Multidisciplinary research group, joined in 2017
University of Côte d'Azur (FR)
The first centre on asymmetry in the world !
The interdisciplinary approach of this project aims to answer a number of questions thanks to the complementarity of the different disciplines. For example, asymmetry plays a major role at all levels of biology: from the spiral winding of DNA, to the left-handed heart, to the preference for the left or right hand. Similarly, the proteins that make up living beings also have an asymmetric structure dating back to the very origins of life.
Is there a link between all these forms of asymmetry? This question crosses many scientific disciplines (genetics, neuroscience, palaeontology, developmental biology, biochemistry, astronomy, fundamental physics, etc.).
In order to carry out studies focused on asymmetry, the creation of a European research institute is also envisaged. This structure aims to incorporate the natural sciences as well as the social sciences and the economy in order to make progress, together, on issues related to this theme and to lift the veil on questions such as: what is right-handedness or left-handedness? Are we anatomically asymmetrical? Is there asymmetry everywhere?
Moreover, the phenomena linked to asymmetry were very skilfully tackled in a programme on France Inter which you can watch by clicking on this link.
With the creation of this institute, Université Côte d'Azur intends to create a virtual transdisciplinary infrastructure that will encourage academic exchanges (conferences, presentations, summer universities held within the walls of Université Côte d'Azur, etc.) where renowned researchers will meet and have a framework for collaboration, but also be able to provide innovative training.