Working from the company's Northern Semen Delivery Service centre at Thorpe Willoughby, Yorkshire, his job will involve research and development into new AI technologies. In particular, he will be looking at practical techniques to maintain sperm viability during storage and the role lipids and antioxidants play in this. He will also be exploring the prospects of preserving boar semen by freezing.

Born in Marseille, André gained a BSc in applied biology at the University of Lyon, France, then his PhD at the University of Glasgow for research into avian embryonic development. This was followed by a post-doctoral fellowship for Scotia Pharmaceuticals on the function of essential fatty acids in male animal reproduction.

He joined JSR Genetics in 1999 and was seconded to the veterinary institute at the University of Milan to investigate the cryopreservation of boar semen and semen diluent additives. In collaboration with JSR Genetics he helped to develop the commercial feed additive Prosperm, which enhances sperm quality.

Fluent in French, Italian and English, André lives in York. His hobbies include the cinema, hill-walking and skiing.

Source: JSR Genetics - 22nd February 2005