scientists and even Nobel laureates. It can feel a bit surreal at times—I still catch myself having small “fan moments,” but in a very motivating way.

On a more personal level, it’s a friendly and very international environment, which is always enriching. The interactions are easy and it creates a supportive atmosphere that is both motivating and enjoyable on a daily basis.

• What are your wishes and plans for the future of your career?

Right now, I’m looking for a new postdoctoral adventure where I can continue to grow in nanomedicine while opening up to new ideas and approaches. Even though the long-term path feels uncertain in this field, what really drives me is staying curious and passionate about science. I hope to build a career where I can keep that sense of excitement, work on meaningful projects, and be surrounded by people who are genuinely enthusiastic about research, not just focused on metrics.

• What do you like about your life in Strasbourg & in Alsace ?

I’m really impressed by how much of a melting pot Strasbourg is, with so many different nationalities (academics, politicians, students, and tourists) while still preserving such a strong Alsatian culture. It’s actually one of the most distinct regional identities I’ve experienced in France so far.

On a daily basis, I also really enjoy how easy it is to get around by bike. No matter how the day has been, things always feel a bit better when cycling along the Rhône–Rhine canal and watching the birds.

• If you were to name the one thing you are most proud of (career-wise or in your personal life), what would it be?

One thing I’m particularly proud of is my involvement in science outreach alongside my research. I’ve taken part in many activities to share my work (Experimentarium, MT180, scientists’ festivals, European researchers’ night, etc.) with the general public and younger students, and I really value these moments where complex scientific ideas become accessible and spark curiosity.

My experiences abroad have also played an important role in shaping how I approach this. Being exposed to different cultures and ways of communicating has made me more adaptable and attentive to how people feel involved or understand science.

For me, being a researcher is not only about producing knowledge, but also about making it understandable and meaningful beyond the lab. And nothing is more rewarding than seeing that spark of curiosity and excitement in a child’s eyes when they realize it might be for them after all.