Team
Founders
Xavier Vasques is an engineer and researcher in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience and quantum computing.
Xavier Vasques serves as Vice President and Technical Director at IBM, in charge of the IBM Technology technical community and R&D in France.
His career is marked by contributions in both academia and industry, particularly in the field of AI, quantum computing and neuroscience.
Xavier Vasques holds a doctorate in neuroscience from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montpellier, where his research at CNRS and INSERM focused on the application of deep brain stimulation for movement disorders. This expertise is reinforced by a solid background in mathematics and computer science, with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions such as Paris-Sorbonne University and the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers.
Throughout his career, Xavier Vasques has demonstrated a deep commitment to education and research. He has held various teaching positions and has been actively involved in mentoring within the scientific community. His work goes beyond the confines of IBM, as he also directs the Clinical Neuroscience Research Laboratory, exploring the interface between mathematics and neuroscience to better understand brain function.
His work also extends to harnessing the potential of quantum computing to improve AI technologies in neuroscience. Xavier’s expertise is further highlighted by the publication of two books: “Neurons under Influence” and “Machine Learning Theory and Applications: Hands-on Use Cases with Python on Classical and Quantum Machines. “Xavier is also a prolific contributor to the scientific community with numerous research publications.
Dr. Laura Cif is a renowned hospital practitioner and researcher specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders and in particular dystonia and the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Dr. Cif obtained her medical degree and then obtained a master’s degree in neuroscience, followed by a doctorate from the University of Montpellier I. In 2004, she obtained a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in Neurobiology of Communication and Integration Processes. She pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Lausanne from 2013 to 2014. In October 2015, she obtained her Accreditation to Direct Research.
Dr. Cif has dedicated over two decades to the field of neurosurgery/neurology, with a significant focus on movement disorders. His expertise in the management of dystonia by the SCP is internationally recognized.
Dr. Cif is the prolific author of more than 80 peer-reviewed publications. His research focuses primarily on the long-term effects and mechanisms of chronic electrical neuromodulation in the treatment of dystonia and dyskinesia. She has supervised several masters and theses, and has been a member of numerous thesis juries in medicine and neuroscience.
Dr. Cif is associate editor for the special section of movement disorders in the journal Frontiers in Neurology. She is also an active critic for several high-impact journals, including Brain, Annals of Neurology, and the Movement Disorders Journal. She is regularly invited to speak at international conferences such as the Movement Disorders Society, the European Pediatric Neurology Society, and the European Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Society. In addition, she participates in conferences of patient associations such as Dystonia Europe and Amadys.
Dr. Cif is a member of the Health Technologies Committee (CE19) for the period 2021-2024. His contributions to the field of movement disorders and neurosurgery/neurology have been recognized by his involvement on various prestigious committees and his role in advancing clinical and research practices.
Dr. Cif’s devotion to her field and extensive contributions to the understanding and treatment of movement disorders make her a leading figure in neuromodulation.
Scientific Committee
Marwan Hariz
Neurosurgeon
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Marwan is known for his pioneering contributions to the field of functional neurosurgery, particularly in the treatment of neurological diseases and in the field of psychosurgery
Gabriella Horvath
Pediatric neurologist
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Gabriella is a pediatrician in Vancouver, Canada, known for her expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of neurobetabolic genetic diseases.
Laurent Vanel
Administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Biochemist by training, passionate about IT and innovations. He puts all his experience and personal qualities at the service of this project.
Administration
Isabelle Kahn Fraine
Vice-President, administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Managing Director of Google Cloud France, she has incredible energy that she makes available to our project, with a smile.
Christine Wahart
Secretary General, Treasurer, administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Marketing executive, young retiree always ready to take on an organizational challenge and ready to do anything to help save Juliette.
Mathieu Louvrier
Administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Sales director, Mathieu has real business acumen and extensive experience as a team leader. And above all he delights us with his humor.
Emmanuel Lecerf
Administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Deputy Managing Director of a growing start-up. Emmanuel combines his qualities as a leader of men with a real strategic vision, while being funny and pragmatic.
Jean-Christophe Knoertzer
Administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Retired Vice President IBM Corporation. A tireless traveler, he shares his life on several continents. A faithful man, passionate about mountaineering and Africa.
Patrick Cornic
Administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
A retired sales manager, he has always demonstrated great rigor in business. Patrick has a great international culture. He is passionate about sports and travel.
Jean-Michel Fournier
Administrator
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Vice-President of the Saint-Pierre Institute in Palavas, very involved in associations linked to health and dystonia. A man whose experience is key in our team.
Researchers
Diane Demailly
Neurologist
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Diane is a neurologist at the Institut Mutualiste Montpellier, Clinique Beau Soleil. His field of practice is the diagnosis and treatment of movement pathologies such as tremors and dystonia
Zohra Souei
Neurosurgeon
- Linkdein
- ORCID
Zohra met Laura during her training at Montpellier University Hospital. Passionate about functional neurosurgery, she was involved in the research she is pursuing at the Neuron Institute.
