Valérie Calenda began her career as research scientist in hematology and virology at the Institut National de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM). She spent several months at University of California Davis working on a collaborative French/US research program on HIV. Valérie joined Transgene in 1994 where she was in charge of several R&D projects in the HIV and cardiovascular areas until 2000, when she led a spin-off cardiovascular therapeutic project. During her successful scientific career she contributed to several patents and publications. After completing her training in Business Development at the PLG in the UK, she joined the Business Development team at Transgene, led the project management of the hepatitis C and human papillomavirus programs, and contributed to the HPV therapeutic vaccine license agreement with Hoffmann La Roche in 2007. Valérie has been in charge of in-licensing at Transgene and alliance management with Hoffmann La Roche from 2007 to 2009 when she joined Mérieux Développement as a Partner. Valérie received her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Marseille. She holds a degree in Hematology and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry-Immunology from the University of Marseille.