After a scientific career on plant genome structure, evolution and regulation analysis, Hélène Lucas headed the Genetics and Plant Division of INRA, France, for 7 years.

In 2011, Hélène Lucas coordinated the submission of a proposal to the G20 agricultural ministers to create the International Research Initiative for Wheat Improvement, which was endorsed by the G20 member states in their Action plan on food price volatility and agriculture (June 2011). She is now the International Scientific Coordinator of the Wheat Initiative and coordinates its implementation at the international level.

Hélène Lucas also chairs the Managing Board of the French “Green Biotech” Group of Scientific Interest, aiming to strengthen the French scientific public/private community in plant biotechnologies.