Catherine Picart is internationally recognized as a biophysist, specialist of biomaterials and bioactive coatings. She obtained a first major result by explaining the exponential growth mechanism of self-assembled films made of polysaccharides.
This work led her to study the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of thin films and to develop bioactive films for applications in regenerative medicine.
She also developed an automated system to deposit the films in cell culture microplates for high throughput cellular studies. Most of this work has been carried out during an ERC Consolidator Grant project, three ERC-Proof-of-Concept projects derived from the initial project, and a Fulbright fellowship during her sabbatical stay at Boston University in 2016.
The prize ceremony took place at the French Academy of Science on October 15th 2019.