January 14, 2022
Bulletin interne de l'Institut Pasteur
A look back on the 2022 New Year ceremony
The New Year ceremony, held on Tuesday January 11, featured addresses by Christian Vigouroux, Chairman of the Board of Governors, and Stewart Cole, President.
This event, organized remotely for the second year in a row because of the health situation, was attended by nearly 500 staff.
During his address, Christian Vigouroux thanked and paid tribute to all those who are involved on a daily basis in helping the Institut Pasteur achieve its goals. Noting the considerable efforts and commitment of the entire Institut Pasteur community, he also looked ahead to what is set to be a challenging year in 2022, in terms of both public trust in science and the ethical conditions for conducting research. The nature of these challenges has already been alluded to in a number of contemporary songs and publications that refer to the sometimes tricky relationship between society and science. But these challenges are above all an opportunity to "enlighten [...], since the members of the Institut Pasteur have chosen to serve the cause of public health by elucidating the processes that are putting it at risk and by making every effort to build trust among the general public."
The Chairman of the Board of Governors was keen to emphasize that the success and the future of the Institut Pasteur are rooted in the notion of consideration. "The Institut Pasteur must be an attractive place, a place that people visit, that elicits respect." This point in particular requires it to produce the best possible science, with "perseverance and dedication," to grow in openness at international level and attract young talent. This is an ongoing aim that has been and continues to be demonstrated in the response to COVID-19. The Institut Pasteur must also continue to develop its reputation by consolidating its position in the new scientific landscape. While strengthening its adaptability and resilience, the Institut Pasteur must remain united, creative and open, recognizing that everyone has a part to play. It also needs to draw on its organizational structure, its "original historic architecture," its partnerships and the strength of its international community.
Christian Vigouroux also spoke about the celebrations for the bicentenary of Louis Pasteur's birth, which should serve "as an anthem for the future, celebrating risk-taking and creativity," and which will undoubtedly "resonate with the Pasteurian spirit."
The Institut Pasteur must play an active role, at all times, in French and international research, "with full awareness and driven by a clear purpose." Asking us to consider the Institut Pasteur both today and in the future, Christian Vigouroux concluded with these words: "We will do our utmost, all of us, to ensure that we are up to the task."
Read Christian Vigouroux's speech (in French)
Taking the floor after Christian Vigouroux, Stewart Cole took the opportunity of the New Year ceremony to thank the Board of Governors and its Chairman for their unwavering support and commitment in 2021.
The past year was one in which Team Pasteur again demonstrated strength and dedication in pursuing and stepping up efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, while also maintaining the many other areas of research at the Institut Pasteur in a difficult context.
Saluting the commitment and impact of the Institut Pasteur's scientists and doctors in the response to the COVID-19 crisis, Stewart also emphasized the extent to which the Institut Pasteur's research, with the invaluable assistance of support entities, has contributed to the national and international response for the past two years. From public health and research into the biology of the virus to diagnostics, prophylactic measures and scientific advice, the achievements and contributions of the Institut Pasteur's staff have had a major impact.
These aspects are currently being examined in a "review of our response to the COVID-19 crisis." They are also guiding the Institut Pasteur's reflections on the issue of climate change and the major impact it is likely to have on the emergence of future pandemics.
Alongside its COVID-19 response, the Institut Pasteur has been active in several other fields, in particular strengthening partnerships, receiving the European HR Excellence in Research Award thanks to an effective joint effort between scientists and non-scientists, the Gender Month event and introducing a new governance structure for the Pasteur Network.
Stewart Cole also presented some of the challenges to come in 2022, which will include boosting the attractiveness of the Institut Pasteur, especially with young scientists; the area of compliance, particularly the GDPR and the fight against corruption; and financial challenges which will be addressed with the support of the new Philanthropy Department. This new year will also see the implementation of the partnership with Université de Paris, the preparation of responses to future emerging diseases, and a final push to achieve and further develop the aims set out in the Strategic Plan, especially in the three scientific areas. In 2022, a consultative strategy will also be launched to discuss and reflect on the future of the Institut Pasteur.
Finally, Stewart Cole, launched celebrations for the bicentenary of Louis Pasteur's birth which will take place throughout 2022 and thanked the steering committee set up for the event. Reiterating the values associated with the Pasteurian spirit, Stewart Cole announced that a special bicentenary scientific prize has been created.
Inspired by the words of the Institut Pasteur's founder, Stewart Cole urged the Institut Pasteur community to "turn to the future with humility, determination and confidence."