Anne Siegel

Anne Siegel is a CNRS Research Director based at IRISA (Institute for Research in Computer Science and Random Systems), affiliated with the University of Rennes and CNRS. She currently serves as a Scientific Officer at CNRS Informatics (INS2I), overseeing the transversal mission for gender equality, having previously served as Deputy Scientific Director from 2021 to 2025. Her research focuses on the intersection of computer science and biology, particularly in developing symbolic methods for knowledge representation and integration to analyze large-scale biological systems.

• Former student of ENS Lyon
• Associate professor of mathematics
• Doctor of mathematics from the University of Aix-Marseille (2000)
• Joined CNRS in 2002
• Research Director position since 2010

Anne Siegel's research spans the interface between computer science and biology, with particular emphasis on symbolic approaches to knowledge representation and integration for analyzing large-scale biological networks. Her early work focused on mathematics-computer science interfaces through the study of symbolic dynamic systems. She then transitioned to biology-computer science interfaces, developing methods to analyze metabolic networks of organisms including macro-algae. Her current research contributes to various scientific projects focusing on methods for modeling the metabolism of organisms in interaction with their microbiota. She has made significant contributions to bioinformatics, systems biology, and computational modeling of biological processes.

Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on developing computational methods for biological network analysis, particularly in metabolic modeling and logical signaling networks. The research trends show a consistent pattern of interdisciplinary work combining mathematical rigor with biological applications, with a recent emphasis on microbial communities, metabolic modeling, and the development of computational tools for systems biology. Her work often involves collaborations across multiple institutions and countries, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her research.

• Best paper award (CMSB 2012)
• Active involvement in gender equality initiatives in science

Anne Siegel has supervised numerous PhD students and researchers throughout her career, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary projects at the interface of computer science and biology. Her leadership roles have included creating and leading the Dyliss team (bioinformatics, systems biology) within IRISA laboratory (2012-2019), and serving as head of the 'Data and Knowledge Management' department (2019-2021). She has been actively involved in multiple research projects funded by institutions including ANR, Inria, and CNRS, with focus areas spanning from algal metabolism to plant microbiomes and fermented products.

She has been instrumental in establishing and leading the Dyliss team at IRISA, which focuses on bioinformatics and systems biology. Her leadership extends to national committees including the CNRS National Committee and the Inria Evaluation Committee. She has also played a key role in gender equality initiatives within CNRS Informatics, contributing to the creation of the transversal parity-equality mission.