The Vallee Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of the 2025 Vallee Visiting Professors (VVPs).  We are honored to welcome Pascale Cossart, Nicole King, and Sabeeha Merchant to our scientific community.

Pascale Cossart, PhD, a renowned microbiologist at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of bacterial pathogenesis. Her pioneering research on Listeria monocytogenes has not only deepened our understanding of host-pathogen interactions but also shed light on new concepts in cell biology and fundamental microbiology, influencing the development of new therapeutic strategies. Dr Cossart’s expertise and innovative approach to microbiology as well as her dedication to mentoring future leaders is inspirational.

Nicole King, PhD, an esteemed evolutionary biologist at the University of California, Berkeley, is celebrated for her work on the origins of multicellularity. Her research on choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, has provided invaluable insights into the evolutionary transition from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular life forms. Dr. King's interdisciplinary approach and dedication to unraveling the mysteries of evolution make her a remarkable addition to the Vallee Visiting Professors.

Sabeeha Merchant, PhD, a distinguished plant biologist, also at the University of California, Berkeley, has made significant strides in understanding the molecular mechanisms of metal homeostasis in plants. Her research on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has shed light on how plants manage essential metals, contributing to advancements in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Bert Vallee, who himself was a pioneer in research in zinc enzymology and metallobiochemistry, would be particularly pleased at the appointment of Dr Merchant.

We are excited to recognize the work of these extraordinary scientists and look forward to the innovative research and collaborative endeavors they will bring to the Vallee Foundation. Please join us in welcoming Pascale Cossart, Nicole King, and Sabeeha Merchant as our newest Vallee Visiting Professors.