Interview with Hanane Iben Daoudi from University Cadi Ayyad (Morocco) on her 12 months secondment at Université de Bordeaux (France) under the direction of Prof. Marc Landry.
First of all, can you tell us more about yourself? Where are you from, what is your university background?
My name is Hanane Iben Daoudi, and I am a PhD candidate in neuroscience at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco. I began my academic journey with a background in biology, and subsequently specialized in neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology through the online Master’s program in Neuroscience and Biotechnology (EMN).
My doctoral research explores the functional roles of distinct subdivisions of the mediodorsal thalamus—a brain structure critically involved in both the sensory-discriminative and emotional dimensions of pain processing.
In parallel with my research activities, I have been actively involved in teaching and supervising students, experiences that have strengthened both my academic foundation and my communication skills.
Why did you choose this career path? What is your interest about science?
I’ve always been fascinated by the brain—how it orchestrates thought, emotion, and behavior. This curiosity became a driving force during my Master’s training in neuroscience. I was especially inspired by how neuroscience can connect fundamental questions about the brain with real-world challenges in mental health. This pushed me to continue with doctoral studies and to contribute meaningfully to understanding complex brain functions and dysfunctions.
Can you tell us more about your mobility? Where did you go, for how long? On what kind of research were you working on? Who did you work with?
I spent one year in France as part of a research mobility program within Team 2: Purinergic Signaling, Inflammation, and Neurological Disorders at the Neurodegenerative Diseases Institute (IMN) at the University of Bordeaux, under the supervision of Professor Marc Landry. This secondment marked a turning point in my academic journey, providing hands-on training in optogenetics—a cutting-edge technique that enables precise control of neuronal activity using light. This method has since become a cornerstone of my PhD research, which investigates the specific roles of different subdivisions of the mediodorsal thalamus in pain processing.
During my stay, I had the privilege of working within a highly skilled and collaborative research team. Professor Marc Landry’s mentorship was instrumental, and I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with postdoctoral researcher Sandra, as well as Thibault and Sarah, whose support—both scientific and personal—greatly enriched my experience. I am also particularly grateful to Franck Aby, a member of Team 6 at the same institute, whose guidance and technical expertise in optogenetics were essential to the progress of my project.
This mobility experience allowed me to integrate advanced methodologies into my research, significantly enhancing its depth and scientific rigor. Beyond the laboratory, it offered a stimulating environment for scientific exchange, fostered my problem-solving skills, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. It was a truly transformative experience that shaped the trajectory of my doctoral work and strengthened my confidence as an early-career researcher.
Same question, but for people who don’t understand a thing about neuroscience (#PsyCoMedfordummies)
In simple terms, my research is about understanding how a small region deep in the brain—the mediodorsal thalamus—helps us process pain. This region has several parts, and I’m trying to figure out what each one does. During my time in Bordeaux, I learned how to use a technique called optogenetics, which lets scientists turn specific brain cells on or off using light. It’s like having a remote control for the brain! This helps us understand how different brain circuits work and how they may go wrong in disorders.
What will your research bring to people and to society in general?
By better understanding how the different parts of the mediodorsal thalamus function, we can uncover new insights into how the brain regulates cognition and emotion. This has important implications for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, or autism, where this region often shows abnormalities. My work could contribute to identifying new therapeutic targets or strategies for modulating brain circuits more precisely. It also highlights the importance of advanced techniques like optogenetics in neuroscience research.
How do you feel being part of a MSCA Staff Exchange project? What are the benefits of such mobility? What are the results of your secondment?
Participating in the MSCA Staff Exchange was a deeply enriching experience. It offered me access to new tools and concepts—especially optogenetics—and allowed me to collaborate with an outstanding team in Bordeaux. The exchange helped me grow not only scientifically but also personally, by challenging me to adapt to a new research environment and by encouraging interdisciplinary thinking. The methods I learned are now directly integrated into my thesis and will likely shape the way I approach research in the future.
Do you already have future projects you want to share with us?
Yes, I’m planning to further develop my research on the mediodorsal thalamus and expand the use of optogenetic approaches to study its interactions with other brain regions involved in cognition. I’m also interested in exploring how dysfunctions in this brain area may relate to neuropsychiatric disorders. In the near future, I hope to pursue postdoctoral opportunities that will allow me to deepen this work and collaborate with international neuroscience teams. I’m definitely open to new research exchanges as well.
Do you have a recommendation/an advice for future potential MSCA fellows?
Take full advantage of everything the program offers—new techniques, new collaborations, and new perspectives. Be open-minded and proactive, even when the environment is unfamiliar. My mobility experience in Bordeaux was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It gave me the chance to grow scientifically, meet passionate researchers, and learn cutting-edge methods like optogenetics. Present your work whenever possible, connect with others, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. That’s where growth really happens.