Let's make the 13th edition of Pasteurdon a resounding success!

This Wednesday saw the launch event for the 13th edition of Pasteurdon. A huge number of you came along to find out all about this year's edition of the Institut Pasteur's annual campaign to raise awareness and funds. The event is now a firm fixture in the calendar – an annual opportunity to bring the entire community together and give a real boost to the Institut Pasteur's research.

This year things were a little different and the proceedings were kicked off from the back of the CIS auditorium. Eleven young Institut Pasteur scientists got the event going with an inspired fashion show worthy of the top catwalks, accompanied by dazzling light effects and pumping music. They weren't there to show off a new prêt-à-porter collection but to unveil the artistic transformation of one of the key items in any scientist's wardrobe: the inimitable lab coat. These Pasteurian models for a day, each sporting a unique lab coat graffitied by one of the street artists involved in this year's campaign, strutted their stuff along the aisles and on the stage. Joined by Pasteurdon patron Alexandra Lamy, they showed what strikingly creative results can come from the union of science and art.

 

After a presentation of the 13 urban artists, Jean-François Chambon, Vice-President Communications and Fundraising, and Alexandra Lamy – both wearing their own lab coat – opened the ceremony, handing the floor to Christian Vigouroux, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Olivier Schwartz, Scientific Director, Anne Barrère from Editel, presenters from the TV and radio partners, and committed sponsors AG2R LA MONDIALE, the Le Roch-Les Mousquetaires Foundation and Assu 2000.

The successive speakers gradually built up a detailed picture of the 13th edition, complete with the teaser, clip, short films, radio spots, social media promotions – especially the #PutOnYourLabCoat (#MetsTaBlouse) challenge – and the sponsor-led initiatives for this year's campaign.

Towards the end of the event, there was a presentation of the Discovery Day that will take place on campus tomorrow, Saturday October 12. This is an opportunity for the general public to visit part of the Institut Pasteur campus and meet scientists through a series of lab tours and science workshops. No fewer than 1,000 visitors are expected, and a packed program will be on offer. Some 60 Institut Pasteur staff have generously agreed to give up their time to help out – a big thank you to you all!

Discover the program (in French)

Before bringing the ceremony to a close and inviting everyone to enjoy a drink together, Jean-François Chambon presented the #PutOnYourLabCoat (#MetsTaBlouse) challenge in aid of scientists. With your help we can make it go viral! A video montage of the first films produced with TV presenters, journalists and Institut Pasteur scientists was shown. Spread the word so that we can drum up as much support as possible!

Once the speeches were over, those attending the launch had the opportunity to browse the various activities available in the CIS halls: some headed for the changing rooms to pull on a lab coat and make a film for social media, others got pedaling on the two stationary bikes for the "Vivons Vélo" initiative, and yet more tried their hand at urban art with the two artists who had come along to give live performances, ZDey and KRSN. This last activity resulted in a fabulously colorful collective artwork. Armed with stencils and spray cans in a rainbow of colors, Institut Pasteur staff got stuck into creating a unique fresco.

A creative edition of Pasteurdon with a splash of graffiti – you were warned!

Let's enjoy this Pasteurdon together!

Revive the lauch of the 13th edition of Pasteurdon !