Alexey Rak
Head of Bio Structure & Biophysics Sanofi
Alexey Rak holds an M.Sc. in Biology and Genetics, as well as in Biochemistry, and earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics with a focus on characterizing protein biosynthesis machinery. Following his doctorate, he undertook a postdoctoral position and later assumed the role of Group Leader at the Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology in Germany, specializing in vesicular membrane trafficking. His groundbreaking contributions in this field earned him multiple honors, including the prestigious European Young Investigator Award in 2004.
In 2007, Alexey transitioned to Sanofi in Paris, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing biomolecular interaction characterization and innovating approaches to protein structure determination. His expertise extends to cutting-edge techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), significantly contributing to the successful lead discovery of challenging protein targets. Currently, as the head of the Center of Excellence in Structural Biology and Biophysics at Sanofi, Alexey oversees and coordinates structural biology and biophysics initiatives across the entire organization.
Seminars
- How can we best balance studying GPCRs in their native cellular environment versus using isolated or recombinant proteins?
- Which protein sourcing and experimental system approaches optimise GPCR stability, activity, and translational relevance?
- What structural biology strategies, including cryo-EM and NMR, are most effective for guiding rational GPCR drug design?
