Candice Contet

Candice Contet, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Translational Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). Her research focuses on molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorders (AUDs), specifically investigating how ethanol acts on potassium channels (GIRK/BK) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems. Her lab uses mouse models of excessive alcohol drinking combined with genetic tools and viral vectors. Key collaborations include the TSRI Alcohol Research Center and Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research.

Education: PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology (University of Strasbourg, 2006), M.S. in Chemistry and Biology (University of Paris, 2001), B.S. in Life and Earth Science (University of Paris, 1998). Professional experience includes postdoctoral work at UC San Diego (2006-2007) and Scripps (2008-2011), progressing through Assistant Professor (2011-2016) to current Associate Professor rank.

Research interests include: 1) Ethanol's effects on GIRK/BK channels, 2) CRF-mediated stress pathways in alcohol dependence, 3) Parasubthalamic nucleus circuitry influencing motivated behaviors. Her work identifies novel therapeutic targets like IL-17 signaling and BK channel modulators.

Awards include sustained NIAAA funding (R01/R21/R33 grants) and editorial roles at Brain Sciences and International Review of Neurobiology. Active reviewer for NIH study sections (NAL, NMB) and addiction research programs.