October 20, 2023
Bulletin interne de l'Institut Pasteur
"The French Virologist": bringing science to the public on Instagram to mark the anniversary
Since the beginning of this year, to raise awareness of the 40th anniversary of the discovery of HIV, the Institut Pasteur has been sharing news about the latest advances in knowledge, as well as testimonies from scientists, patients and those involved in charities and associations. Several events have been organized for the public, journalists, and also staff at the Institut Pasteur and those who are closely involved in this research field that has been a key focus for many over the past four decades. The aim is to step up communication, both internally and externally, on a topic of great importance to society that affects us all.
The Institut Pasteur is also keen to communicate with new and different audiences. Again as part of the 40th anniversary of HIV, it is making every effort to ensure that the topic receives wider coverage, over and above the information it publishes itself. This was the basis for the collaboration with Océane Sorel, alias "The French Virologist," an influencer with a strong community of followers, who is keen to discuss meaningful topics in an offbeat way that makes a real impact on social media.
Océane, who holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM) and a PhD in Immunology-Virology and is now living and working in the United States, launched her account in February 2021 to tackle the fake news that was so prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently has 170,000 devoted followers and is committed to publishing quality posts that elicit reactions and opinions.
The French Virologist has been commenting since late 2022 on many of the Institut Pasteur's research topics and is now hoping to garner interest among her community, for the 40th anniversary of HIV, on a topic that speaks to her as a virologist.
The French Virologist has been publishing Reels and Stories since September that have proven highly successful. So if you fancy revising your knowledge of HIV in a light-hearted way, why not take a few minutes to check out her publications? And feel free to "like" them!
Check out:
• Her announcement that she will be collaborating with the Institut Pasteur
• The first Reel in the series on the discovery of HIV at the Institut Pasteur
• The second Reel looking at the history of HIV research
Two other Reels are under preparation and will be published in November and December. And like any self-respecting virologist, Océane will of course be attending the conference on "40 years of HIV science" beginning on November 29.
For the 17th edition of Pasteurdon, The French Virologist published Stories to show her support for the Friends of Pasteurdon and join the collective communication and fundraising effort.
