Groupement de Recherche O3 – Odorant, Odeur, Olfaction (GDR O3) – is a scientific network created in 2015 under the auspices of the CNRS, bringing together researchers from multiple disciplines to study odors and olfaction. Its annual congress, which gathers experts in chemistry, biology, neuroscience, social sciences, and industry, aims to promote exchanges and innovation.
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “Nathalie, can you introduce yourself and explain your role in the GDR O3, please?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “I am a research director at CNRS, and I co-lead, with Moustafa Bensafi, a team at the Lyon Neuroscience Research Center called Neuropop, which focuses on the neuroplasticity of olfactory perception. As a neuroscientist, I am interested in the neural bases of odor perception. I have also taken on the leadership of this research group, a role I find exciting. My job is to coordinate and facilitate interactions among researchers interested in the vast world of odors. This group includes chemists, neurobiologists, as well as specialists in the humanities and plant physiology. The goal is to create opportunities for discussion and collaboration to develop interdisciplinary projects, while also integrating the industry and enhancing the valorization of research. We also aim to popularize this science so that it is accessible to everyone.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “What is the focus of this 2024 edition?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “The novelty compared to previous editions lies in the integration of a masterclass before the classic GDR program, which includes conferences. With the specific setting of Nice, the masterclasses focused on the world of perfumes. We laid the groundwork by involving experts like Xavier Fernandez, a chemist, as well as a perfumer and myself as a neurobiologist. This allowed students and interested researchers to gain the knowledge needed to understand the perception of perfumes and their creation, addressing both scientific and applied aspects.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “How have these days evolved since their inception in 2015?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “These days have evolved significantly. When I took over the leadership, it was essential for me to strengthen the interdisciplinary nature of the GDR compared to other groups set up by CNRS. We need to ensure that chemists can understand neurobiologists and vice versa. So, I implemented short sessions alternating between disciplines so that no one feels lost. We have made sure that everyone can follow along and find interest in the discussions, even if it is not a complete simplification. We also want to involve more young researchers, whether they are PhD or postdoc students, by offering them opportunities to actively present their research, rather than just through posters.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “Have you been there since the beginning?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “Yes, I was present from 2015, initially in a scientific role, then I was called to co-lead and later to take over the direction of the GDR.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “What challenges does the GDR O3 face today?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “We are facing financial challenges, as the CNRS has decided to no longer financially support the group after two terms. This means we must now structure ourselves and find funding to organize these days and bring our members together. We also have positive challenges, such as enabling researchers to gather to develop new projects and improve communication, especially after the crises related to COVID-19.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “What emerging themes are there in the field of olfactory research?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “That’s a broad question! At the recent meetings, Raj Gurdon’s talk on food was particularly striking. He emphasized the importance of olfactory research in relation to conditions associated with obesity and diabetes. This resonates with my own research on the perception of pleasant and unpleasant odors, and how this perception can be altered. I am also collaborating with the psychiatric hospital in Lyon to study the impact of depression on olfactory perception.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “Do you have examples of industrial or medical applications stemming from this research?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “For the latest meetings, it may still be too early to say, but there are interactions between researchers and industry. For example, we had a contract with an industrial partner in Rhône-Alpes for a specific project. We also organize sessions where researchers present their work to industry professionals, which helps foster collaborations. However, it is essential to respect confidentiality, so I am not always informed of all contracts concluded.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “Have you noticed good representation from different groups of researchers during the seminars?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “Yes, during this seminar, we managed to represent several disciplines, including neurobiology, chemistry, and the humanities. The student sessions also helped to broaden our audience. We strive to hold these days in different cities to ensure wide representation.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “What are your general impressions of this seminar?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “The feedback has been very positive. Participants learned a lot, and the masterclass refreshed the foundations of olfactory neuroscience. I think it would be beneficial to continue organizing this type of masterclass regularly, as it enhances scientific culture.”
Per Fumum Endowment Fund : “So, to finish, how valuable is the support from the Perfumum fund for the GDR O3?”
Nathalie Mandairon: “It is incredibly valuable. It allows these days to continue and come to fruition. It is excellent news for the GDR to be able to organize it under these conditions. For us, truly, a big thank you. This has made it possible. After that, we know that we had the option to charge people. It was a solution that many GDRs often choose. But we know the consequences: fewer students attend because it’s too expensive for laboratories. It also leads to much lower participation. We no longer see the same interactions, and we lose all the richness of the GDR if we have to face these financial constraints.”
