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Dr. Grégoire Davignon receives the Talent Award
Ceremony of the Pasteur Network Annual Meeting, on October 22, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Dr. Grégoire Davignon, molecular biologist at the Institut Pasteur of New Caledonia and associate researcher at the University of New Caledonia, receives the Talent Award. This distinction, funded since 2017 by the Institut Pasteur Paris, highlights young researchers from the Pasteur Network who have demonstrated strong scientific potential. For the second time, the award recognizes excellence in the Science & Communication category, honoring researchers who bridge the gap between research and society.
A scientific commitment to global health
Dr. Grégoire Davignon leads innovative research on leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease with increasing public health relevance, particularly in tropical regions. His work focuses on the gene regulation mechanisms of Leptospira interrogans biofilms, which play a crucial role in the bacterium’s ability to adapt and persist in the environment.
Using New Caledonia—a territory where leptospirosis places a disproportionate burden on vulnerable populations—as a primary study area, Dr. Davignon’s research adopts a One Health approach, exploring the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. His findings are pivotal for better understanding the risks associated with leptospirosis and for designing prevention strategies tailored to tropical ecosystems.
He has presented his work at prestigious international conferences in Los Angeles, Belgium, and Paris, positioning his research on the global stage and reinforcing the role of the Pasteur Network in addressing re-emerging infectious diseases.
A voice for science, beyond the lab
Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Davignon is deeply engaged in science communication and public outreach. As a semi-finalist in the French national competition “Ma Thèse en 180 secondes”, he delivered an accessible and engaging presentation of his research to a broad audience. His communication skills also earned him recognition at an international innovation hackathon in Australia, where he successfully pitched a project on algae-derived biomaterials.
An advocate for making science accessible, Dr. Davignon actively participates in public events such as the Fête de la Science, and he regularly engages with both academic and non-academic audiences. He has represented New Caledonian youth in discussions with Pacific Islands Forum leaders and participated in high-level exchanges with policymakers, including a meeting with the French Overseas Minister.
Supporting the next generation of scientists
In addition to his scientific and communication achievements, Dr. Davignon has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and mentorship. As former President of the Doctoral Students’ Association of New Caledonia, he supported early-career researchers and helped foster a vibrant scientific community.
Empowering science to speak to society
In presenting the award, Odette Tomescu Hatto, Vice President of International Affairs at Institut Pasteur, emphasized: “he Talent Award today celebrates a scientist who embodies not only scientific excellence, but also the ability to translate his research into concrete action, accessible to all. Dr. Grégoire Davignon demonstrates that scientific communication is a powerful tool for shaping the future of public health”
This 9th edition of the Talent Award continues to highlight the vital role of scientific communication in public health. Dr. Davignon’s career is a testament to the synergy between research and outreach—a dual commitment that brings science closer to the people it serves