Earlier this summer, Promega Madison welcomed three rising researchers from Europe for an immersive experience on the company’s main campus. Alexandre Lalande (PhD student, International Center for Infectiology Research, France), Margaux Cochard (Post-Doc, University of the Littoral Opal Coast, France) and Emmanuel Heilman (Post-Doc, Medical University of Innsbruck) were selected as Young Researcher Award winners by Promega France and Promega Germany. Their prize trip to the United States included tours of Promega facilities, conversations with Promega leaders and research scientists and hands-on training with emerging technologies.
“It’s really interesting to see how Promega manages to find harmony between the science, the people and the business,” Alexandre says. “When you arrive here you immediately feel comfortable.”
Meeting Industry Scientists
Alexandre says that he has always imagined himself working in academia doing basic research, but he never totally ruled out opportunities in industry.
“Before visiting Promega, I knew very little about the world of industry. I like the freedom I have in academia to study whatever interests me. But coming to Promega and hearing about the company’s vision and values, it’s nice to see that we can be happy to go to work – to do science alongside great people.”
After being welcomed by VP of R&D Poncho Meisenheimer, each student delivered a research presentation to a room of Promega scientists. Alexandre described his study of highly virulent zoonotic pathogens. Margaux discussed the toxicological effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on lung cells. Emmanuel presented new methods for studying protease inhibitors as antiviral therapeutics.
“I had one backup slide and [Senior Director, R&D] Marjeta Urh asked a question that exactly hit on this extra data,” Emmanuel says. “I didn’t know who would be in the audience, but she clearly has a lot of knowledge in this area. Her question allowed me to elaborate on one of the major findings that we have published.”
Throughout the visit, more Promega leaders and research scientists passed through to make connections with the students. Promega founder Bill Linton gave the students a tour of Bell Burnell Observatory and answered questions about the origins and mission of the company. Employees from five different departments hosted a career panel, answering questions about education levels, difference between academia and industry jobs and recruitment processes. Later, each student met one-on-one with an R&D scientist related to their research area.
“For me, having conversations with Promega R&D scientists was the most important part of the whole journey,” Margaux says. “It is important for them to understand our needs in academia, but it is also important for us to understand how they work. We follow the same interests and apply the same rigor so that we all meet our goals.”
Peeking Behind the Scenes
In addition to valuable conversations and connections, the three awardees gained an invaluable look at what it takes to deliver high-quality, innovative products to scientists worldwide.
At Feynman Center, they got a behind-the-scenes look at how reagents are manufactured and packaged. Next door, they learned how the biophilic design of Kornberg Center creates an environment that inspires collaboration and creative thinking.
“I really appreciate all the green areas,” Alexandre says. “It’s so beautiful, and there’s so much space.”
While visiting Kornberg Center, the students spent time in the lab learning about two key Promega technologies directly from scientists who were involved in developing them. First, they used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to knock in the bioluminescent HiBiT tag for studying endogenous proteins. Later, they used Lumit Immunoassays for cytokine detection.
“The two labs were interesting for me due to the fact that I was not familiar with one of the technologies,” Margaux says. “It allowed me to know more about new techniques – why not use them in the future?”
“I could see myself using these technologies in the future,” Emmanuel agrees. “The labs were informative, especially the CRISPR/HiBiT part.”
Of course, it wasn’t all work. When they weren’t meeting scientists and learning what it takes to run a biotech company, the group had plenty of fun activities built into their schedule. They took a food tour of downtown Madison, explored Bill Linton’s car collection and relaxed in the hydrotherapy suite at Usona Institute.
“Understanding the perspectives of the company, particularly the importance of a good working environment, makes you want to have a similar work/life balance in the future,” Margaux says.
Looking Ahead
Promega awards for early-career researchers aim to recognize significant scientific contributions and support scientists in their career development. By gaining new insights and connections, these researchers enter the next phases of their scientific journey with broader horizons.
“I was already in favor of a career in industry before this visit,” Emmanuel says. “I’m always on the lookout for good offers.”
“For now, an industry job doesn’t interest me,” Alexandre says. “But in the future, who knows? I would not say I’ll never go into industry. This experience has affected my perception in a positive way.”
Applications for the 2024 Rising Researcher Awards closed on June 30, but finalists will be revealed for public voting in October. Next summer, the company will welcome a new group of outstanding researchers to Promega Madison for a week of conversation, networking and learning.
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