Gilles is an action-researcher specializing in social innovation, community economies, and socio-territorial transformation processes. Gilles employs a unique approach that combines design thinking with action research to develop impact-oriented strategies for community development.

Over the years, Gilles has coordinated and consulted on numerous projects funded by the European Commission, spanning various socio-spatial and economic scales—from local grassroots initiatives to international collaborations. Notably, he coordinated the first-ever EU-funded training in French Polynesia in 2022. This initiative aimed to equip local territorial project managers with essential skills in effective resource management and community participation for sustainable development and socio-territorial transformation. 

Gilles has been instrumental in securing grants worth over a million euros for various organizations, enabling them to implement community projects that drive impactful change. His contributions extend to the publication of guides and toolkits that serve as valuable resources in territorial project management, community resilience, and creative entrepreneurship for sustainable development.

Currently at LISER, Gilles is a research associate whose work focuses on urban regeneration strategies through design thinking, living labs and citizen science approaches.