Dr.Anne Blais | Obesity | Women Researcher Award

Chercheur at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, INRAE, University Paris-Saclay,France

Anne Blais is a distinguished researcher and academic in nutrition and physiology, holding dual Canadian and French nationality. She is based at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, INRAE, and has a long-standing commitment to studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of food behavior. With a Ph.D. from the Université de Montréal, Anne has contributed extensively to the scientific community through numerous publications and active involvement in professional societies. She balances her professional life with family, being married and a parent.

Profile:

Scopus Profile

Strengths for the Award:

Anne Blais is a distinguished researcher in the field of nutrition and food science, holding advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in Physiology. Her extensive academic background, coupled with her current role at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, and INRAE, underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge in the mechanisms controlling food behavior and metabolism. Blais has authored and co-authored numerous impactful publications, including studies on protein quality, nutritional interventions, and the physiological effects of amino acids. Her work is recognized internationally, evidenced by her contributions to high-impact journals such as the British Journal of Nutrition and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Furthermore, her involvement in student training and conference organization demonstrates her leadership in the field and commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers.

Areas for Improvement:

While Anne Blais has an impressive research portfolio, there is room for growth in collaborative interdisciplinary projects that integrate emerging technologies in nutrition and metabolism. Expanding her focus to include more innovative methodologies such as big data analytics or artificial intelligence in nutritional studies could enhance the breadth of her research impact. Additionally, increasing outreach efforts to engage with the public and industry stakeholders could further promote the relevance and application of her research findings.

Education:

Anne Blais has an extensive educational background in the life sciences. She earned her Diplôme d’Études Collégiales in Pure Sciences from Collège de Saint-Jean sur Richelieu, followed by a B.Sc. in Biology from Université de Sherbrooke, specializing in physiology and biochemistry. She completed her M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology at Université Laval and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Physiology from the Université de Montréal. Her academic training has laid a strong foundation for her research and teaching career.

Experience:

With decades of experience, Anne Blais has established herself as a leading figure in nutrition research. She has worked at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, focusing on the physiological aspects of nutrition. In addition to her research, she plays a vital role in training the next generation of scientists through various graduate programs. Anne has organized conferences and contributed as a referee for multiple high-impact journals, demonstrating her leadership and expertise. Her involvement in international scientific communities underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.

Research Focus:

Anne Blais’s research primarily focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in controlling food behavior. Her studies investigate the effects of protein quality on energy and bone metabolism, utilizing both cellular and animal models. She is particularly interested in how dietary components, such as amino acids, influence physiological responses. Through her research, Anne aims to uncover insights that could lead to improved dietary recommendations and interventions for better health outcomes, especially concerning obesity and metabolic disorders.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Minimal processed infant formula vs. conventional shows comparable protein quality and increased postprandial plasma amino acid kinetics in rats. 🍼
2. Efficiency of Orexin-A for Inflammatory Flare and Mucosal Healing in Experimental Colitis: Comparison with the Anti-TNF Alpha Infliximab. 💊
3. Lysine or Threonine Deficiency Decreases Body Weight Gain in Growing Rats despite an Increase in Food Intake without Increasing Energy Expenditure in Response to FGF21. 🥩
4. Lactoferrin Supplementation during Gestation and Lactation Is Efficient for Boosting Rat Pup Development. 🐾
5. Severe protein deficiency induces hepatic expression and systemic level of FGF21 but inhibits its hypothalamic expression in growing rats. 🧬
6. Orexins: A promising target to digestive cancers, inflammation, obesity and metabolism dysfunctions. 🎯
7. Milk proteins: Nutritional quality of milk proteins. 🥛
8. Tolerable amounts of amino acids for human supplementation: summary and lessons from published peer-reviewed studies. 📚
9. Sulfur-containing amino acids and lipid metabolism. 💧
10. Intestinal Availability and Metabolic Effects of Dietary Camelina Sphingolipids during the Metabolic Syndrome Onset in Mice. 🐭

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Anne Blais stands out as a leading researcher in nutrition and food science, demonstrating significant contributions through her rigorous research and commitment to education. Her expertise in the physiological aspects of nutrition, coupled with her active involvement in scientific communities, positions her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By embracing interdisciplinary collaborations and expanding her research methodologies, she can continue to advance the field and influence public health positively.