Dr. Christine Citti is a Research Director at INRAE and one of the eight Science Focal Points supporting Prezode’s secretariat by providing scientific expertise and strategic guidance. She holds a Ph.D. in viral and bacterial pathogenicity from the University of Bordeaux and her research interest focuses on host-pathogen interactions, particularly on the evolution and adaptation of pathogenic bacteria during infection.
Early in her career, she served as vice-chair of the Institute of Bacteriology, Hygiene, and Mycology at the Veterinary University of Vienna, Austria (1997–2003). Since then, she has played a key role in managing various research collectives and programs at local, national, and international levels. Her goal has been to foster collaboration and synergies between researchers, teams, and partners to address the increasing complexity and interdisciplinary nature of infectious disease research. Notably, she was Deputy Director and later Director of the “Host-Pathogen Interactions” (IHAP) research unit in Toulouse (2006–2021) and served as Scientific Director of the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (2010–2015).
Dr. Citti currently coordinates the Horizon Europe WiLiMan-ID project (2023–2027) and co-directs the PEPR Prezode (2023–2027), a priority research program funded under France Strategy 2030. In recognition of her contributions to science and public health, she was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2024.