Research
Alain completed his PhD (1991) at Strasbourg University under Charles Mioskowski's mentorship. During his PhD, he studied the application of organo-phosphorus reagents to organic synthesis. Alain then spent three years (1991-1994) as a post doctoral researcher in within the start-up company, “Affymax”, in the Silicon Valley. Under the supervision of Peter Schultz, he became acquainted with the emerging field of chemical biology developing catalytic antibodies. His experience in the world of scientific entrepreneurship confirmed his desire to use his future fundamental research as a basis for innovative start-ups.
In 1994, Alain entered the CNRS as a research associate, returning to Charles Mioskowski's Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis, and developed various research topics such as new methodologies in organic synthesis, different enantioselective reduction with kinetic resolution, molecular imprinting, synthesis on solid support, and supported multi-metallic catalysis.
Entrepreneur
In 2001 Alain decided to establish his first company, “Novalyst Discovery”. One year later the company was created and he was joined by Stephan Jenn MBA. Alain left the CNRS to become the director of Novalyst. Between 2002 and 2007 he dedicated himself to the development of the company and was involved in the legal, finance, strategy, organization, fund raising, and management aspects of the business. Over this period, Novalyst grew from 3 to 40 employees and moved from the incubator to its own building in the Illkirch biopark.
While working full time in academia, Alain has also created two other start-up companies: Phylatodia (2007), which conducts pharmacognosy research and the chemo-informatics company, eNovalys (2009).
Leading scientific innovation
The decision to move back into academia was motivated by Alain’s desire to remain involved in innovative scientific research. In agreement with Charles Mioskowski, Alain returned to CNRS to lead the Laboratory of Organic Synthesis at the end of 2007. In two years he restructured the laboratory and made an important thematic transition. The Laboratory of Functional Chemical Systems was launched with refocused theme of “organic chemistry for development of new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts”.
Currently, Alain is the director of the Laboratory of the Functional Chemical Systems, the founder, and scientific consultant at Novalix Pharma SAS, PhytoDia SAS and eNovalys SAS.