Thomas Julou

After a two years intensive training in science basics ("Classes Préparatoires BCPST", with biology, chemistry, maths and physics), I entered Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris. The wide teaching in most areas of biology led me to focus on the integrated approach of phenomena proposed by ecology and evolution.

My first research experience was about evolution toward the hetetrophy in a group of green orchids, that is the emergence of cheating strategies in cooperative systems: a field study with molecular approaches (with M.A. Selosse) as well as a modeling work (with R. Law) constituted two complementary aspects of this question. The experimental work has been published, while the modeling one is still to be written...

Later on, the encounter with F. Taddei was another decisive step. The active learning through trainig periods as well as critical analysis of publications provided by the "Approches Interdisciplinaires du Vivant" Master he created completely fullfilled my expectations. At that time, I discovered experimental approaches of evolution with great enthusiasm, as well as the relevance of using model organisms.

Before undertaking a PhD work, I dedicated a whole year to broadening my horizons: through "a peripatetic programme of scientific activities dedicated to children on the theme of water", I travelled from South-East Asia to Mongolia along the Mekong river. You can still visit the website of this trip.

Keywords: living systems, evolution, interactions, spatial structure, phenotypic variability.