Julia Vignali and Kad Merad: Institut Pasteur patrons committed to supporting Pasteurdon – we look back at their visit to campus

For Pasteurdon, the Institut Pasteur can count on the support of two stars from film and TV to convey the key messages of this year's campaign and offer a window onto the work of the Institut Pasteur's scientists. This year, TV presenter Julia Vignali and actor Kad Merad have agreed to be the Institut Pasteur's patrons.

"I am proud to have become an Institut Pasteur patron this year. Research is a bit like making a film – it takes time, creativity and a lot of perseverance. Supporting research means finding effective treatments for patients. Supporting research means preserving life and investing in our shared future."

Kad Merad
Actor and Institut Pasteur patron

"As a woman, mum and presenter of programs that are part of the daily lives of French people, I know just how much medical research is crucial for our lives. That is why I am very happy to have become an Institut Pasteur patron this year. Every day, the Institut Pasteur's scientists do their bit to protect us and our loved ones. It is our duty to do our bit to support them."

Julia Vignali
Presenter and Institut Pasteur patron

Julia Vignali and Kad Merad came to the Institut Pasteur campus, enthusiastic and excited to find out more, on Saturday September 28, World Rabies Day – a symbolic date if ever there was one to encourage them in their role as patrons!

They were welcomed by Henri Pitron, Vice-President Communications and Public Affairs, before meeting Paola Arimondo's team, who spoke to them about the importance of research in light of the challenge of antibiotic resistance, a global public health concern. Both patrons are aware of the important role of science and especially medical research, so they were particularly interested to visit a laboratory and speak to those working in the lab to find out more about the ongoing research in the Epigenetic Chemical Biology Unit, especially the prospects in the area of antimicrobial resistance. They were given a glimpse of the day-to-day practicalities of research and had the chance to talk to the scientists about their careers, their daily work and their aims.

A team from Brut also came along to film the visit and interview all those involved – the patrons and the scientists. The recording will be made into a video that will soon be broadcast on the Brut channel.

Julia Vignali and Kad Merad took the opportunity to record a message for the public that you can watch now.

See the message from the Institut Pasteur patrons