The evolution of radiobiology through the work of women scientists: the work of Christiane Ferradini

Abstract

Purpose

Pay tribute to Christiane Ferradini and highlight the importance of her work as a scientist.

Conclusions

Christiane Ferradini was born in 1924 in the south of France. She graduated from the Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse, France. In 1947, she joined the Curie Laboratory of the Radium Institute (which was then under the leadership of Madame Irène Joliot-Curie) to pursue her doctoral research. After her defence in 1955, she commenced her journey dedicated to the advancement of science. She became an exceptional teacher. She led a research group that contributed, through many fruitful collaborations, to the opening of a new chapter in radiation biology and medicine. Together they shed light on free radical formation and their reactions with biomolecules. Christiane published a total of 190 scientific articles and 9 books. She died in 2002.

Keywords:

• Christiane Ferradini
• women scientist
• radiobiology

SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION CODES:

• IJRB Special issue

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank René Bensasson and Jacqueline Belloni for providing pictures and sharing memories.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Notes on contributors

Marilyne Stuart is a Research Scientist in the Environment & Waste Technologies Branch at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. She heads the Environmental Biology and Toxicology section. Marilyne and her team are interested in understanding the effects of chemicals and ionizing radiation on living organisms. The team carries out field and laboratory studies in the context of single or multiple stressors. By analysing molecular, cellular, organ, organism, or reproductive changes, the team evaluates the risks associated with exposure.

Chantal Houée-Levin is an Emeritus Professor at the University Paris Saclay (France). For many years, she taught radiation chemistry of various systems including biological compounds. Moreover, she taught mechanisms of oxidative stress and of inflammation in humans beings. Her research focuses mostly on radiation chemistry of peptides, proteins and drugs as well as on the effects of free radicals on neutrophils and on their ability to deliver oxygen free radicals and produce inflammation.