Context
In a constantly changing world, nature sometimes has difficulties to adapt. Anthropogenic factors and climate change contribute to biodiversity loss. In order to better manage and protect species (animal, plant, fungi, etc.), it is important to better understand this biodiversity and the interactions between organisms.
This is what ARGALY proposes: using the environmental DNA (eDNA) tool, we make it possible to list the organisms present in an environment, and in particular to detect rare, discrete, invasive or indicator species.
metabarcoding
eDNA
soil sampling
diet analysis
What is environmental DNA?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a complex mixture of DNA traces that different organisms have left in the environment (Taberlet et al. 2012*). Soil, sediment, feces or water are environmental samples that can be used to analyze eDNA.
The "eDNA metabarcoding" approach represents an innovative solution for biodiversity analyses. It is based on the analysis of target DNA fragments from environmental samples, and provides taxonomic or functional information on a given ecosystem.
A recent book** from the Alpine Ecology Laboratory presents the applications and potential of this methodology as well as its advantages and limitations for biodiversity analyses and species monitoring.
* Taberlet P, Coissac E, Hajibabaei M, Rieseberg LH. (2012) Environmental DNA. Molecular Ecology 21, 1789-1793.
** Taberlet P, Bonin A, Zinger L, Coissac E. (2018) Environmental DNA For Biodiversity Research and Monitoring. Oxford university Press.
Who are we?
- Board of directors -
Eva BELLEMAIN
President and Co-founder
Eva
"After a master's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2001, I completed a doctorate thesis on the genetics of the Scandinavian brown bear and continued my research experience with post-doctorates in Panama and Norway, in the field of population genetics and phylogeography, before specializing in environmental DNA from 2007.
Today, I am glad to apply my skills and experience to better evaluate and manage biodiversity."
Aurélie BONIN
CEO
Aurélie
"My fascination for nature originates from my childhood. During my Ph.D. in 2006, I approached biodiversity in terms of evolution. From 2012, my integration into a pioneering research team in eDNA methodological developments has given a more ecological dimension to my work. At a time of biodiversity crisis, I am committed to contribute to the knowledge of species and their preservation. I believe eDNA is a great tool to achieve this goal."
- Team -
Héloïse
"Passionate about biology since the beginning of my studies, I had the chance to discover molecular ecology during one internship. This experience opened my eyes to the capabilities of molecular biology tools to study ecosystems. Following experiences that allowed me to develop skills in molecular biology, I wanted to apply them to projects of interest for a better knowledge and protection of the environment.
That's why I'm happy to work at ARGALY today."
Héloïse
"Passionnée par la biologie depuis le début de mes études, j'ai eu la chance de découvrir l'écologie moléculaire lors de mon stage de fin d'études. Cette expérience m'a ouverte aux capacités qu'offrent les outils de biologie moléculaire pour étudier des écosystèmes. Suite à mon Master en Microbiologie Environnementale et à diverses expériences qui m'ont permis de développer des compétences en biologie moléculaire, j'ai eu envie de les mettre en application pour des projets d'intérêt et oeuvrant pour une meilleure connaissance et protection de l'environnement. C'est pourquoi je suis heureuse aujourd'hui de travailler comme technicienne de laboratoire au sein d'ARGALY. "
Héloïse ARCHAMBEAU
Laboratory responsible
Camille
"After my master degree in bio-informatic I completed a PhD thesis on developement of bioinformatics methods and transcriptomic data analysis in 2021. I chose to give my work a more ecological dimension and I am pleased to work on metabarcoding
data analysis, statistics and more general methodological R&D aspects for Argaly now. Today, having an impact on the preservation of biodiversity and the environment in general is a real motivation in my work."
Camille SESSEGOLO
Bioinformatician
Céline
"Little girl from Belledonne, I live in the nature since my childhood.
My studies and my character naturally led me to organisation and to management. With a B.T.S. Commercial Action in 1999, over 15 years of experience in supporting business owner and recent professional certification of assistant accountant, I am happy, today, to help to manage a company in alignment with my values."
Céline MODUGNO
Executive assistant
Alessia
"I came to ARGALY with a multidisciplinary background in environmental sciences and technology and after a PhD thesis on the evolution of ecosystems following glacier retreat. I now invest my knowledge in molecular ecology, bioinformatics and statistical analyses in biodiversity conservation and management projects, as well as in the methodological development of the eDNA metabarcoding tool. My goal is to have a real impact on the environment through more efficient and adapted monitoring strategies."
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Alessia GUERRIERI
Project leader
Joséphine
"After obtaining a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, my objective was to apply my knowledge for the benefit of biodiversity. Close to nature and sensitive to its fragile balance, being able to participate in projects to understand and preserve biodiversity is gratifying and seems natural to me. My contribution to this cause, through the analysis of samples collected in the field, motivates me. I find my convictions and my values today in my work at ARGALY."
Joséphine RENAUDIN
Laboratory technician
Cassandre
"I have always been passionate about mountain and nature, so today I am happy to contribute to better understand and preserve natural habitats thanks to eDNA at ARGALY.
After graduating from a master degree in molecular bioinformatics, I am delighted to put my scientific knowlegde into practice to achieve motivating goals within a dynamic team that shares my values."
Cassandre HERITIER-TELLIER
Bioinformatician
Marielle
"My fascination for nature and my ecological awareness led me to join ARGALY after an engineering degree at Université de Technologie de Compiègne. I grew up in the middle of the forest of Fontainebleau, therefore I am sympathetic to the beauty and fragility of the ecosystems around us. That's why I decided to head my molecular biology skills toward the development of a collective action for biodiversity preservation, by joining an innovative company that shares my human values."
Marielle GARCIA
Project leader
Abigaël CHIEUX
Project leader
Abigaël
"I have been fascinated by biodiversity and the living world and concerned about its protection since I am a child. I like the fact that environnemental DNA is a multidisciplinary approach to it, that's why I decided to get a master degree in Environnemental Genomics. After a block release training in ARGALY, I am now an R&D project leader and very happy to apply and acquire useful skills for the preservation of the environnement in such a great team."
Margot
"My passion for nature have always been fixed inside of me. I saw my environment change from the deep countryside I come from in the northeast of France. I try to play my part since then to preserve our beautiful nature. After a master degree in Environmental Sciences, I knew I wanted to pursue in the research field. I look forward to reinforcing my skills in functional and trophic ecology and molecular biology thanks to environmental DNA. I am glad to be guided in this new adventure by such a skillful and kind team."
Margot JANS
PhD student
- Former members -
Marie
"After studies in Genetics and Molecular Biology in 2012, followed by various experiences in biotechnology companies, I developed skills in field sampling and analysis of rare and degraded DNA in the laboratory. What drove me during my stay in ARGALY was to have a real impact on the environment and species conservation and to be part of a company where people come first."
Marie PIERRON
Co-founder
Our laboratories
Since October 2019, ARGALY has its own laboratories in Alpespace (Sainte-Hélène-du-Lac, FRANCE).
With a total surface of 75 m², our labs are divided into four rooms to perform the different analysis steps (DNA extraction, amplification, preparation for sequencing). Each room is equipped with differential pressure in order to guarantee optimal working conditions and avoid contaminations.
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Our partners
Since the emergence of ARGALY in november 2017, the LECA (Laboratory of Alpine Ecology of Grenoble) is present as a support, shares its experience and new technologies.
The company is supported in its growth and development of innovation by Le Village by CA, within a stimulating ecosystem in which companies, SMEs and start-ups, entrepreneurial support structures, industry players and investors cooperate
ARGALY is part of the UPGE (Union Professionnelle du Génie Ecologique) network, which brings together companies in the ecological sector with the common goal of protecting biodiversity, and the AGRONOV network, an association promoting innovation in agroecology.
ARGALY also benefits support from ADEME, that assists the actors of the ecological transition in their projects.
We are also associates of Crisalid, cooperative enterprise serving the general interest that works for soil refunctionalisation, and partners of The French Tech, group of entrepreneurs acting for innovation.
ARGALY is finally supported by the Atlas, guidance and financial services operator, the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, for human resources assistance, and by the 'Banque Populaire d'Investissement' as a financer of R&D projects.
