“Taking part in this project is not only a scientific but also a personal commitment to help improve awareness and ultimately, the lives of those with endometriosis. – Marielle Herzog”
In the latest instalment of our Team Spotlight series, we introduce you to the team at Belgian Volition
Belgian Volition, a subsidiary of VolitionRx Limited, is a biotech company committed to revolutionising the diagnosis and monitoring of life-altering diseases by advancing the science of epigenetics.
Epigenetics looks at how our environment and behavior can influence how our genes work, without changing the DNA sequence itself. In the EUmetriosis project, we will study the epigenetic signature in people with endometriosis, which could provide new insights into how endometriosis affects functions with the body and the potential for new treatments
We are excited to challenge the status quo in women’s health. What we do and the way we do it is unique. We dare to push the boundaries of epigenetics to improve health outcomes worldwide.
In this project, we hope to demonstrate that analysing the hidden information carried by nucleosomes (chromosomal structures) could contribute to transforming how endometriosis is managed, leading to better care pathways and quality of life.
Meet the team
What is your role within the Belgian Volition team and how does your expertise contribute to the EUmetriosis project?
Marielle Herzog (Work Package Leader – Research and Development Director)
My role is to guide and coordinate the different research projects carried out by our team, making sure we deliver reliable results and clear conclusions in an efficient and timely manner. With over 20 years of experience in epigenetics, I am delighted to contribute this expertise to a multidisciplinary consortium where scientists from diverse fields can share knowledge, inspire one another, and work together to push research forward and ultimately improve people’s lives.
Julie Candiracci (Clinical Research Manager)
My main role in EUmetriosis is to coordinate and ensure that our expertise brings a new perspective to better understand the molecular impact of lifestyle interventions on endometriosis.
Marion Wargnies (Project Manager in Research and Development)
My role is to structure and drive the EUmetriosis project from a scientific perspective. I work closely with the team to plan experiments, analyse the results we generate, and ensure smooth communication and exchange of findings with our partners in the consortium. By combining project management skills with scientific expertise, my objective is to turn complex experiments into clear and useful insights.
Robin Varsebroucq (Advanced Lab Technician)
My role involves supervising and carrying out laboratory experiments. My expertise in laboratory techniques and NuQ® tests allows me to ensure the technical quality of the results.
What personally or professionally motivated you to take part in the EUmetriosis project?
Marielle
Professionally, this project is an exciting challenge to better understand the disease and explore new solutions. Personally, as a woman, I feel strongly about being involved in research of a condition that remains too often misunderstood and under-recognised, leading many to experience inadequate care. Taking part in this project is therefore not only a scientific but also a personal commitment to help improve awareness and ultimately, the lives of those with endometriosis.
Julie
As a woman and a scientist, it is important to me to contribute to improving women’s health and to reducing gender inequalities in research and healthcare. Endometriosis is a clear example of an under-recognised and under-researched condition, that impacts the quality of life for those affected. Being part of this project is an opportunity to make a contribution.
Marion
I was motivated to join this project by scientific curiosity and a desire to contribute to the understanding of endometriosis. Professionally, it is an exciting challenge to work at the intersection of research, diagnostics and clinical application. Personally, I find it meaningful to invest my skills in a project that has the potential to improve women’s health. The chance to collaborate with experts across disciplines further strengthened my interest in contributing.
Robin
Endometriosis is a condition with a relatively high prevalence. Improving patients’ quality of life and contributing to a better understanding and characterisation of this disease are key motivations for me.
What do you hope your research or involvement will help change for people living with endometriosis?
Marielle
Living with endometriosis can feel invisible. I hope that the research carried out by the EUmetriosis consortium will help raise awareness about endometriosis and lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating it. Ultimately, we want to make life easier for those living with this condition by improving how they’re supported and cared for.
Julie
I truly hope that our collective work will lead to earlier diagnosis, better disease monitoring, and ultimately, improved daily lives for those living with endometriosis.
Marion
I hope that our research will provide new tools to better understand the biological and epigenetic mechanisms underlying endometriosis. Ultimately, I would like our work to help shorten the long diagnostic journey that many patients face today and enhance the quality of life for women affected by this condition.
Robin
Contributing to the development of non-invasive approaches for more accurate monitoring of endometriosis is a key step towards improving patients’ quality of life.