Since its creation in 1887,Institut Pasteur has become known through the world as one of the foremost symbols of science and of French culture. This worldwide reach is the result of a history rich in cutting edge scientific discoveries.

Today ,especially in the fight against infectious diseases, Institut Pasteur is present on all fronts, from researching vaccines against a wide range of diseased such as AIDS, “Paludism” or cancers, to the study of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, as well as extracting knowledge from data generated by genetic sequencing of pathogenic agents. Institut Pasteur takes an active role in emerging diseases such as SARS of the avian flu.

When it comes to research, microbiology(bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology) represents more than half of Institut Pasteur’s activity. It is also involved in other activities which significantly contribute to public health activities such as: epidemiology, immunology and various approaches and collaborative efforts in fighting cancer, neurosciences, and several sectors of fundamental biology. In parallel to fundamental neurobiology, there have emerged certain focused efforts on neurotope virus(rabies…), aging of the brain, etc.

Research activities with concrete applications in the public health sector are also developed, for example the national reference centers, clinical research, and the International Network of Institut Pasteur.

Four key elements make Institut Pasteur stand apart: A focus on research for the benefit of public health, a drive to maximize the value of its scientific discoveries through technology transfer to industry, a desire to share its knowledge in France and abroad, and finally a great openness to the world.

Institut Pasteur takes pride in being an open forum, a place for exchanges and partnerships.