Pasteurdon
Launch of Pasteurdon 2026: a 20th anniversary edition packed with memorable moments
The 20th edition of Pasteurdon was officially launched on October 8, with a week of events and activities.
A memorable launch event on campus
On October 8, the Institut Pasteur campus came alive with a glittering launch ceremony for the 20th anniversary edition of Pasteurdon, with a large number of staff turning out for the occasion. Scientists, sponsors, artists, partners and ambassadors came together with politicians, academics and journalists to celebrate two decades of generosity and look ahead to the next chapter. A total of nearly 500 people attended the event.
After a screening of the short campaign film Le lien, Julian Bugier, master of ceremonies for the evening, kicked off the festivities. Yasmine Belkaid, President of the Institut Pasteur, opened the evening by setting out a vision focused on the future and sharing a message that echoed the spirit of this anniversary edition: scientific progress is only possible thanks to those who support it. Julian Bugier then invited Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, laureate of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Medicine and guest of honor for the evening, to share her thoughts on how research has changed over the years and how she sees the future. Marie NDiaye, writer and 2009 Prix Goncourt laureate, and Erik Orsenna, a member of the Académie Française, 1988 Prix Goncourt laureate and Institut Pasteur Ambassador, then took to the floor with powerful speeches. Emmanuel Grégoire, Mayor of Paris, concluded this first section on "Science and Society" with an inspiring address about the role of science in the city and the wider region, emphasizing the strong bonds between Paris and the Institut Pasteur.
The audience were then treated to video messages from Kad Merad and Julia Vignali, Pasteurdon patrons for the third year in a row, in which they spoke about their commitment to the cause and announced the arrival of a new patron to support the campaign next year. Those watching in the hall enjoyed a live reveal of the identity of the new patron with a video filmed during his recent visit to the Institut Pasteur: Kyan Khojandi, comedian, actor and producer, best known for creating and starring in the TV series Bref. Kyan's engagement with Pasteurdon reflects his character – discreet, thoughtful and capable of bringing a new community of supporters together around the Institut Pasteur.
Three scientists then gave TEDx-style presentations in which they shared three major breakthroughs in the Institut Pasteur's research: Aurélie Chiche on breast cancer, Arnaud Fontanet on tackling epidemics, and Thomas Bourgeron, with a video link to his colleague StefBonnot-Briey, on autism. The three pitches, all accessible and inspiring for the audience, were a timely reminder of how important research is for everyone's health.
Eight awards to say thank you
The evening was also an opportunity to thank those who make Pasteurdon possible, with the presentation of eight awards: three"Science and Society" awards for the scientists who presented their research; three Philanthropy awards for sponsors of the Institut Pasteur; a Pasteur Initiative award; and a Media Engagement award for the collective of TV and radio partners. Every prizewinner received a unique contemporary creation designed by artists Aristide Barreau and Claire Barrato: a graphic work representing the first child ever vaccinated, based on a photograph recolored by hand, signed and numbered – a highly symbolic gift that reflects their unique commitment.
The spotlight then turned to the TV and radio partners, loyal supporters of the event for the past 20 years, led by Anne Barrère, who coordinates these media figures, with the screening of a clip thanking all the presenters and journalists.
The ceremony drew to a close with a group photo, followed by a cocktail reception and a chance to visit the contemporary art exhibition on display in the two halls.
Watch the launch event
A video is available here to relive the highlights of the memorable launch event.
Many thanks to all those who made this 20th edition an unforgettable moment!
PasteurDay: a look back on the Institut Pasteur's Open Day
On Saturday October 10, the Institut Pasteur opened its doors to the public for PasteurDay, the Pasteurdon Open Day, which also coincided with the French National Festival of Science. This year's edition was a resounding success!
Aimed primarily at families and children aged 5 to 11, the Open Day was an opportunity to visit the Institut Pasteur and go behind the scenes of its research through a host of activities including science experiments, laboratory tours, meetings with scientists, games and challenges. Children were given the chance to carry out their own "Pasteur Mission," armed with their lab notebook, before being awarded a Scientific Apprentice certificate.
The goal of PasteurDay, made possible by the efforts of 113 Institut Pasteur volunteers, was to give people an opportunity to come onto the Institut Pasteur campus and find out about the research it does and the different careers in science. And those efforts paid off, with 1,200 visitors to campus – including many youngsters, some of whom may have been inspired to pursue a career in science!
©Antoine Cerf
