Dr Jean-Claude Guimberteau is co-founder and scientific director of the Institut Aquitain de la Main, and past-President 2011-2012 of the French Society for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (SOFCPRE). Dr Guimberteau trained in hand and plastic surgery at the University of Bordeaux, under Professors Goumain and Baudet. He worked in microsurgery and transplantation, extending his surgical experience through working in the USA with Dr J M Converse and Dr Ralph Millard. With Professor Claude Verdan in Switzerland and Dr Harold Kleinert in the USA he wrote a book: New ideas in hand surgery He has developed our knowledge of the structure and function of tendon physiology, and pioneered techniques for secondary flexor tendon repair. Perhaps his most significant contribution to our understanding of human biology has come about through his innovative use of video-endoscopy to investigate the structure of the fascia in vivo, resulting in what is essentially a new concept of living tissue and a new ontology for human body architecture. Through the company endovivo.com he has published many videos on living matter: Strolling under the skin, 2005; Skin excursion, 2008; Muscle Attitude, 2009; Interior Architectures, 2011; Skin, Scars and Stiffness, 2012; and Destination Tendon, 2012 Dr Guimberteau is also a member of the French Hand Society (GEM), and of the French Academy of Surgery. He has been a member of the (French) Health Service High Authority 2007-2010.