Le Douarin, Nicole

Nicole Le Douarin has truly taken the path less travelled. She began her career as a high-school teacher, moving to research — specifically to embryology. In this field she made incredible discoveries that opened new horizons in many scientific disciplines. Because of her contributions, incalculable progress is made every day. She has been a keynote speaker for conferences in all of the most reputable universities and her accolades are ceaseless. Today, Mrs. Le Douarin is the first woman to hold the position of perpetual secretary of the Académie des sciences from the Collège de France.