Jean Cohen Lectureship Nominations
Jean Cohen tragically and prematurely passed away in November 2004 at the age of 60. After achieving two higher degrees at the University of Orsay/Paris, Jean became a full-time researcher at the INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, in 1984 and in 2003 at the CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette. He devoted most of his scientific efforts to research on rotavirus (RV). Many regard him as the father of the molecular biology of RVs. He has published/co-published the results of his work in over 100 papers in scientific journals.
His main achievements were:
- the discovery of the transcriptase activity of RV subviral particles in vitro
- cloning, sequencing, and expression of RV genes
- studies of molecular mechanisms of RV replication, including functions of virus-encoded non-structural proteins
- contribution to the elucidation of the atomic structure of RV VP6
- studies of immune responses to RV infections using baculovirus recombinant-produced virus-like particles (VLPs)
Jean was a researcher with immense insight into his subject, many original ideas, and exceptional skills at the bench. His work is still frequently cited, and he is sorely missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. However, he will live on in our memory.
Shortly after Jean’s decease, a ‘Jean Cohen Lectureship’ Trust was established to “ support a ‘Jean Cohen Lecturer’ to deliver a lecture at the occasion of the triennial International Symposium on dsRNA Viruses.” The Jean Cohen Lecturers of previous meetings were Félix Rey (2006), Mary K Estes (2009), Stephen C Harrison (2012), John T Patton (2015), Harry Greenberg (2018), and Polly Roy (2022).
Bestowment of the lectureship comprises reimbursement of travel, conference fees, and accommodation costs.
The closing date for nominations is Friday, May 19th, 2025. After evaluating the returns, a shortlist of the top names will be sent again to all colleagues for a second vote restricted to these names.