Andrée Marquet: Pioneering Chemist & Biology Innovator – A Tribute

Andrée Marquet, a pioneering figure in bioorganic and biological chemistry, has died, leaving a lasting legacy within the French scientific community. Marquet, who founded a laboratory at the University Pierre and Marie Curie that evolved into the UMR 8228 (Physical Chemistry and Chemistry of Living), passed away leaving behind a community of researchers continuing her work at the intersection of chemistry and biology.

Marquet’s career began at the CNRS following studies at the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris and a doctorate at the Collège de France. In 1978, she was appointed Professor at the University Pierre and Marie Curie, where she established the laboratory that would become a center for research into bioactive molecules. Her research focused on mechanistic enzymology, specifically the biosynthesis of steroids, vitamin K, and biotin.

Beyond specific research themes, Marquet is remembered for her ability to bridge the gap between biochemistry and organic chemistry, introducing concepts of reactivity and mechanisms to biochemical studies and grounding organic chemistry in the complexities of living systems. She fostered a common language between these traditionally distinct fields, influencing generations of colleagues and students.

Marquet was deeply involved in the service of chemistry, holding numerous scientific and institutional positions within the Société Chimique de France, the Maison de la Chimie, the CNRS, and the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research. Her commitment to scientific advancement, education, and institutional leadership has left an indelible mark on the French scientific landscape.

News of Marquet’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the scientific community. A call for welcoming American researchers to Europe, reported by Le Monde, underscores the ongoing need for international collaboration in scientific endeavors, a value Marquet herself embodied throughout her career.

Details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.