About us

Research area

The HolobiomicsLab is hosted at the Institut de Chimie de Nice on the Valrose parc at the Université Côte d'Azur. We are at the forefront of metabolomics experimental and computational method development and application. Our lab is dedicated to paving the way for groundbreaking insights and innovations. We are part of the team D2MS
Metabolomics
We are at the forefront of metabolomics experimental and computational method development and application. Our lab is dedicated to paving the way for groundbreaking insights and innovations.
Research Icon Artificial intelligence
HolobiomicsLab is a pioneer in the study of the intricate relationships between hosts and their microbiomes. Our mission is to explore these connections to develop new therapeutic strategies and improve human health.

About us

Facilities and equipment

The HolobiomicsLab is hosted at the Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) on the Valrose parc at the Université Côte d'Azur. The Valrose parc is a luxurious botanical garden ... The institute facility was partially renovated last in 2023, and the analytical platform of chemistry in 2024. For metabolomics analysis by mass spectrometry, the HolobiomicsLab operates two Orbitrap mass spectrometers. A Q-Exactive Focus (since 2018) and a IQ-X tribrid (since 2024) equipped with Vanquish UHPLC systems. Similarly, for compound identification, the HolobiomicsLab has access to a state-of-art Nulcear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instrument (Bruker Advance Neo 600 MHz equipped with cryoprobe, installed in 2024). For chemistry, the lab benefits from the infrastructure and lab space of the D2MS team, with access to sample extraction and preparation room, as well as analytical/semi/preparative HPLC (Waters) coupled to a single-quadropule for mass-targeted isolation procedure. For microbiology: the lab has a cultivation .... Computational: Azura
Metabolomics
We are at the forefront of metabolomics experimental and computational method development and application. Our lab is dedicated to paving the way for groundbreaking insights and innovations.

About us

Diversity Statement and Vision

Synergy of Diversity and Neurodiversity
At HolobiomicsLab, we understand that the future of scientific discovery and education is intricately tied to the dynamic synergy between diverse human intellects. Our commitment to fostering a diverse environment—encompassing identity, gender, culture, and cognitive perspectives—is not just a pillar of our approach; it is the engine that drives our innovation. Diversity, in all its forms, is not merely about inclusion; it is a critical driver of the depth and breadth of our research and educational initiatives.
Embracing Neurodiversity: Unlocking Unique Strengths and Potential
At HolobiomicsLab, we celebrate neurodiversity and recognize that individuals with neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, bring unique strengths that inspire innovative thinking and challenge conventional methods. Rather than viewing these differences as challenges, we see them as variations in cognitive function that offer distinct advantages. For example, individuals with autism often display exceptional attention to detail and systematizing skills, while those with ADHD frequently excel in creativity and spontaneous problem-solving. By embracing these diverse perspectives, we create a richer and more dynamic academic environment, where varied cognitive approaches lead to novel insights and discoveries. This inclusive mindset empowers all team members to fully engage with and contribute to our research, fostering a collaborative spirit that enhances the collective potential of our lab.
Inclusive and Empowering Academic Environment
At HolobiomicsLab, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals—regardless of their cognitive or neurological profiles, physical abilities, identities, genders, or cultural backgrounds—can thrive. Our commitment to inclusion goes beyond mere accommodation; it is about fostering a space where everyone is empowered to express their unique strengths and contribute to our collective success. We believe that diverse perspectives, shaped by a variety of lived experiences, enhance the depth and scope of our scientific inquiry. By embracing these differences, we cultivate a research culture that celebrates not only cognitive diversity but also the richness brought by all forms of human diversity, encouraging the full participation and engagement of every team member.
AI-Enhanced Learning and Research
At HolobiomicsLab, we are not just integrating AI into our research and learning processes; we are pioneering a co-evolutionary relationship with AI that is reshaping the future of scientific discovery and education. By viewing AI as a co-creative partner, we harness its potential to augment human creativity and analytical capabilities, allowing us to explore new frontiers and challenge established paradigms across disciplines. This approach creates interdisciplinary opportunities that enable researchers and students from various fields to engage deeply with complex scientific questions and computational methods, even without prior formal training in bioinformatics or computational sciences. Through this co-evolution, we are democratizing access to advanced tools, empowering everyone to adopt and apply these methods in their work, thereby accelerating innovation.
Interdisciplinarity: Bridging Disciplines through AI Co-Evolution
Interdisciplinarity is at the heart of our approach at HolobiomicsLab. We recognize that the most significant scientific advancements occur when knowledge from different fields converges to address complex challenges. AI plays a pivotal role in facilitating this convergence by bridging gaps between disciplines and enabling seamless collaboration. Our lab fosters an environment where biologists, chemists, data scientists, and other specialists can work together, leveraging AI to cross traditional boundaries. This interdisciplinary focus not only enhances the depth and breadth of our research but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By integrating diverse expertise with AI, we are pioneering new methodologies and solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible.
AI as a Tool to Accommodate and Empower Neurodiverse Researchers
Artificial intelligence also plays a crucial role in supporting neurodiverse individuals within research and academic settings. AI can address some of the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse researchers by providing tailored support that aligns with their cognitive strengths. For instance, AI-driven tools can automate routine tasks, offer structure, and create personalized learning paths, enabling neurodiverse individuals to focus on their strengths, such as creative problem-solving or detailed analysis. Furthermore, AI enhances accessibility by creating environments that reduce sensory overload—a common challenge for many neurodiverse individuals—thus enabling them to thrive in academic settings. Our AI-assisted learning initiatives are specifically designed to bridge gaps between disciplines while accommodating diverse cognitive needs. AI provides personalized and adaptive learning experiences, helping students from diverse backgrounds grasp complex bioinformatics concepts and computational techniques with greater ease. This interdisciplinary and inclusive approach ensures that all students, regardless of their academic background or neurodiversity, can fully participate in and contribute to cutting-edge research, fostering a more collaborative and supportive academic environment. Through our pioneering efforts, we aim to lead the co-evolution of AI in research and education, setting new standards for how technology and human ingenuity can thrive together.

About us

Affiliations, Funding, Acknowledgements

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) is France's leading public research organization and one of the largest in Europe. For more than 80 years, the CNRS supports cutting-edge research across all fields of knowledge, from fundamental sciences to applied technologies. With over 1,000 laboratories and a global network of researchers, the CNRS plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific discovery and innovation.

The CNRS is the primary contributor to the HolobiomicsLab, supporting the lab with two permanent researchers (Louis-Félix Nothias and Tao Jiang), one PhD fellowship (MITI CNRS), and starting funds. The lab also benefits from the CNRS's extensive local and national ecosystem, which includes access to cutting-edge research instrumentation, administrative and grant management support.

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Université Côte d'Azur

Université Côte d'Azur (UniCA) hosts/supports the HolobiomicsLab and plays a crucial role in its success. The lab is located at the Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) on the Valrose campus, which offers state-of-the-art analytical chemistry instrumentation. The HolobiomicsLab is associated to the D2MM team (headed by the Prof. Mohamed Mehiri) at the ICN. Additionally, the lab has a access to the Azzura supercomputer for advanced computational research. As a research-intensive institution, Université Côte d'Azur supports the lab through its academic ecosystem, offering administrative assistance, collaborative opportunities, and interdisciplinary educational programs.

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Interdisciplinary Institute for Artificial Intelligence Côte d'Azur

The Interdisciplinary Institute for Artificial Intelligence (3iA) Côte d’Azur, one of the four "Interdisciplinary Institutes for Artificial Intelligence" established in France in 2019, plays a crucial role in supporting the HolobiomicsLab. Through the Affiliated Chair (Louis-Félix Nothias) and co-funded research projects such as that of Madina Bekbegernova, we are deeply integrated into the 3iA Côte d'Azur ecosystem. This integration allows us to tap into the expertise of 3iA’s extensive network, including collaborations with academic leaders at the INRIA Sophia Antipolis and various start-up/industrial partners. Our partnership with 3iA enhances our ability to develop and apply cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques, creating new translational opportunities for our research methods and tools.

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Our research is supported by the following institutions/programs

The CNRS

This lab is supported by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Mission Interdisciplinaire pour les Initiatives Transversales (MITI CNRS).

Initiative d'Excellence

This lab is supported by the French government, through the UCA J.E.D.I. Investments in the Future project managed by the National Research Agency (ANR) with the reference number ANR-15-IDEX-01.

ANR

The Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) is supported by the National Research Agency (ANR) with the reference ANR-22-CPJ2-0048-01 & ANR-24-CE44-1190-03.

Region Sud

The HolobiomicsLab and the Institut de Chimie de Nice are benefiting from the Contrat de plan Etat-région (CPER) "Metabolome" co-funded by the Région Sud, the French Governement and the CNRS, and coordinated by Prof. Mohamed Mehiri (UniCA) providing state-of-art instrumentation for mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance.

FNR Luxembourg

The lab is supported by AFR FNR Luxembourg (project 17994255) that funds the research project of Lucas Pradi aiming at enhancing metabolite detection and annotation by improving MS2 spectral quality and coverage.

We submit every year ambitious interdisciplinary projects to Horizon Europe calls

European Innovation Council (EIC)

Two proposals submitted to the EIC Pathfinder Open call (2023 & 2024). Both were evaluated as "Very good" but below the funding threshold (approx. 5% success rate).

European Research Council

One ERC Starting Grant proposal (2023) that was evaluated up to the interview stage, but not funded.