Matthieu Piel

Matthieu Piel is a Research Professor and Team Leader at Institut Curie, heading the Quantitative Cell Physiology team within the Cell Biology and Cancer unit (UMR144). His research focuses on understanding cellular processes under physical constraints, particularly cell migration, volume regulation, and division in confined environments.

Dr. Piel's research interests span multiple disciplines at the intersection of cell biology, physics, and engineering. His team develops innovative micro- and nano-fabrication techniques to control cellular microenvironments, coupled with quantitative microscopy to study cellular behavior. Key areas include:

• Mechanosensitivity of cellular processes
• Nuclear envelope mechanics under physical constraints
• Cell migration in confined environments (particularly immune and cancer cells)
• Development of microfabricated tools for cell biology research
• Cell volume and mass regulation

Dr. Piel's publications demonstrate a strong focus on the physical aspects of cell biology, with particular emphasis on how mechanical constraints impact cellular functions. His recent work has explored nuclear envelope checkpoints, dendritic cell migration, and membrane mechanics in endothelial cells, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach bridging physics and biology.

Among his notable scientific achievements are:

• Médaille de Bronze du CNRS (2012)
• EMBO Membership (2016)
• Grand Prix Jean Hamburger (2018)
• Prix de Recherche de la Fondation Allianz-Institut de France (2023)
• Médaille d'Argent du CNRS (2023)

Dr. Piel has successfully secured significant research funding, including an ERC Consolidator Grant (2013-2018) and an ERC Synergy Grant (2023-2028). He has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to establish their own research groups. His laboratory has developed several innovative techniques including micropatterning, microchannels, confinement devices, and cellular volume measurement methods.

The Quantitative Cell Physiology team operates as an interdisciplinary research group combining physics, chemistry, and biology approaches to study cellular mechanics. The lab has strong collaborations with other research groups across France and internationally.