For the first time, the Scientific Outreach Medals, organized jointly by the CNRS and France Universités, have been opened to all research organizations, including the Institut Pasteur.

In 2026, the Institut Pasteur, along with the CEA, Ifremer, INRAe, Inserm and IRD, became a partner in the Scientific Outreach Medals. 
This shift is a sign of recognition for the scientific outreach efforts pursued by the entire scientific community, and it represents an opportunity for the Institut Pasteur to raise the profile of its outreach projects.
 

An award to promote dialog between science and society

The Scientific Outreach Medals were launched in 2021 to recognize initiatives aimed at sharing scientific knowledge beyond the walls of academia. The decision to open the awards to research organizations is an opportunity to shine a light on the Institut Pasteur's initiatives in this area.
 

Three categories of prizes

Projects can be put forward for one of the following three categories:
 

1.    Knowledge transfer

This category is for initiatives primarily aimed at making scientific content accessible to the general public.
These may include:

• books, articles or graphic novels;
• documentaries, TV and radio programs or podcasts;
• exhibitions, websites, platforms or video channels.

The challenge is to make scientific knowledge accessible to the public at large by offering formats that are clear and attractive yet scientifically rigorous.
 

2.    Knowledge sharing

This category promotes outreach activities in which the public is actively involved in knowledge transfer.
They may include:

• conferences, debates and discussions;
• workshops, school-based activities;
• laboratory tours, festivals, events;
• the design of games (board games, role-playing games, interactive formats).

These activities are based on direct interactions, outreach and public participation.
 

3.    Knowledge co-creation

This category is aimed at projects in which a lay public is involved in producing or building knowledge.
It covers:

• participatory science projects;
• research initiatives involving citizens or groups;
• art/science or other interdisciplinary collaboration.

Here the aim is to involve the public in the scientific process itself and not just the transfer of research results.
 

How to apply – internal procedure

The application process involves submitting an application of up to six pages, together with supporting documents.
Projects must be under preparation or finalized no more than two years ago, and led by scientists or research staff. The projects may be supported by communication and outreach teams but not led by them. 
One key point is that all projects must be supported by the home institution. Without a positive opinion from the home institution, the application will not be considered by the jury. 
Applications must therefore be given preliminary approval by the Institut Pasteur. The number of applications is limited to a maximum of five projects per organization, so there is an internal selection process.
 

Interested teams are invited to contact:
•    kadidia.simeon@pasteur.fr, Scientific Communications and Outreach Officer
•    guillaume.frasca@pasteur.fr, Advisor to the Scientific Management Board
 

This initial discussion is an opportunity to:
•    check whether the project is eligible;
•    help compile the application;
•    organize internal support.
 

Please contact Kadidia and Guillaume by June 5 with a brief presentation of your project. The deadline for applications supported by the Institut Pasteur is July 13, 2026.
 

For more information about the Scientific Outreach Medals, especially the 2025 winners