Dedicated, reliable, indispensable

"Nicolas Biteau, a Research Engineer (Ingénieur de Recherche), has been the backbone of our department, a professional whose expertise, dedication, and foresight make the lab function smoothly and efficiently, far beyond what its resources alone would allow. In a context of limited funding and increasing complexity, Nicolas ensures that every piece of infrastructure is operational: he prepares and installs shelving and equipment, configures computers and instruments, manages critical reagents, and navigates administrative requirements with calm precision. Remarkably, all of this he achieves while actively pursuing his own research in mycology, contributing to scientific knowledge through experiments, publications, and collaboration with other teams. Nicolas remains eager to participate in team meetings, learn new techniques, and share his expertise with others. He teaches students, guiding them in practical lab skills and scientific thinking, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared and confident. Nicolas’s contributions extend far beyond technical support. He anticipates problems, resolves crises, and assists both staff and students, quietly enabling everyone to focus on their research. From coordinating major lab setups to troubleshooting delicate instruments, his expertise and initiative have saved countless hours, protected precious samples, and ensured continuity of experiments under all circumstances. All of this work is done in addition to his official duties, with no additional financial compensation, highlighting his extraordinary commitment to the lab and its people. What truly sets Nicolas apart is his unwavering reliability. When our -80 °C freezer alarms in the middle of the night, he responds immediately, safeguarding irreplaceable samples and preventing potential disasters. His commitment ensures not only the safety of our work but also the confidence of everyone in the lab. Beyond his technical mastery and research contributions, Nicolas embodies mentorship, collaboration, and quiet leadership. He guides new team members, shares his vast institutional knowledge, and fosters a culture of respect, efficiency, and accountability. Behind the scenes, Nicolas’s influence on the lab’s operations and success is immense and irreplaceable. The lab’s stability, productivity, and capacity for scientific innovation rest squarely on his shoulders. For these reasons, we enthusiastically nominate Nicolas Biteau as a Lab Hero. His years of dedicated service as a Research Engineer, his exceptional scientific work in mycology, his willingness to stay engaged with the team, and his tireless support of the laboratory make him a true embodiment of the spirit this award celebrates."

Nominated by Melanie Bonhivers, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, CNRS, Bordeaux University, France

 

An extraordinary person

"Nicolas is someone who, in addition to carrying out his research with great professionalism and quality, is always available and ready to help. He manages the many issues in the lab with good humor and a constant smile. He is truly admirable and exceptional, with outstanding human qualities."

Nominated by Emmanuel Tetaud, University of Bordeaux, France

 

Expertise, dedication, leadership

"For more than twenty years, Nicolas Biteau, Research Engineer at the MFP Laboratory (Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité) of the University of Bordeaux, has been one of the essential pillars ensuring the laboratory’s smooth operation and success. His exceptional versatility, technical mastery, and dedication make him an irreplaceable figure both scientifically and organizationally. Nicolas’s role extends far beyond his primary position as a research engineer in molecular biology, where he is recognized as an expert and reference figure within the laboratory and beyond. His deep knowledge of molecular and cellular techniques, combined with a rigorous and collaborative approach, makes him a key contributor to many research projects. Always available to assist, train, and advise his colleagues, he plays a vital role in transmitting technical know-how and scientific best practices to students, engineers, and researchers alike. In addition to his scientific expertise, Nicolas assumes numerous transversal responsibilities that are crucial to the laboratory’s daily life. He manages the building infrastructure and technical facilities, ensuring that the laboratory’s environment remains functional, safe, and efficient. From coordinating maintenance work to optimizing laboratory spaces, he constantly works to improve working conditions for everyone. Nicolas is also known for his exceptional technical troubleshooting skills, capable of repairing or adapting a wide range of scientific and non-scientific equipment. His ingenuity and problem-solving ability have saved countless experiments and minimized downtime, making him the first person colleagues turn to in times of technical difficulty. Beyond his technical and scientific contributions, Nicolas is the driving force behind the laboratory’s social life. He regularly organizes social and team-building events, fostering a strong sense of community and collegiality among staff members. His energy and goodwill contribute greatly to the laboratory’s warm and cooperative atmosphere. Finally, Nicolas represents the MFP Laboratory in various university committees and working groups, where he plays an active role in institutional discussions and initiatives. His commitment, reliability, and deep understanding of the laboratory’s needs make him a respected and trusted representative. In sum, Nicolas Biteau combines scientific excellence, technical expertise, and human leadership. His tireless involvement over more than two decades has been fundamental to the MFP Laboratory’s efficiency, cohesion, and reputation."

Nominated by Frédéric Bringaud, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), CNRS, France

 

Community-minded, helpful and resourceful

"I’m nominating Nicolas Biteau because he is an indispensable, resourceful, and community-minded member of our lab. Always ready to help others, he takes on any task with enthusiasm and creativity. His versatility and constant support make him truly essential to our team’s success."

Nominated by Eloïse Bertiaux, MFP UMR 5234, CNRS, France