A new multi-speed communications campaign with a clear ambition: to strengthen links with the public and boost support for research through donations and legacies

Ever since it was founded, the Institut Pasteur has enjoyed the generous support of the public, which has enabled it to pursue much of its scientific research and to advance knowledge in multiple fields, leading to real improvements in public health. The current pandemic context and the health consequences for the planet are a further demonstration of the importance of responsive, effective research in protecting the health of populations everywhere.

But pursuing this ongoing research means creating ever closer links and mutual understanding with the general public. So it is vital to continue raising awareness among the public of both the importance of science and the continued need for gifts and donations. To this end, the Institut Pasteur runs communications campaigns in various formats, on TV and radio, and during specific periods when it makes targeted appeals for donations, like the Pasteurdon campaign, the legacies appeals, and over the Christmas and New Year period, known as a time for giving.

In 2018, the Institut Pasteur decided to produce a promotional film exploring an idea that we are now all familiar with: "Let's defend research together." The aim was to provide a solid basis for communications that could be used throughout the year and on specific one-off occasions when appealing for legacies and donations.

After three years, it was decided to produce a new film this year, created by the young Toulouse-based director Vincent Rodella, who recently worked with Santé publique France to produce a short film about COVID-19.

The creative concept for this new Institut Pasteur film presents donations and legacies as an engine driving research forward and enabling life to keep moving. The film alternates between still images, slow motion and scenes at normal speed.

We witness a series of scenes showing people's lives in suspended animation, in slow motion – scenes with which we can all identify. These images of everyday life are then interrupted and returned to normal speed as a gift or legacy allows the actors on screen to start moving again, conveying the message that life can move forward thanks to support for the Institut Pasteur's research.

The new film has been broadcast since August 16 to support the Legacies Office with its annual August campaign. It will be shown again in autumn in a special version for Pasteurdon. It will be the cornerstone for the Pasteurdon short films, a series of videos featuring journalists and presenters from our partner channels. Keep your eyes peeled over the weekend of October 9 and 10! You will also be able to see the film on your TV screens at the end of the year.

 

• A closer look at the 2021 legacies campaign

Legacies are a way for the Institut Pasteur to have a degree of visibility over its resources, so that it can adjust its research strategies and deploy resources as and when they are needed, without delay, to tackle the challenges facing public health.

As it does every year in August, the Institut Pasteur carried out a communications campaign this year via various channels (TV, radio, press, mailing lists, and online via the web and social media) on the topic of transferring assets. This was the perfect opportunity to roll out the new Institut Pasteur film.
The visibility of the campaign was particularly important since it is a key part of the Institut Pasteur's general communications strategy.

Find out more about legacies

 

Check out the web campaign

 

 

 

• A closer look at Pasteurdon 2021

Pasteurdon plays a key role in boosting visibility for the wide-ranging research carried out at the Institut Pasteur in aid of public health. It represents a great opportunity to raise awareness among the public and the media of the need for donations to advance knowledge. Since its very first edition, Pasteurdon has been a highlight of the Institut Pasteur calendar that helps bring the staff community together behind a common cause. Pasteurdon 2021, the 15th edition of the Institut Pasteur's annual fundraising extravaganza, will be held from October 6 to 10.

There will be several highlights this year. Don't miss the launch event and the online conference for the general public. Check out upcoming issues of the newsletter for more details!

Go to the dedicated Pasteurdon 2021 page on Webcampus