Communication manager 2023: Marie Laviron

What are you investigating?

I am an immunologist and my main focus is to understand what is the role of macrophages during metastatic dissemination to the liver. Our lab has extensively characterized what is called the macrophage niche, highlighting a network of interactions between macrophages and their neighbouring cells. I want to understand how this niche is disrupted and eventually favor liver metastatic growth, and identify how macrophages can be repolarized to efficiently eliminate cancer cells.

Outside research, what is your favorite thing about VIB?

VIB is a very international environment which really promotes a sense of community and favors collaborations with your colleagues from all VIB centers. We also have a lot of training opportunities and networking events which is super useful! I also love coffee breaks with my colleagues!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love the fact that it’s so diverse. Everyday is a new question, a new experiment, something to write or someone to train. It’s never boring and always challenging. I also love the collaborative aspect of science where you can spend hours brainstorming with your colleagues to solve the a puzzle.

How did you end up at VIB?

I did my PhD in Paris and I had always planned to move abroad for my postdoc. I had attended a seminar from my current supervisor during my PhD and I got really inspired by the research topic and the different technological approaches. I did some more research and VIB seemed to be a great place to grow as a scientist, so I moved to Ghent at the beginning of 2022!

What keeps you busy outside the lab?

I love baking so I can always have something sweet to snack on. I also love doing sport just to take my mind off the science and get all the pressure out!