In spring 2026, the Institut Pasteur became a partner in the Scientific Outreach Medals, alongside the CNRS, France Universités, the CEA, Ifremer, INRAe, Inserm and the IRD, and launched its first call for applications for "Science and Society" projects developed by its scientists (see the May 11, 2026 issue of the newsletter).

The Scientific Outreach Medals have been jointly organized on an annual basis by the CNRS and France Universités since 2021 to recognize initiatives aimed at sharing scientific knowledge beyond the walls of academia.

Following the first call for applications, five Institut Pasteur projects have been selected as candidates for the Scientific Outreach Medals:
 

Image

”Lady Pipette : Rap ta Science” – Yaëlle Wormser

"Lady Pipette: Rap ta Science" combines rap, stand-up and stage performance to bring scientific content to the public, especially on infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. It is aimed at people from all walks of life, especially young people and those with no connection to science. The performances present the daily realities of research in a down-to-earth way, using humor to help change perceptions of scientists. The project emphasizes the wide variety of backgrounds and different models of success in science, with the aim of inspiring young women in particular.
 

Image

"The "Lady Pipette: Rap ta Science" project developed out of a firm belief that science is not just for elites and there is more than one way to be a scientist. The Institut Pasteur's decision to nominate the initiative for the Scientific Outreach Medals means a great deal. It will encourage me to continue my efforts to share knowledge and build bridges between research and society via art."

Yaëlle Wormser


 

Image

”UniStem Day” – Marina Caillet

"UniStem Day," held at the Institut Pasteur since 2018, is a scientific outreach program aimed at introducing high school students to research, especially in the field of stem cell biology, through a participatory, immersive experience. Over a period of several months, the students analyze scientific journals and publications, develop their critical thinking skills, produce and present posters, and talk to scientists and researchers. By enabling the students to get actively involved rather than simply observing, the initiative shares knowledge and also provides a window onto the reality of the scientific method, different professions and the challenges of research. The project dismantles stereotypes about scientific professions, helps foster critical thinking and encourages the next generation to consider a career in science.
 

Image

"What I love about "UniStem Day" is that the students go away with more than just a lecture – they get to experience science for themselves, meet researchers and give a successful presentation. Being nominated for the Scientific Outreach Medals shines a light on all the work behind the scenes – six months of preparation, dozens of volunteers – and gives the project the visibility it deserves so that it can continue to develop."

Marina Caillet

 

Image

”Pasteur-Banlieues : Scientifiques de demain” – Najma Rachidi

"Pasteur-Banlieues: Scientifiques de demain" offers students from Molière middle school in Ivry-sur-Seine, on the outskirts of Paris – part of the Priority Education Network for schools in disadvantaged areas – a chance to experience the Institut Pasteur's laboratories hands-on. They meet scientists, engineers and technicians, perform scientific experiments in conditions close to real research, and find out about the many pathways that can lead to a career in science. The project is a long-term initiative based around specific opportunities for careers guidance, including the chance to complete an internship at the Institut Pasteur. By adopting an inclusive, long-term approach, the aim is to tackle self-censorship, break down stereotypes, promote equal opportunities and encourage students to consider a career in science.
 

Image

“Our "Pasteur-Banlieues" project was born from a simple yet concerning observation: young people from underprivileged neighborhoods remain too often disconnected from research institutions like the Institut Pasteur. Hindered by self-censorship and a lack of professional networks, many are convinced that science is not for them. This exclusion not only limits their career horizons but also deprives the scientific community of the diversity essential for innovation. To shatter this glass ceiling, we have forged a direct partnership with Collège Molière, a priority education school (REP) in Ivry-sur-Seine. Going far beyond a simple visit, our approach demystifies research careers by showcasing the variety of possible career paths and, crucially, places students in real-life laboratory settings where they conduct experiments themselves: they no longer observe science from afar, they do science. The results are already tangible; dozens of students have experienced this immersion, with few returning for advanced internships in their first year of high school and seriously considering scientific careers. This project proves that by removing social barriers, scientific excellence becomes accessible to all, transforming science outreach into a true lever for equal opportunity”. 

Najma Rachidi

 

Image

”ReCombinaisons, science, fiction, société” – Philippe Afonso, Hichem Ben Hassine, François Bontems, Marina Caillet, Emma Leprêtre, Marie Martin, Fanny Momboisse and Sandrine Royer-Devaux

"ReCombinaisons, science, fiction, société" is a two-day conference that gives scientists in biology and health, humanities specialists, philosophers, sci-fi authors, artists and the general public the opportunity to come together and discuss the scientific, ethical and societal challenges of research. Unlike traditional channels for knowledge transfer, it creates a space for open dialog where knowledge is shared, questioned and expanded by the input of multiple viewpoints. Emphasis is also placed on the potential of the imagination. What sets this project apart is its creativity and participatory nature, and the way in which it fosters dialog and builds lasting bridges between research, culture and society.
 

Image

“The ReCombinaisons team was formed around the conviction that research can only bring about and shape desirable futures if its choices, applications and objectives are the subject of public debate. Reflecting the nature of the event, the organisation was diverse, bringing together scientists from a range of disciplines, staff from research support services, science fiction authors and volunteers. Entering this science communication competition is a great honour for the team, which has been driving this project forward for years with the hope of growing this community centred on science and the imagination, and with the aim of organising a third edition.”

Philippe Afonso, Hichem Ben Hassine, François Bontems, Marina Caillet,
 Emma Leprêtre, Marie Martin, Fanny Momboisse and Sandrine Royer-Devaux
 

Image

”Précieux microbiote intestinal” – Lucie Spohr, Benoît Chassaing, Bruno Dupuy, Hélène Laude and Marie Vogtensperger

"Précieux microbiote intestinal" is part lecture and debate, part workshop. The aim is to share key notions about the gut microbiota with the general public in an accessible way – its composition, dynamic balance, the environmental and behavioral factors that influence it, and the consequences of dysbiosis for health. Four fun and esthetically appealing objects have been designed and produced to illustrate the gut microbiota: a mirror tube illustrating microbial diversity, a layering game representing the impact of lifestyle, a delicately balanced tray to understand homeostasis, and a snakes-and-ladders-style game on dysbiosis and how to resolve it. By engaging the public in a visual, fun and interactive way, "Précieux microbiote intestinal" helps people gain a deep and personal understanding of the role of the microbiota in our general health.
 

Image

“We are very grateful to the Institut Pasteur for the support it has given to our application for this science outreach project. By creating objects that are both aesthetic and playful, we wanted to help the public discover the complexity of the gut microbiota and its impact on human health, whilst highlighting the collaborative work between several teams on campus involved in this area”.

Lucie Spohr, Benoît Chassaing,
 Bruno Dupuy,
Hélène Laude and Marie Vogtensperger

Image

Timeline

• Early September 2026: applications examined and initial selection made by a panel of experts;
• Mid-September 2026: winners selected by the final panel;
• October 2026: results announced in the press;
• November 2026: award ceremony for Scientific Outreach Medals.