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

As part of the 2025 edition of Health: A Political Choice – The Future of Health in a Fractured World (released on October 6th), a flagship publication of the Global Governance Project, co-edited by the Global Health Centre (Geneva) and the Global Governance Program (Toronto), an article (pp. 70–71) is dedicated to “Science and Solidarity: A New Paradigm for Global Health” by Yasmine Belkaid, President of Institut Pasteur and Vice-President of the Pasteur Network, Mario Santos Moreira, President of the Pasteur Network and President Fiocruz, and Rebecca Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network.

In their article, the authors argue that in a world fractured by crises and mistrust, science remains one of the few truly global connective threads. They emphasize that sustained, decentralized scientific collaboration is essential to achieving equity and preparedness in global health. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed both the immense power of scientific cooperation and the deep inequities in access to life-saving tools.

The authors call for a new paradigm—one that moves beyond selective solidarity toward shared responsibility, long-term investment, and inclusive governance. They highlight the Pasteur Network as a model of trust-based, multipolar collaboration that delivers public goods and strengthens resilience across borders.

The Pasteur Network exemplifies this vision. With over 30 member institutions across five continents—most located in the Global South—it fosters decentralized innovation and rapid responses to emerging health threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its members exchanged genomic data, protocols, and reagents in real time, often faster than through formal channels. These efforts were grounded in trust, scientific excellence, and long-standing partnerships.

The article concludes with a call to invest in the infrastructure of cooperation: networks, platforms, and inclusive governance mechanisms. The breakthroughs of the future, the authors argue, will not arise from isolated efforts but from organized collaboration grounded in equity and solidarity.

🔗 Read the full publication

The Pasteur Network announces the launch of PNLink, an exclusive digital platform designed to enhance collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing among its 32 member institutes worldwide.

PNLink provides members with an intuitive environment for a global interaction and coordination on priority health challenges such as epidemic preparedness, climate-sensitive diseases, vaccine development, and antimicrobial resistance.

This launch reflects the Network’s strategic pillar to foster multidisciplinary collaboration and global knowledge exchange.

“The launch of PNLink is a pivotal step forward in harnessing the power of collective intelligence within the Pasteur Network. This platform embodies our commitment to openness, inclusivity, and scientific excellence, enabling faster and more agile responses to global health threats,” Rebecca F. Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network.

For more information about the Pasteur Network and its initiatives, interested parties are invited to visit community.pasteur-network.org.

Unlock the network

PNLink is accessible exclusively to Pasteur Network members,
and totally free of charge.

Sign up now

We’re delighted to share two new calls for scientific incentive grants exclusively for the Pasteur Network community!

SPARK call (Seeded Partnerships for Advancing Research & Knowledge)

Funders : Pasteur Network, Institut Pasteur

🔍 Objectives:

  • to foster innovative, interdisciplinary projects through collaborative grassroots initiatives
  • to reinforce relationships within the Pasteur Network
  • to support the next generation of researchers worldwide
  • to foster a community of early-career scientists within the PN.

💡 Project Focus:

Projects should catalyze innovation by encouraging exploratory research that pushes boundaries and opens new avenues within the Strategic Plan Pasteur 2030 and/or the scientific pillars of the Pasteur Network.

📅 Key Details:

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Budget : up to €75,000 – €100,000 + possibility to have a C&Y post doc grant
  • Submission deadline: September 8th, 2025 at 1 pm (Paris time)
  • Starting date: at least mid-December 2025
  • Coordinators and team leaders must be early-career scientists from member institutes of the Pasteur Network

The goal of this new edition is to enhance the impact of our incentive programs by prioritizing the most innovative, disruptive, and interdisciplinary projects which foster talent development and connections with the Pasteur Network, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.We will also focus on projects that leverage cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence. Finally, particular attention will be given to projects that promote sustainability, talent development, entrepreneurship, societal engagement, equity, diversity and inclusion

All information about the above-mentioned call can be found on the SPARK Guidelines

Pasteur Excellence in Research & Leadership Program (PERL)

Funder: Institut Pasteur   

🔍 Objectives: 

The research projects :

  • Are cross-disciplinary, bridging multiple scientific fields of expertise
  • Foster new collaborations within the Pasteur ecosystem
  • Establish novel, high-impact collaborations between Institut Pasteur (IP) scientists and researchers from the Pasteur Network (PN)
  • Strengthen interactions between basic, clinical, and translational research by
  • Initiating new collaborations with clinicians, particularly through AP-HP;
  • Enhancing potential future industrial partnerships

💡 Project Focus:

Projects should be aligned with the priorities of the Strategic Plan Pasteur 2030. However, exceptional projects that open novel research avenues or novel technological developments will also be considered .

📅 Key Details:

  • Duration: 36 months with a go/no go review at 24 months
  • Budget: up to €300,000 + possibility to have a PRC-PERL Grant
  • Submission deadline: July 8th, 2025 at 1 pm (Paris time)
  • Start date of projects:  At least mid-October, 2025       

All information about the above-mentioned call can be found on the PERL Guidelines.

More information : https://spais.aap.pasteur.fr/documents/site/12/guidelines_perl_vf2_updated.pdf

The DURABLE annual meeting, held at the Institut Pasteur in Paris from February 19-21, 2025, brought together a collaborative network of research and public health institutions from across Europe. This network is dedicated to enhancing outbreak preparedness through a One Health approach. By focusing on pathogen detection, evolutionary analysis, and threat characterization, DURABLE aims to provide rapid, high-quality scientific insights to support the European Commission Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) in making informed decisions on cross-border health threats.

The Role of the Pasteur Network in DURABLE

The Pasteur Network (PN) plays a crucial role in the DURABLE project by enhancing capacity within the network through various training opportunities for its members. Here are some key initiatives led by the PN team:

  • Research Management during Outbreaks: The first school, launched in May 2024 in collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, resulted in the creation of a Research Management Community.
  • Metagenomics & NGS for Outbreak Response: Scheduled for July 7-11, 2025, at Institut Pasteur, this course will focus on pathogen detection, outbreak tracing, phylodynamics, and pathogen evolution.
  • Webinars & MOOCs: The PN team initiated a series of webinars and a MOOC on Research Management, starting with a session on in vitro & in vivo models in September 2024. More sessions are planned for the future.
  • Mid-term Fellowships: Launching in 2025, these fellowships will facilitate staff exchanges between DURABLE partner institutions, providing hands-on training opportunities.

The DURABLE network, with the support of the Pasteur Network, continues to strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to health emergencies, ensuring a well-prepared and resilient public health infrastructure.

Read more about the DURABLE project : https://durableproject.org/

The Pasteur Network and the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) have signed a MoU to establish a collaborative framework to enhance global public health. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to address critical public health challenges through research, policy advocacy, capacity building, and the promotion of health equity.

Collaborative Efforts

The collaboration will focus on several key areas:

  • Epidemic Intelligence & Preparedness: Enhancing epidemic intelligence and preparedness through joint surveillance and research initiatives, particularly on climate-sensitive diseases.
  • Research, Development, & Innovation: Advancing scientific understanding and technological innovations in public health and biomedicine.
  • Policy Development and Advocacy: Developing and promoting global public health policies to positively influence health outcomes.
  • Capacity Building: Strengthening the capabilities of public health professionals and organizations through training programs, workshops, and knowledge exchange initiatives.
  • Promotion of Health Equity: Implementing strategies that promote equitable health outcomes across different populations.

Duration and Future Prospects

The MoU is effective for three years, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing global public health. By combining their expertise and resources, the Pasteur Network and WFPHA aim to make substantial contributions to public health research, policy, and practice, ultimately improving health outcomes worldwide.

The Pasteur Network is delighted to announce the call for applications to join Scientific Working Groups. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards fostering a global community dedicated to advancing public health, biological research, and scientific excellence to work together better.

Composition of the Scientific Working Groups

The Scientific Working Groups will be composed of one representative from each member institute of the Pasteur Network, ensuring a broad spectrum of insights and expertise. This structure aims to reflect the diverse scientific pursuits and challenges across our network, promoting a collaborative approach to innovation public health, and research. Each institute will be represented in at least one Scientific Working Group, with the option for multiple individuals from each institute to apply and participate actively in these groups (see detailed description below).

Criteria for Participation

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must not hold directorial or department head positions within their respective institutes.
  • The participating institute must support the applicant’s involvement, including covering travel expenses for an annual in-person meeting as well as allowing time to participate in virtual discussions.

Desired Qualities and Expectations:

  • Commitment to achieving gender, regional, and subject area balance, in alignment with 9 key thematic areas: (1) Mother & Child Health (2) Vector-Borne Diseases impacted by Climate Change (3) Antimicrobial Resistance (4) R&D&I on Vaccines (5), on Therapeutics and (6) on Diagnostics, (7) Science Equity, (8) Epidemic Preparedness (9) Ethics.
  • Proficiency in English is preferred, although automatic translation will be available for virtual meetings.
  • A CV (no longer than 5 pages) highlighting relevant experiences and achievements.
  • Responses to two cover letter questions, focusing on the applicant’s unique contributions and visions aligned with the Pasteur Network’s strategic pillars.

 Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. The panel will aim for a balanced and diverse composition. Final candidates will be approved by the Board of the Pasteur Network.

Roles and Responsibilities

Members of the Scientific Working Groups will actively contribute to meetings, participate in working groups, and serve as liaisons with their respective institutes for a three-year term, renewable on a voluntary basis. The Chair of the Working Groups will be voted from among its members. The Chair will support the Working Groups to organize meetings, act as the primary contact point for the members of the Scientific Working Groups and with support from the Pasteur Network will provide an annual report on the deliberations, discussions, and plans of each Working Group. The mandate of the Chair is for 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Application Submission

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications on the Flexigrant platform (https://calls.pasteur-network.org/startapplication.aspx?id=14254). The application must include a short CV and written responses to the specified cover letter questions outlined in the application form. The selection process will honor the principles of balance, diversity, and excellence.

This opportunity represents not only a chance to contribute to the global health community but also to help shape the future of scientific research, public health and innovation within the Pasteur Network. We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming our new Working Group members.

Deadline for Application Submission: 15 January 2025

For more details or help to submit your application, please contact: renaud.Vatrinet@pasteur.fr

Description of the Scientific Working Groups

1. Mother & Child Health

This SWG focuses on advancing research in maternal and child health. It aims to unify experts from diverse research domains to address key health challenges in mothers, infants, and children, including both communicable and non-communicable diseases.  

2. Vector-Borne Diseases Impacted by Climate Change

This SWG unites researchers focused on vector-borne diseases affected by climate change, emphasizing the changes in vector distribution, seasonality, and disease intensity due to warming temperatures and environmental shifts.

3. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

This SWG addresses the critical public health threat of antimicrobial resistance through strategic reflection, fostering enhanced collaboration, increased visibility, and capacity building. Its efforts range from AMR surveillance to comprehensive molecular studies of resistance mechanisms.

4. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Vaccines

Focusing on vaccine research, development, and innovation, this SWG covers the entire vaccine development pipeline, from basic research to manufacturing and clinical trials.

5. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Therapeutics

This SWG fosters strategic reflection on collaboration and capacity building to advance new therapeutic options for infectious diseases. It supports the entire continuum, from basic research through therapeutic manufacturing and clinical trials, with a particular focus on emerging infections and neglected diseases.

6. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Diagnostics

This SWG fosters collaboration and capacity building to create and enhance diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases accurately and rapidly. The group will collaborate on initiatives to facilitate the development of accessible, reliable diagnostics, particularly for regions where disease burden is high, and resources are limited.

7. Science Equity

In line with the Pasteur Network’s pillar of equity, this SWG aims to promote fairness in research funding, visibility, and career development opportunities across all network members. It emphasizes equitable access to research resources, training, and recognition, ensuring that all members, especially those from underrepresented regions and early-career researchers, can fully participate and benefit from the network’s activities.

8. Epidemic Preparedness

Focused on enhancing epidemic preparedness, this SWG includes activities such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response planning, by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines (e.g., virologists, epidemiologists, public health professionals, and data scientists) and the expertises of the members.

9. Ethics This SWG brings together experts in bioethics, legal frameworks, and public health ethics to address ethical challenges arising in infectious disease research and public health activities. It will also address emerging ethical concerns related to data sharing, biobanking, and international research collaboration.

At the opening ceremony of the Pasteur Network Annual Meeting, on October 21, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Claire Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou, entomologist at the Institut Pasteur in Bangui (Central African Republic), receives the Talent Award. This distinction, funded since 2017 by Institut Pasteur, highlights young Pasteur Network researchers who have demonstrated scientific potential. For the first time, the award is in the Science & Communication category, recognizing researchers’ ability to disseminate their work to the general public.  

A career in the service of public health   

Claire Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou joined the medical entomology department at the Institut Pasteur in Bangui to begin her thesis in 2015. Today, she is a promising researcher in the field of entomology, having successfully secured funding from the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust to support her innovative projects.  She plays a key role in the fight against malaria by studying the behavior of mosquitoes, particularly the Anopheles species, major vectors of the disease. Her work focuses on analyzing the genetic diversity and adaptability of malaria vectors, with direct implications for disease control in the Central African Republic. By understanding the genetic basis of mosquito behavior and resistance, her research contributes to the development of more effective vector control strategies. This could reduce malaria transmission rates and improve public health outcomes.  Her findings have been published in leading scientific journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).   

A bridge between science and public action   

In addition to her scientific activities, Dr. Sangba-Kembi is heavily involved in disseminating these results to all levels of society, earning her a dedicated article in the newspaper Le Monde, in the series “En Afrique, la science au féminin”. She has regular exchanges with the Ministry of Health of the Central African Republic on the development of policies to limit malaria transmission.  She will use part of the funding from this prize to organize an awareness-raising campaign in schools on changes in mosquito-biting behavior and their implications for the fight against malaria.  

Promoting scientific communication  

This 8th edition of the Talent Award is the first to reward a scientist who not only demonstrates a strong scientific commitment, but also an outstanding ability to communicate his or her research to a wider audience. The award supports initiatives that promote clear and open communication, essential for building trust between science and society. In times of crisis, such as pandemics, effective scientific communication directly influences public behavior and safety.  

“Encouraging scientific impact and communication”.  

In congratulating Dr. Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou, Odette Tomescu Hatto, Vice President of International Affairs at Institut Pasteur, points out: “The Talent Award today celebrates a scientist who embodies not only scientific excellence, but also the ability to translate her research into concrete action, accessible to all. Dr. Claire Sangba-Kembi-Ngounou demonstrates that scientific communication is a powerful lever for shaping the future of public health.”  

A total of twelve researchers have already received this award since its inception. The Talent Award 2024 marks a turning point in affirming that communication is an indispensable pillar for maximizing the impact of scientific research on society.  

To find out more, replay of the opening ceremony : https://www.youtube.com/live/4nvcIrt6IlQ

About the PNAM2024 : https://pasteur-network.org/news/en/pasteur-network-annual-meeting-2024-will-take-place-in-rio-de-janeiro-brazil/

On August 13 and 14, 2024, the Africa CDC and the WHO declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  

As part of its ongoing commitment to science, innovation and global public health, the Pasteur Network, renowned for its expertise in infectious diseases and its extensive geographic reach, spanning 25 countries across 5 continents, is stepping up its efforts to combat the ongoing Mpox outbreak.  

Leveraging this global alliance of over 30 institutes, our multidisciplinary teams are at the forefront of research and response efforts to address this public health challenge, working tirelessly to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostics, and support the development of equitable access to treatments. 

Among Pasteur Network members, several institutes have developed expertise in Mpox surveillance, diagnosis and research during previous epidemics in the region. 

MPXV-infected human cells (green) among uninfected cells (blue nuclei). Confocal microscope image. Copyright : Institut Pasteur/Mathieu Hubert et Olivier Schwartz

Members of the Pasteur Network are are developping actions in many fields:

Surveillance and Diagnostics

  • Contribute to surveillances, particularly in high-transmission regions through diagnostic capabilities and training. 

Research and Development: 

  • Leveraging extensive expertise in virology for the detection and comprehension of transmission dynamics and supporting the development of medical countermeasures  

Collaboration 

  • Support equitable access to solutions targeting high-risk populations coordinating with local health authorities as expressed in the Rio Declaration signed by the Pasteur Network  
  • Partnering with global health organizations to support translating research to policy and  real-world solutions. 

As the world faces new challenges, the Pasteur Network remains dedicated to scientific excellence and collaboration, ensuring that we can address emerging threats with agility and effectiveness. 

Teaching and training are an essential part of the work of the Pasteur Network’s members. The Network’s international courses respond to research and public health priorities at the global and regional levels, providing top-level training to scientists at different stages of their scientific careers, and strengthening scientific relationships between scientists within the Network and with other institutions.

Applications are now open for the Pasteur Network members

Since 2012, the Pasteur Network has offered over a hundred theoretical and hands-on courses worldwide as part of its mission. The international courses and training workshops serve three primary objectives: 

  • Address global and regional research and public health priorities. 
  • Offer high-quality training to scientists at different stages of their scientific career. 
  • Strengthen scientific relationships between scientists within the Pasteur Network and with other institutions. 

Aligned with the Pasteur Network’s mission, the courses and training workshops are open to post-graduate students and young scientists from the Network and any other research institutions (universities, public health agencies, governmental organisations, etc.) from the host country and national institutions. 

Submission of proposals, deadline: 6th of December 2024 

Applicants are requested to submit their course online on Flexigrant. 

Follow this link:  https://calls.pasteur-network.org/startapplication.aspx?id=13738 

Evaluation by the selection panel, deadline: December 2024 

The proposals will be reviewed by an internal panel of experts.  

Communication of results: December 2024 

Selection criteria  

To be considered for selection, courses must meet the following criteria: 

  • Quality: The course must be well-organized and cover relevant and high-quality topics. The team of teachers/instructors should be experienced and knowledgeable in the subject matter. A clear Monitoring and Evaluation plan should be outlined and Learning objectives listed.  
  • Relevance: Only courses that fall within the priority strategic axes of the Pasteur Network will be considered. These axes include reinforcing i) epidemic intelligence and preparedness and Climate and Health , ii) research, development and innovation in critical diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics, iii) creating multi-disciplinary knowledge communities, and iv) promoting equitable collaboration. All scientific subjects are eligible within the strategic axes although priority is given to those listed in the Pasteur Network scientific strategy. 
  • Preference for network institutes: Priority will be given to courses conducted within and by a member institute of the Pasteur Network. 
  • Partner institutions: Priority will be given to courses associating with partner institutions. 
  • Involvement of local trainers/speakers: Local trainers/speakers must be involved in the course.  
  • Target audience: The course should be aimed at scientists, engineers, and senior technicians. Priority will be given to candidates from the Pasteur Network (at least 50%) and external candidates, all of whom are selected based on their merits. 
  • Innovative education tools: The use of innovative education tools is strongly encouraged and will be viewed positively during the selection process. Online or other digital tools can be used to enhance the course experience (virtual augmented reality, gamification, Collaborative Learning Management Systems (LMS,), etc.) 
  • Timing: The course must be completed before December 20th, 2025 
  • Max. financial support: 50,000€ 

Funding criteria 

  • Funding for the course must be justified and in line with the format submitted.  
  • The Pasteur Network will provide a maximum of 80% of the total budget of the course. Applicants are encouraged to supplement their budget through external fundraising. 

Payment of the funds 

  • 85% of the awarded funding will be sent by wire transfer to the organizing institute, after reception of the invoice, 3 to 4 months before the course. 
  • 15% will be transferred after reception of the course full report (see course report section). 

Eligible expenses  

Eligible expenses for funding are: 

  • Consumables 
  • Travel expenses 
  • Hotel costs 
  • Catering 
  • Communication fees 
  • Local transport cost  

Non-eligible expenses 

Non-eligible expenses for funding are: 

  • Overheads or indirect costs 
  • Payments to teachers/instructors and students (incl. per diem) 
  • Equipment 
  • Rental (of premises) in an Institute of the Network. 

By “ineligible expenses” we mean that the cited items will not be considered as direct expenses on Pasteur Network funding. The in-kind participation of the receiving Institute may be valued as co-funding.  Should the applicant have any questions or doubt about other direct costs, Pasteur Network should be contacted for clearance. 

Courses report 

A technical and financial report shall be sent one month after the end of the course. The transfer of the remaining 15% of the awarded funds by Pasteur Network is subject to the reception of the full report. 

Reimbursement 

In case the overall awarded funds by Pasteur Network have not been used; the remaining funds will have to be reimbursed to Pasteur Network. 

Contact 

Any questions can be addressed to Renaud Vatrinet at renaud.vatrinet@pasteur.fr