Bio-Art exhibition: "From Bondy to Rambouillet, an array of invisible biodiversity," from June 18 to 28 on campus

From June 18 to 28, the Institut Pasteur will host an original exhibition in the greenhouse that combines science and art: "From Bondy to Rambouillet, an array of invisible biodiversity." Don't miss this Bio-Art exhibition, which is open to all from 10am to 5pm.

What is Bio-Art?
This contemporary art movement offers a unique opportunity to introduce science to the general public in an appealing, accessible way. By using or drawing inspiration from living materials, bio-artists can create works that encourage the public to reflect critically on the relationship between science, their environment and society.

From Bondy to Rambouillet – using Bio-Art as a bridge between science and young people

Following on from the previous project with high school students in Bondy in 2022, the desire to engage in scientific outreach and reach out beyond the walls of campus has led to a new Bio-Art project, led jointly by volunteers from the Institut Pasteur's Department of Microbiology and Department of Genomes and Genetics, high school students from Rambouillet and private partners, that will result in an exhibition.

In preparation for this original artistic teaching project spearheaded by department manager Olivier Cordin, students from Lycée Louis Bascan in Rambouillet, accompanied by biologists from the Institut Pasteur, took samples at different places in the local area at the beginning of the year. The aim was to detect microbes, bacteria, viruses and microscopic fungi that live all around us, although we can't see them.

Following this first scientific stage in the field, the students were given the opportunity to see science in action in the Institut Pasteur's laboratories, where their samples were analyzed. This created connections between the scientists and the students and gave them the chance to chat and to ask questions in person.

In June, this scientific experiment will lead to an artistic experiment on the topic of invisible biodiversity. Artist and designer Edouard Burgeat and his biotechnologist brother Louis have worked together to produce a living art installation created using non-pathogenic laboratory strains.

Come along to the greenhouse from June 18 to 28, 10am to 5pm, to see the results of this teaching and artistical project that combines science and art!