معرفی
Christophe Lucas is a CNRS Research Scientist and Manager of the Chemical Ecology Platform at the Research Institute on Insect Biology (IRBI), University of Tours, France. He holds a HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) and has been affiliated with institutions including the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) and University of Toronto (Canada). His research focuses on chemical and behavioral ecology, particularly in social insects like termites, ants, and wasps, exploring how environmental and social factors influence behavior through chemical communication and genetic mechanisms.
Education:
- PhD in Sciences (1998-2002), University of Paris-Sud
- Post-doctoral Researcher (2003-2006), University of Toronto
- First Assistant (2007-2009), University of Lausanne
Research Themes: Chemical ecology, behavioral genetics, and adaptation in social insects. Key areas include chemical communication pathways, gene expression linked to behavior (e.g., the foraging gene), and the role of environmental factors in behavioral plasticity. Models include termites, ants (e.g., Solenopsis invicta, Pheidole pallidula), earwigs, and Drosophila.
Methodologies: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), RNA interference, omics tools (W4M, Galaxy), and behavioral tracking. Recent work highlights chemical heterogeneity in hornets, termite reproductive signaling, and defensive adaptations in insect societies.
Grants and Collaborations: Collaborations include the International Union for the Study of Social Insects and GDR Chemical Ecology. His work intersects with invasive species biology and ecological stress responses.
