Valérie Dekimpe
PhD in Biology (2011)
Global Director of Sterility Assurance, Novartis

“What I developed most was independence and the ability to anticipate, to know what I want to achieve and how to go about it.”

Originally from Belgium, Valérie was completing the equivalent of a master's degree in microbiology when a seemingly innocuous visit to a study abroad fair changed everything. Among the crowded booths representing Quebec's major universities, INRS caught her attention. The discussion was decisive. One thing led to another, and this chance encounter turned into a doctoral project in microbiology at the Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Center.

When Valérie and her partner arrived in Quebec in January 2005, they didn't know anyone. However, they quickly settled in. She fondly remembers the welcome she received from her research group and her thesis supervisor, Éric Déziel. This human solidarity left a lasting impression on her time at INRS. “We formed very strong bonds because we had no family or friends here. We were extremely well integrated.” Even today, her circle of friends largely stems from this period, proof of the strength of the relationships she forged during her studies.

Within the microbiology and environment research group, which is made up of several professors and around 20 students, collaboration is everywhere. Valérie has fond memories of both the professional and social aspects, such as the gift exchanges organized at the end of each year, which have become a real tradition. “We collaborated a lot and helped each other out a lot,” she explains. For her, this collective dynamic is one of the great strengths of INRS. “Even when working on a thesis, where you can sometimes feel alone, there was a strong sense of collaboration. We were never isolated.”

After obtaining her PhD, Valérie chose to leave academia, not because she had lost interest in science, but because she had a clear understanding of her aspirations. She then began a career in the pharmaceutical industry, where she quickly put her expertise in microbiology to good use. Starting as a consultant, she quickly progressed to supervisory and management positions. “Everything I learned during my thesis helped me advance quickly within the company.”

After several years in the private sector, she joined the Quebec Public Health Laboratory, where she discovered another facet of her field. “I learned about a whole new dimension, the challenges and beauty of public service,” she explains. For six years, she deepened her skills in microbiology, management, and quality, while working closely with government agencies. This enriching experience consolidated her career path and broadened her understanding of public health issues.

In 2025, a new opportunity arose: Valérie joined Novartis as Global Director of Sterility Assurance. She is now responsible for this program at nearly 30 sites around the world. Still driven by the same passion, she continues to work at the heart of microbiology, a field she loves deeply. "I am truly passionate about my work. I've always managed to find jobs that fulfill me."

Looking back, Valérie believes that her time at INRS had a decisive influence on her way of thinking and working. “What I developed most of all was independence and the ability to anticipate, to know what I want to achieve and how to go about it.” She also emphasizes the importance of the cross-disciplinary skills she acquired during her studies: collaboration, communication, and scientific outreach. “You learn to explain what you do, to make something complex accessible. That has always served me well since then.”

This attachment to INRS has never wavered over the years. Now a member of the INRS board of directors, Valérie wishes to continue contributing to the institution that has marked her career, putting her experience and vision at the service of research and the next generation of scientists. This commitment reflects the lasting place INRS occupies in her professional and personal journey.

She advises current students to savor these unique years to the fullest. She also emphasizes the importance of human relationships. “The world is very small. You meet people everywhere. It's always worth nurturing your relationships.”

As for the future, Valérie is not focused on chasing titles or promotions. Her motivation lies elsewhere. “My goal is not to always climb higher, but rather to excel at what I do.” Continuing to learn, surpassing herself, and feeding her curiosity remain her guiding principles. “As soon as I get involved in something, I take it to heart. I've always found that passion in every project.”

[Interviewed in December 2025.]