May 24, 2024
Bulletin interne de l'Institut Pasteur
Biology for non-biologists (BNB) course: a look back on 2024 and testimonials from Institut Pasteur staff
Since 2017, the Institut Pasteur has been running "Biology for non-biologists" (BNB) courses given by Pasteurians for support staff and assistants based in research units and departments, with the aim of improving their understanding of the working environment of scientists. Participants are introduced to the basics of biology, the main research topics at the Institut Pasteur and the workings of laboratories.
In addition to acquiring skills related to the core business these courses encourage exchanges and interaction between support and scientific functions, thereby strengthening cross-functionality and collaboration within the campus.
Run and built jointly by the HR Skills and Training Center and the Scientific Secretariat General, the course comprises five weekly one-day sessions, with two groups of participants accepted each year.
This year, between February and March, 65 Institut Pasteur staff attended the course and were given a glimpse behind the scenes of scientific research at the Institut Pasteur.
Testimonials from participants in the 2024 BNB course
More than 450 Institut Pasteur staff have taken the course since it was launched. Check out the testimonials from four of them: why they signed up, which sessions particularly stood out and what interested them.
Go to the ePasteur page to see their full testimonials
Here are some excerpts
(...) It was the first time in my career working "alongside research" that I had the opportunity to take a training course in science. I jumped at the chance! (...)
Mathilde Boisserin
Asia-Pacific Regional Advisor – Geographical Unit
International Affairs Department
Read Mathilde's full testimonial
(...) I was particularly struck by the scientists who came to speak about their research and the realities of their profession. I especially remember the talks about the mechanism of addiction, research on autism and the work of technicians and engineers (...)
Eric Figueroa Acosta
Research Unit Administrative Assistant
Department of Neuroscience and Microbiology
(...) In general I particularly like the fact that the intake of participants each year brings together staff working in different professions.
Support staff can really benefit from getting to know each other better (...)
Morgann Guyomarc’h
Head of Major Donors
Department of Philanthropy
Read Morgann's full testimonial
(...) Taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of the Institut Pasteur's scientists, understanding how they spend their working days, their research and the challenges they face was a unique opportunity for professional and personal development (...)
Emerson Leonardo Alvarez Quinche
Digital Engineer
Department of Education
Read Emerson's full testimonial
The next BNB course will take place in autumn 2025.
The course consists of five weekly one-day sessions (on Tuesdays or Thursdays).
Tuesday sessions: from 4 November to 9 December 2025 (i.e. 5 Tuesdays) - 30 places
• Tuesday November 4, 2025
• Tuesdayi November 18, 2025
• Tuesday November 25, 2025
• Tuesday December 2, 2025
• Tuesday December 9, 2025
Thursday sessions: from 6 November to 11 December 2025 (i.e. 5 Thursdays) - 30 places
• Thursdayi November 6, 2025
• Thursday November 20, 2025
• Thursday November 27, 2025
• Thursdayi December 4, 2025
• Thursday December 11, 2025
Pre-register in autumn 2024!