About
Morgane Besson is a permanent Expert Research Associate (equivalent to CR1) at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, since 2013. She leads research in the Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems Unit (UMR CNRS 3571) under Dr. Uwe Maskos, focusing on neurobiological mechanisms of nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine addiction.
Her educational background includes:
- 2022: Accreditation to supervise research (HDR) from Université Paris 11
- 2002-2006: PhD in brain-cognition-behavior at Université Paris VI (Institut Pasteur)
- 2007-2010: Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Cambridge
- 2010-2013: Postdoctoral fellowship at Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems Unit
- 2002: Master of Advanced Studies (DEA) in Behavioral Biology, Université Paris 13
- 2001: First-year Master's in Cell Biology and Physiology (neuroscience), University of Rouen
Besson's research investigates why some individuals develop addictions while others control consumption, identifying genetic mutations (e.g., in nicotinic receptors that double nicotine addiction risk) and environmental interactions. She demonstrates how drugs hijack the brain's dopamine-based reward system and rewire neural circuits for habits, proving addiction is a biochemical brain disease—not mere willpower failure. Her work integrates patient data with genomic analysis through collaborations with clinicians like psychiatrist Romain Icick.
Her recognition includes:
- Gilbert Lagrue Award from the Fondation de France (2014) for nicotine dependence research
As an HDR-holding researcher, Besson supervises doctoral students and leads projects analyzing genetic/environmental interactions in addiction vulnerability. Her unit collaborates with clinical teams to translate neurobiological findings into treatment insights, particularly for cocaine addiction where no effective therapies exist. Current work characterizes neurobiological correlates of psychiatric disorders linked to substance abuse.
