Stella Césari

Stella Césari is a Research Fellow at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in Montpellier, where she leads the ii-MAX research project at the Joint Research Unit for Biology and Genetics of Plant-Parasite Interactions (UMR BGPI) since 2018. Her work focuses on understanding fungal infection mechanisms in staple crops through ERC-funded research.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Plant Biology, UMR BGPI, INRA Montpellier (2009-2012)
• Master's degree in Functional Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Montpellier (2009)
• Bachelor's degree in Functional Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Montpellier (2007)
• Baccalaureate in Science (Series S) (2004)

Dr. Césari investigates how Magnaporthe oryzae manipulates rice cellular processes via MAX effectors—structurally conserved virulence proteins with minimal sequence similarity. Her research aims to identify host targets of these effectors to develop sustainable resistance strategies against rice blast disease, which also threatens wheat and barley production globally. This work bridges molecular plant pathology and agricultural innovation for food security.

Her major recognitions include:

• ERC Starting Grant (2019) for pioneering work on plant immunity mechanisms
• New Phytologist Tansley Medal (2017) for excellence in plant science research

As principal investigator of the ii-MAX project, she directs a research team exploring biophysical interactions between fungal effectors and rice host proteins. Her work leverages UMR BGPI's collaborative framework involving INRA, CIRAD, and Montpellier SupAgro to translate fundamental discoveries into crop resistance solutions. Current efforts focus on modifying host sensitivity proteins to create durable blast-resistant cereal varieties through sustainable breeding approaches.