Could you provide some information about yourself and your scientific background, including previous studies and degrees you have obtained?

My name is Jeanne Laforge. I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in viticulture and oenology, which I earned through studies in France and Germany. Studying in both countries has equipped me with trilingual proficiency, intercultural adaptability and a robust foundation in chemistry, oenology and viticulture.

Could you describe your scientific research and previous projects, listing your key expertise and skills?

I did many internships, which helped me bridge the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical winemaking. For example, my master’s thesis at Purpan Engineering School involved researching strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of global temperature increases on the natural production of rotundone, the peppery aroma in grapevines. I sharpened my skills in extraction methods, chemical analysis, and data analysis by performing metabolomics analyses on grapevine fruiting cuttings and cell cultures. I also conducted field experiments with a scientific team and a winemaker. The findings from this project were presented as a poster at the Ethylene Congress in Toulouse in 2023 and published in OENO One 2024.

What was the motivation for joining the Eco2Wine project?

I am passionate about innovation in winemaking. While respecting tradition, I am certain that addressing challenges like climate change, chemical restrictions, and economic competitiveness requires creativity and a fresh approach.

What is the motivation and aim of your PhD project?

Motivated by the need to innovate in response to climate change and ensure winemaking’s future resilience and quality, my project will focus on characterising the ecological and molecular interactions between wine-relevant yeast species and strains. I look forward to defining the specific objectives of my PhD project and achieving these goals with the team.

Could you write a few sentences about yourself, your hobbies, and your interests?

In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and playing ping-pong. Overall, I have a deep curiosity about the world – I love exploring new places and sharing a good meal with kind people, accompanied by an excellent glass of wine.