Professor Norbert Vey Takes Charge of Innovation at Unicancer

Leukemia specialist appointed as President of MATWIN, Unicancer's oncology innovation platform

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Professor Norbert Vey, a renowned hematologist and cancer researcher, has been appointed as the new President of MATWIN, Unicancer's open innovation platform in oncology. Vey, who currently serves as the Director General of the Institut Paoli-Calmettes in Marseille, brings a wealth of experience in managing acute leukemia and pioneering new therapies. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for MATWIN and the wider French oncology landscape, as the organization aims to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into tangible benefits for patients.

Why it matters

MATWIN plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between researchers, industrialists, and other key players in the cancer ecosystem, and its annual conference is a vital event for promoting knowledge exchange and accelerating the development of new cancer treatments. Vey's leadership promises to further strengthen MATWIN's dedication to open innovation and collaborative partnerships, which are central to Unicancer's broader strategy of 'Horizon 2030' to conquer cancer.

The details

Professor Vey succeeds Professor Fabrice Barlesi, the former General Director of Gustave Roussy, in the role of MATWIN President. Vey's expertise lies particularly in the management of acute leukemia, a field where he has authored over 360 scientific publications and pioneered new therapies for acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. His training at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, United States, further solidifies his international standing.

  • Professor Vey has been appointed as the new President of MATWIN in February 2026.

The players

Professor Norbert Vey

A renowned hematologist and cancer researcher, currently serving as the Director General of the Institut Paoli-Calmettes in Marseille. He is also a Professor of hematology at Aix-Marseille University and chairs the Cancéropôle Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Professor Fabrice Barlesi

The former General Director of Gustave Roussy, who previously served as the President of MATWIN.

Professor Jean-Yves Blay

The President of Unicancer, the hospital federation representing the 18 French cancer control centers (CLCCs).

MATWIN

An open innovation platform in oncology, created in 2009, that collaborates with approximately fifteen international laboratories and plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between researchers, industrialists, and other key players in the cancer ecosystem.

Unicancer

The hospital federation representing the 18 French cancer control centers (CLCCs), which is the 100% parent company of MATWIN.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are confident that Professor Vey will continue the transformation and growth of MATWIN.”

— Professor Jean-Yves Blay, President of Unicancer

“We extend our gratitude to Professor Barlesi for his dedication and strategic contributions to MATWIN's development.”

— Professor Jean-Yves Blay, President of Unicancer

The takeaway

Professor Vey's appointment as the new President of MATWIN marks a pivotal moment for the organization and the wider French oncology landscape, as his leadership promises to further strengthen MATWIN's dedication to open innovation and collaborative partnerships, which are central to Unicancer's broader strategy to conquer cancer.