“To set up a hand-picked team for each of your projects.”
The Symbioteam is us! Four life-science engineers, all with solid experience in journalism, supported by a group of freelancers with whom we have long-term relationships.
Marie Martenot
Founding partner - Agro engineer, editor
Valérie Duflot
Founding partner - Agro engineer, editor
Isabelle Bordes
Employee of the decade - Agro engineer, writer
Gana Castagnon
Freelance graphic designer - Illustrator
Cyrille Costa
PhD in human nutrition, freelance writer
Audrey Zeller
Freelance graphic designer
Caroline Driot
Veterinarian, freelance writer
Morgane Giardino
Freelance graphic designer
John Simpson
Consultant, English-speaking translator
Laurence Depezay
Agro engineer specialising in nutrition and agro-food, freelance writer
Valérie Macioce
Freelance writer on clinical research and epidemiology
Caroline Guinot
Agricultural engineer, writer
Marie Martenot
Founding partner - Agro engineer, editor
Her training : agricultural engineering degree with a specialisation in the economics of sustainable development at AgroParisTech.
Her “life” before Symbiotik : journalist and editor-in-chief for various press groups (agricultural, health) and for digital media (sustainable development). She co-founded Symbiotik in 2009.
Her favourite phrase : « "Why complicate matters?" You want to be understood: explain! " »
Passionate about popular science and with an insatiable curiosity, Marie navigates1 between many subjects (health, sustainable development, health, environment, nuclear, etc.): she will know how to cook-up 2 articles tailor-made for the intended target, and make the most indigestible subjects accessible to all3!
1 : Adept at sailing, she once cherished the dream of sailing around the world with her family
2 : for the moment, she is content simply to offer culinary trips
3 : able to eat an entire cooked Camembert without missing on dessert
Her “life” before Symbiotik : journalist and editor-in-chief for various press groups (agricultural, health) and for digital media (sustainable development). She co-founded Symbiotik in 2009.
Her favourite phrase : « "Why complicate matters?" You want to be understood: explain! " »
Passionate about popular science and with an insatiable curiosity, Marie navigates1 between many subjects (health, sustainable development, health, environment, nuclear, etc.): she will know how to cook-up 2 articles tailor-made for the intended target, and make the most indigestible subjects accessible to all3!
1 : Adept at sailing, she once cherished the dream of sailing around the world with her family
2 : for the moment, she is content simply to offer culinary trips
3 : able to eat an entire cooked Camembert without missing on dessert
Valérie Duflot
Founding partner - Agro engineer, editor
Her training : agricultural engineering degree at Agrocampus Ouest (top result in her year), human nutrition specialisation at AgroParisTech, and general management and business strategy at ESCP-Europe.
Her "life" before Symbiotik : agricultural and health journalist, editor-in-chief, then managing editor for a medical press group. She co-founded Symbiotik in 2009.
Her leitmotif : « "There are no problems, only solutions." »
Her taste for challenge1 and her dual skills in science and strategy enable her to identify tailor-made solutions, in line with your values and objectives, that will make your communication fruitful 2 at the minimum expense3.
1: capable of dismantling of a wood-burning stove, a lock... or all the decorations of child’s escape game room in 2 minutes flat
2: gardening enthusiast, pruning and grafting fruit trees
3 : wrote a personal finance column for several years
Her "life" before Symbiotik : agricultural and health journalist, editor-in-chief, then managing editor for a medical press group. She co-founded Symbiotik in 2009.
Her leitmotif : « "There are no problems, only solutions." »
Her taste for challenge1 and her dual skills in science and strategy enable her to identify tailor-made solutions, in line with your values and objectives, that will make your communication fruitful 2 at the minimum expense3.
1: capable of dismantling of a wood-burning stove, a lock... or all the decorations of child’s escape game room in 2 minutes flat
2: gardening enthusiast, pruning and grafting fruit trees
3 : wrote a personal finance column for several years
Isabelle Bordes
Employee of the decade - Agro engineer, writer
Her training : agricultural engineering degree specialising in nutrition and public health at AgroParisTech, journalistic writing at CFPJ.
Her "life" before Symbiotik : scientific coordinator at the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) where she supervised, coordinated and drafted expert opinions on food for human consumption. She joined Symbiotik as a writer in 2016.
Her favourite adage : « “The devil is in the details (of publications).". »
A lover of nutrition1 and epidemiology, capable of spending hours poring over a scientific article in order to dissect it right down to the tiniest of details, she will put all her energy2 at the service of à la carte texts that are rigorous but read "like a novel" (quote from a client).
1: opted for a wedding cake comprised of cheeses
2: if there is any left after that, she will run through scrubland trails
Her "life" before Symbiotik : scientific coordinator at the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) where she supervised, coordinated and drafted expert opinions on food for human consumption. She joined Symbiotik as a writer in 2016.
Her favourite adage : « “The devil is in the details (of publications).". »
A lover of nutrition1 and epidemiology, capable of spending hours poring over a scientific article in order to dissect it right down to the tiniest of details, she will put all her energy2 at the service of à la carte texts that are rigorous but read "like a novel" (quote from a client).
1: opted for a wedding cake comprised of cheeses
2: if there is any left after that, she will run through scrubland trails
Gana Castagnon
Freelance graphic designer - Illustrator
Her training: Advertising and Graphic Design (Brassart School - Tours)
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after 12 years as assistant Art Director and as the person responsible for producing the initial sketches and storyboards at a Paris advertising agency, she went freelance. She works as graphic designer primarily for newspaper and magazine publishers as well as other agencies besides Symbiotik. She has been working with us since the 1990s.
The sentence that makes her happy (don't ask us why!): "Apokoiynou is a syntactic polyphony created by an indeterminacy of division due to the absence of a disambiguating mark."
Passionate about computer graphics, for which she brings particular eye for detail1 , she knows how to both oil the wheels2 of the layout process in order to meet the demands of the client and ensure that the graphic charter is flawlessly respected, thus preventing any drift in a publication’s layout.
1 : won a client's challenge to discreetly slip a small rabbit into every infographic he ordered
2 : at the same time, she lives in the land of sunflowers and foie gras
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after 12 years as assistant Art Director and as the person responsible for producing the initial sketches and storyboards at a Paris advertising agency, she went freelance. She works as graphic designer primarily for newspaper and magazine publishers as well as other agencies besides Symbiotik. She has been working with us since the 1990s.
The sentence that makes her happy (don't ask us why!): "Apokoiynou is a syntactic polyphony created by an indeterminacy of division due to the absence of a disambiguating mark."
Passionate about computer graphics, for which she brings particular eye for detail1 , she knows how to both oil the wheels2 of the layout process in order to meet the demands of the client and ensure that the graphic charter is flawlessly respected, thus preventing any drift in a publication’s layout.
1 : won a client's challenge to discreetly slip a small rabbit into every infographic he ordered
2 : at the same time, she lives in the land of sunflowers and foie gras
Cyrille Costa
PhD in human nutrition, freelance writer
Audrey Zeller
Freelance graphic designer
Her education: Technical Diploma in design, layout and visual Communication
Her "life" before Symbiotik: freelance graphic designer for newspaper and magazine publishers and a range of agencies, she has been working with the founders of Symbiotik since 2000.
Her favorite phrase: "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
Full of ideas for breathtaking designs 1, she creates and lays out with care and with responsiveness to the clients’ needs. In addition to her visual talents, she knows how to adapt to the tightest deadlines 2 and to adapt to challenges philosophically 3.
1 : inspired by the view from her office in Aveyron
2 : the removal van was already loaded when she was finally able to sign the contract on her current house
3: her wedding was postponed several times due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Her "life" before Symbiotik: freelance graphic designer for newspaper and magazine publishers and a range of agencies, she has been working with the founders of Symbiotik since 2000.
Her favorite phrase: "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
Full of ideas for breathtaking designs 1, she creates and lays out with care and with responsiveness to the clients’ needs. In addition to her visual talents, she knows how to adapt to the tightest deadlines 2 and to adapt to challenges philosophically 3.
1 : inspired by the view from her office in Aveyron
2 : the removal van was already loaded when she was finally able to sign the contract on her current house
3: her wedding was postponed several times due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Caroline Driot
Veterinarian, freelance writer
Her training: veterinany science, specialized in epidemiosurveillance and animal health (National Veterinary School of Toulouse).
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after working as a vet in a mixed clinic practices (livestock and pets) in different regions of France, she joined the NGO 'Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières' as an animal health project manager in Mongolia. On returning to France, she took a part-time position at an analysis laboratory and in 2019 joined Symbiotik’s team as a freelance writer.
Her motto: "Only those who do nothing don’t make mistakes”.
Her taste for risk1 and working in the open air with cows and other ruminants2 goes together with thew pleasure she takes from learning and passing on. While breeding, health and animal welfare remain her favorite subjects, she also enjoys writing on less familiar themes (nutrition, environment…).
1 : she can thank a mischievous bovine for her broken nose.
2 : has a secret passion for camelids from Mongolia and elsewhere
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after working as a vet in a mixed clinic practices (livestock and pets) in different regions of France, she joined the NGO 'Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières' as an animal health project manager in Mongolia. On returning to France, she took a part-time position at an analysis laboratory and in 2019 joined Symbiotik’s team as a freelance writer.
Her motto: "Only those who do nothing don’t make mistakes”.
Her taste for risk1 and working in the open air with cows and other ruminants2 goes together with thew pleasure she takes from learning and passing on. While breeding, health and animal welfare remain her favorite subjects, she also enjoys writing on less familiar themes (nutrition, environment…).
1 : she can thank a mischievous bovine for her broken nose.
2 : has a secret passion for camelids from Mongolia and elsewhere
Morgane Giardino
Freelance graphic designer
Her education: BTS Visual Communication option GEP (Graphic design, publishing and advertising).
Her "life" before Symbiotik: 15 years’ experience in graphic design and layout at a range of communication agencies. She has been working with Symbiotik since 2019.
Her favorite phrase: "One doesn’t need much to be happy, just what’s necessary."
Passionate about creating things since she was a child, Morgane, armed with her magic mouse1, juggles2 between graphic design (logo, computer graphics) and publishing (layouts of brochures, booklets, newsletters…).
1: the eponymous fairy is not far away
2: has been practicing circus art for 3 years
Her "life" before Symbiotik: 15 years’ experience in graphic design and layout at a range of communication agencies. She has been working with Symbiotik since 2019.
Her favorite phrase: "One doesn’t need much to be happy, just what’s necessary."
Passionate about creating things since she was a child, Morgane, armed with her magic mouse1, juggles2 between graphic design (logo, computer graphics) and publishing (layouts of brochures, booklets, newsletters…).
1: the eponymous fairy is not far away
2: has been practicing circus art for 3 years
John Simpson
Consultant, English-speaking translator
His training: philosophy, economics and international relations at Southampton, the LSE, Sciences Po Paris and Paris-X.
His “life” before Symbiotik: international civil servant specialising in corporate communications.
His favourite phrase: “Muddled expression betrays muddled thought”.
A committed Francophile who nevertheless spends most of his holidays in Italy, John brings from his experience at the OECD an attention to detail that ensures his clients’ communications are always credible, clear and impactful ‘from end to end’.
1 : A keen cyclist, he recently took the record for the fastest ride on a Brompton folding bike between Land’s End and John o’Groats, commonly referred to as ‘the End to End’ (1,419km in 5 days, 15 hours and 3 minutes !).
His “life” before Symbiotik: international civil servant specialising in corporate communications.
His favourite phrase: “Muddled expression betrays muddled thought”.
A committed Francophile who nevertheless spends most of his holidays in Italy, John brings from his experience at the OECD an attention to detail that ensures his clients’ communications are always credible, clear and impactful ‘from end to end’.
1 : A keen cyclist, he recently took the record for the fastest ride on a Brompton folding bike between Land’s End and John o’Groats, commonly referred to as ‘the End to End’ (1,419km in 5 days, 15 hours and 3 minutes !).
Laurence Depezay
Agro engineer specialising in nutrition and agro-food, freelance writer
Her education: Agricultural engineer (Toulouse), Masters in Information and Communication Sciences (University of Lille)
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after 14 years in Blédina's research teams, she decided to put some more "green" in her life by joining the Bonduelle Foundation where she worked for 16 years, occasionally using Symbiotik's services. In 2019, she began a new career by starting a PhD thesis and going freelance as a scientific writer.
Her motto: "Nothing is more constant than change."
A lifelong cookery and gastronomy enthusiast1, Laurence is as knowledgeable about nutrition as she is about consumer choices, attitudes and practices, across all age groups2. Drivenas she is by an unwavering desire to participate in the transition to sustainable food3, fresh challenges are music to her ears4!
1: she made her first chocolate éclair at the age of 9
2: 14 years at Bledina Baby Food and is a graduate of the D.U. Aging and Longevity from the Lille Medical School
3 : member of the board of directors of OuiChange
4 : singer in the Chœur des Grands Amateurs de Radio France
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after 14 years in Blédina's research teams, she decided to put some more "green" in her life by joining the Bonduelle Foundation where she worked for 16 years, occasionally using Symbiotik's services. In 2019, she began a new career by starting a PhD thesis and going freelance as a scientific writer.
Her motto: "Nothing is more constant than change."
A lifelong cookery and gastronomy enthusiast1, Laurence is as knowledgeable about nutrition as she is about consumer choices, attitudes and practices, across all age groups2. Drivenas she is by an unwavering desire to participate in the transition to sustainable food3, fresh challenges are music to her ears4!
1: she made her first chocolate éclair at the age of 9
2: 14 years at Bledina Baby Food and is a graduate of the D.U. Aging and Longevity from the Lille Medical School
3 : member of the board of directors of OuiChange
4 : singer in the Chœur des Grands Amateurs de Radio France
Valérie Macioce
Freelance writer on clinical research and epidemiology
Her education: trained as agricultural engineer specialized in nutrition and public health (AgroParisTech), followed by a postgraduate diploma in clinical research.
Her "life" before Symbiotik: following initial experience in a large food company, she has been working at the University Hospital of Montpellier since 2011, where she contributes to drafting research protocols and scientific publications. She has been collaborating with Symbiotik since 2020.
Her motto: "Beware of shortcuts!" (when writing briefing notes)
Passionate about nutrition1, she is able to digest2 a mountain3 of publications to keep abreast of the news in the field of health. keen on epidemiology and rigorous, she endeavors in her writings to remain faithful to the publications she consults.
1: she can't resist reading the entire label before buying any food product!
2: along with a few squares of top-quality chocolate in the process…
3: where she likes to recharge her batteries both in summer and winter
Her "life" before Symbiotik: following initial experience in a large food company, she has been working at the University Hospital of Montpellier since 2011, where she contributes to drafting research protocols and scientific publications. She has been collaborating with Symbiotik since 2020.
Her motto: "Beware of shortcuts!" (when writing briefing notes)
Passionate about nutrition1, she is able to digest2 a mountain3 of publications to keep abreast of the news in the field of health. keen on epidemiology and rigorous, she endeavors in her writings to remain faithful to the publications she consults.
1: she can't resist reading the entire label before buying any food product!
2: along with a few squares of top-quality chocolate in the process…
3: where she likes to recharge her batteries both in summer and winter
Caroline Guinot
Agricultural engineer, writer
Her education: agricultural engineer, specialized in the environment and the sociology of sustainable development (AgroToulouse).
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after a stint in agricultural journalism (CIP group), she worked for 14 years as an environment manager and then as a Societal Issues manager in the Livestock and Meat sector (INTERBEV). Now, she is a freelance consultant on CSR implementation as well as being a freelance writer for Symbiotik.
Her favorite phrase: "You can be green and love meat: it's all about balance."
Originally a cow phobic1, Caroline took the bull by the horns and became passionate about the world of animal husbandry. She specializes in the environment and grazes2 the field of CSR as applied to the agricultural and agri-food sectors. In the end, it is a question of communicating societal expectations to the actors of the sectors and likewise communicating to the general public how these sectors function, all on a well-substantiated scientific basis. What she likes on a daily basis: imagining stories and systems adapted to people and situations3.
1 : she was charged by a cow while in the Corsican mountains
2: today she lives in the heart of the green meadows of Cantal
3 : her hobby is theatrical improvisation.
Her "life" before Symbiotik: after a stint in agricultural journalism (CIP group), she worked for 14 years as an environment manager and then as a Societal Issues manager in the Livestock and Meat sector (INTERBEV). Now, she is a freelance consultant on CSR implementation as well as being a freelance writer for Symbiotik.
Her favorite phrase: "You can be green and love meat: it's all about balance."
Originally a cow phobic1, Caroline took the bull by the horns and became passionate about the world of animal husbandry. She specializes in the environment and grazes2 the field of CSR as applied to the agricultural and agri-food sectors. In the end, it is a question of communicating societal expectations to the actors of the sectors and likewise communicating to the general public how these sectors function, all on a well-substantiated scientific basis. What she likes on a daily basis: imagining stories and systems adapted to people and situations3.
1 : she was charged by a cow while in the Corsican mountains
2: today she lives in the heart of the green meadows of Cantal
3 : her hobby is theatrical improvisation.
