The DEFE unit (Embryonic Development, Fertility, and Environment) was created in 2020 through the merger of two complementary units: the INSERM U1203 unit Human Early Embryonic Development and Pluripotency and the EA3496 Host Team Human Fertility Research Group. Both structures had a strong clinical foundation, well-phenotyped patient cohorts, and developed complementary activities. Joining forces on the theme of Reproduction and Fertility allows us to be more relevant and comprehensive in our research.
We apply our expertise in the following fields:
- variations in genital development (VGD)
- male infertility
- female infertility
Our research activity is organized around two main axes:
Organizational Chart
The team is led by Prof. Françoise Paris and her deputy Prof. Eric Huyghe and is composed of:
- 8 Research professors, including 7 with HDR accreditation and 4 PU-PH
- 1 Postdoctoral Fellow
- 2 PhD Students
- 5 Engineers
- 10 Hospital Practitioners
- 1 Research Assistant
27
Total people
12
Full-time equivalents
24
Permanent staff
If you would like to join our team, please check the job openings in the Recruitment section or contact us via the contact tab.
Valorization
Our valorization policy has already led to:
- the filing of 5 patents + 1 in Toulouse
- the development of a software program
and continues in the fields of startups, the French Fertility Institute, and web platforms.
A startup was created in 2022 on this subject.
Involvement in teaching and training
The unit is involved in several training programs, including:
- Master 1 and 2 Research “Ethics of Care and Research” – Prof. Bujan
(Univ. Toulouse 1 (Law), Toulouse 2 (Humanities), Toulouse 3 (Medicine)) - Inter-University Diplomas or University Diploma
- DIU in Male Infertility and ART (Toulouse–Montpellier) Profs. Bujan and Hamamah
- DIU in Sexology across 13 universities, coordinated by Prof. Huyghe
- DIU in Childhood and Adolescent Gynecology across 7 universities, coordinated by Prof. Paris
- DIU in Environmental Medicine (Nice-Montpellier), coordinated by Prof. Chevalier and Prof. Paris
- DU in ART: clinical, biological, and genetic management of the infertile couple – Prof. Hamamah
- Doctoral schools
- Biology, Health, and Biotechnology, University of Toulouse III
- Chemical and Biological Sciences for Health, University of Montpellier
Governance
The unit meets and communicates via
- An in-person meeting twice a year in Toulouse or Montpellier
- A video conference every 2 months (and on request) on the web platform
- Communication on a newly created collaborative web platform
We hold a unit council three times a year and a general assembly.
A unique referencing system for publications to ensure better visibility
For management, we rely on INSERM and share a common secretariat.
We also offer thematic meetings, a common fund, and prioritization of calls for tenders.
Strengths – Risks
The unit’s strengths are:
- Strong clinical foundation (specialty)
- Expertise showcased through publications and patents
- International recognition
- Complementarity of the two teams
And the opportunities:
- Regrouping within the framework of the Occitanie region
- Collaboration and access to regional platforms
- Coordination of the national BRC GERMETHEQUE dedicated to the development of human reproduction (11 University Hospitals)
- Coordination of the national Reference Center DevGen (Genital Development from fetus to adult)
The presence of our DEFE unit enables a strong scientific policy:
- Regional dimension
- Strong clinical foundation
- Development of fundamental research (link between the two teams)
- Links with industry (Urosphère, Gédéon Richter, Startup)
- Links with teaching
