Call for Applications to Join the Pasteur Network Scientific Working Groups

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: 6^th 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 20^th, 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 

Launch of a Climate-Health Observatory Accelerator program during the Pasteur Network Climate and Health Convening
(Dakar, June 4-5, 2024)

On June 4-5 in Dakar Senegal, 60+ participants, including members of the Pasteur Network and external experts met to discuss how the Pasteur Network can help address the growing impact of climate change on global health, fostering collaborative research and innovative solutions to mitigate emerging health threats and improve public health resilience

The event was supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and the HKJC Institute of Philanthropy who are funding the Pasteur Network’s new Climate-Health Observatory Accelerator program which aims to:

1. Create foundations for C-H observatories through global network of Fellows.
   This fellowship program is a unique opportunity designed for members in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to empower researchers to provide support to local stakeholders in making informed decisions with regards to climate and health.
2. Advance generalizable tools and practices through Pasteur Network Exemplars
   Exemplar members of the Pasteur Network will share their knowledge and expertise in climate and health and help to guide the fellowship cohort in their region
3. Scale impact through shared knowledge via Global Goods and an internal knowledge sharing platform. The 2-day event in Dakar focused on the Accelerator project in more detail, including break-out discussion sessions specifically on the fellowship program design and development of global goods.

Global experts also presented and facilitated discussion on various topics such as updates on the progress of the Pandemic Treaty (Dr. Maria de Lourdes Aguiar Oliveira from FioCruz), important trends and considerations for integrating climate aspects into health surveillance efforts (Dr. Linda Venczel from PATH), connecting climate-health recommendations with policy and investment decisions for government stakeholders (Mr. Jackson Kimani from Climate Action Platform for Africa-CAP-A), showcase of the WHO HIVE collaboration platform (Mr. Brian Yau from WHO), and a round table discussion on the development and dissemination of global goods (Dr. Cristina Tato from Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Mr. Gaurav Godhwani from Civic Data Lab, and Dr. Felipe Colón-González from Wellcome Trust)

The convening was also an important celebration of Institut Pasteur de Dakar’s 100th anniversary, including a tour of the institute and a celebration cocktail. Celebrating IP Dakar’s 100th anniversary marks a century of pioneering research, innovation, and contributions to global health, reinforcing its vital role in combating infectious diseases and improving public health worldwide The Pasteur Network extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Rockefeller Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy for their generous support, which made the meeting in Dakar on June 4-5th possible. We also wish to thank all the participants for their invaluable contributions and engagement, which were instrumental in advancing our discussions on the critical intersection of climate and health.

The Centre for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE) was inaugurated on January 19th, 2024, by Institut Pasteur de Dakar, a Pasteur Network member, in the presence of various dignitaries and partners. The opening of this center also marked the beginning of Institut Pasteur de Dakar’s centenary celebrations in 2024.

CARE’s objectives are

• to train the next generation of leaders, decision-makers and actors involved on epidemic fronts
• Promote disease intelligence by collecting, storing and analyzing massive epidemiological data
• Translate epidemiological research into social value by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship

CARE is also an instrument in the battle against epidemics, consistent with the Institut Pasteur de Dakar’s strategic objective on epidemic preparation, which it shares with the other Pasteur Network members.

On this occasion, the Africa CDC formally certified Institut Pasteur de Dakar as a Center of Excellence in Biosafety and Biosecurity for the West African Region (RCoeEBBS).

Review of the event

• To find out more, read the statement from Institut Pasteur in Dakar.

Six young graduates from the Pasteur Network were honored at the Institut Pasteur’s PhD graduation ceremony on December 8, 2023 in Paris.

This celebration marked the end of a chapter for this new generation of researchers and highlighted the excellence of the growing young scientific community trained at the Institut Pasteur, a Pasteur Network member.

This celebration, organized by the Institut Pasteur’s Education Department since 2013, marked its 11th anniversary, highlighting the scientific excellence of the Institut Pasteur’s young scientist community.

Chaired by Monica Sala, Director of the Education Department and Vincenzo di Bartolo, Head of the graduation ceremony organization team, this edition included an opening address by Valérie Masson-Delmotte, a climatologist, CEA Director of Research and Co-Chair of Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as guest of honor.

She emphasized the intrinsic link between climate change and research, highlighting how the increase in temperature fosters the spread of vector-borne diseases. Hence, pursuing research is crucial in supporting the active response to this urgent matter.

The graduates were introduced by Monica Sala, Director of the Education Department at the Institut Pasteur in Paris and Rebecca Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network. The doctoral students hailed from all four regions of the Pasteur Network – Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Euro-Mediterranean – and had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of topics as detailed below. They all chose to share a quote that inspires them.

• Elliot Fara Nandrasana Rakotomanana

Elliot Rakotomanana earned a postgraduate degree (DEA) in Biochemistry applied to nutrition from the University of Antananarivo (Madagascar) in 2006. He joined the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar (IPM) within the Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit as national coordinator of a socio-anthropological study on stunting in 2014. Passionate about anthropology, in 2016 he embarked on studies in this discipline at the University of Bordeaux through the AFRIBIOTA project, a multidisciplinary research program within the Pasteur Network addressing pediatric environmental enteropathy and stunting. He completed a master’s degree in September 2017 and defended his doctoral thesis under the supervision of Prof. Marc-Eric Gruénais (Bordeaux University) and Dr. Tamara Giles-Vernick (Institut Pasteur) in January 2023. He reveals the broad processes underlying the resource-poor neighborhoods of Antananarivo and the inability of local inhabitants to manage waste, drawing on history, political science and geography. His approach is original; instead of asking why children are malnourished and experience stunting, he demonstrates why and how certain children can avoid it. Since 2018, he has been the deputy head of the “Health & Social Sciences” team at IPM.

• Amina Gihbid

Amina Gihbid holds a PhD in Virology and Molecular Biology. Her research was conducted in the Oncovirology Laboratory at the Institut Pasteur du Maroc (IPM) and Faculty of Science Ain-Chock Casablanca – Morocco. It was mainly focused on the assessment and identification of potential viral, genetic and metabolic biomarkers that could predict early treatment outcomes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and improve the prognosis of this particularly prevalent malignancy in Morocco. The findings of her research highlighted circulating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA viral load, along with metabolic parameters derived from [¹⁸F] FDG PET/CT scan as promising prognostic biomarkers in the clinical management of NPC. These biomarkers could therefore help to personalize patient treatment according to the risk of relapse and recurrence.

At IPM, she is currently working on two ongoing projects, one focusing on characterization of the epidemiological-genetic architecture of breast cancer in North Africa: therapeutic and socio-economic impact, and the second project pertaining to Personalized Medicine in North Africa (PerMediNA). She is also involved in studies conducted within IPM’s Oncovirology Laboratory, investigating the viral etiology of oropharyngeal carcinoma and breast cancer in Morocco.

• Laura Van Poelvoorde

Laura Van Poelvoorde earned her Master of Science in industrial engineering with a focus on biochemistry from the University of Ghent in 2017. Her interest in research and public health led her to the WIV-ISP (Scientific Institute of Public Health, now part of Sciensano) as a PhD researcher within the “Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics” department under the supervision of Nancy Roosens (Sciensano) and Xavier Saelens (Ghent University). Her PhD research focused on innovative strategies to improve the surveillance of influenza which led to exploring whole genome sequencing and analysis. This experience was extended to SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater surveillance. These studies led to a PhD in Biochemistry and Biotechnology in January 2023 and to 10 peer-reviewed publications on genomic strategies that contribute to improving respiratory virus surveillance for the benefit of society. After graduating, Laura Van Poelvoorde secured a permanent position at Sciensano focused on developing methods for pathogen detection in wastewater.

• Irini Thanou

Irini Thanou’s academic journey in neurobiology has centered on understanding the intricate dynamics of adult neurogenic niches in both homeostasis and pathology. During her PhD research, she unveiled novel migratory routes of neural progenitors in response to chemotherapeutic agents, shedding light on the dynamic interplay of instinct and extrinsic cues regulating neurogenic regions and adjacent brain parenchyma. Exploring the brain’s regenerative capacity in response to pathology, she contributed to a published project using neurogenic microRNAs and small molecules for the direct reprogramming of astrocytes into functional neurons. The Institut Pasteur has played a pivotal role in shaping her research. Collaborative initiatives within the network allowed her to engage in projects investigating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk factors in brain homeostasis, providing valuable insights into the emerging role of neuroinflammation as a driving factor in AD. She also actively participated in a study on dynamic interactions between astrocytes and microglia during neuroinflammation, employing cutting-edge intravital brain imaging techniques. She aspires her next scientific chapter to be even more captivating.

• Beatriz Chaves

Beatriz Chaves is a biotechnologist with experience in T-cell biology and antibody development. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology (UFC – Fortaleza, Brazil), a master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology (Fiocruz – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and a PhD in Biotechnology and Health/Computational and Systems Biology (Fiocruz/INFINITy-INSERM – Eusébio/Rio de Janeiro/Toulouse, Brazil/France). During her academic journey, she worked on the in silico design, production and functional evaluation of antibodies targeting Very Late Antigen 4 (VLA-4) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment. Throughout her PhD, she investigated the morphological profiling of MS patients’ lymphocytes by high-content cell imaging to determine their clinical response to the current antibody-based anti-VLA-4 therapy. The research, collaborations and scientific skills developed by Beatriz in her academic career have so far resulted in one patent; five published, one accepted and two ongoing papers; and three awards won at conferences. Beatriz’s current research goals include gaining a better understanding of the role of T-cells in MS pathogenesis and improving current immunotherapies for chronic diseases.

• Noé Ochida

Noé Ochida from New Caledonia graduated from Montpellier University with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. For his master’s degree, he shifted from the microscopic scale to study the ecology of infectious diseases. Recognizing the impact of dengue in New Caledonia, he pursued an M2 internship at the Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie (IPNC) to work on a public health issue in his homeland. This opportunity led him to a PhD at IPNC in collaboration with the IRD on modeling dengue dynamics and the establishment of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti populations in New Caledonia. His research focused on present and future climate risk of dengue outbreaks in New Caledonia using downscaled climate projections of global climate models. He also modeled Wolbachia strategy deployment in Nouméa, suggesting optimal release strategies and assessing its impact on dengue transmission. He had the opportunity to provide modeling support to decision makers during the COVID-19 crisis in New Caledonia. He is currently in a postdoctoral research role at the Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases Unit led by Prof. Simon Cauchemez at the Institut Pasteur in Paris.

During the Opening Ceremony of the Pasteur Network Annual Meeting 2023 on November 19th in Tunis, Dr. Ngu Abanda, a scientist from the Centre Pasteur in Cameroon received the Pasteur Network Talent Award 2023 from Stewart Cole, President of the Pasteur Network Foundation and President of the Institut Pasteur. The Talent Awards support the career development of young scientists to become future leaders within the Pasteur Network.

Dr Ngu Abanda obtained his Ph.D. in Tropical Medicine from the University of Hawaii in 2017. During his Ph.D. studies, he conducted research on factors contributing to poor treatment outcomes among Tuberculosis patients, especially children. He also evaluated the accuracy of new rapid molecular-based assays for the diagnosis of drug-resistant Tuberculosis.  

Later on, Dr Ngu Abanda, to broaden his knowledge on the clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases, took up the position of microbiologist at the Public Health Laboratory of the Texas Department of State Health Services (USA). He contributed to set up a new molecular assay to detect Candida auris, an emerging fungal pathogen that is associated with nosocomial infections and considered a serious global health threat. During this postdoctoral period, he acquired solid experience in clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases. He joined the Pasteur Center in Cameroon (CPC) in 2020, first as a temporary laboratory scientist with primary activity to lead a team working 24 hours/7 days on COVID-19 diagnosis.   

“Dr Ngu Abanda made a significant contribution to CPC’s COVID-19 diagnostic activities and became a research scientist at CPC with primary mission to develop arbovirus research activities. He now leads the WHO yellow fever regional reference laboratory (RRL) and the arbovirology laboratory at CPC” explained Mirdad Kazanji, Director of the Centre Pasteur in Cameroun.   

His current research activities focus on the long-term immunity of the yellow fever vaccine, and the epidemiological and entomological surveillance of arboviruses.   

”Providing affordable and quality assured diagnosis to inform vector-borne diseases control and prevention programs is the central tenet of our activities.” Dr Ngu Abanda  

His long-term goal is to develop a comprehensive and multidisciplinary research and training program on arboviruses thanks to its daily investment alongside the CPC teams.  

“Eleven brilliant young scientists of the Pasteur Network have already received this prize and are still contributing in an excellent way to the scientific excellence of the Pasteur Network. Today, we are honored to reward the quality of the first achievements made by Dr Ngu Abanda and to support his career and its further ambitious developments” underlined Stewart Cole, President of the Pasteur Network Foundation and President of the Institut Pasteur. 

Consult the Booklet of the event

A*STAR ID Labs – the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research – Infectious Diseases Labs- and the Institut Pasteur have jointly organized a symposium involving the Pasteur Network.

A Singaporean delegation from A*STAR ID Labs was present at the Institut Pasteur campus on October 5 and 6, 2023, including A*STAR ID Labs Executive Director, Prof Lisa Ng, and A*STAR ID Labs Deputy Director, Ms Amanda Loo. On the opening session, Her Excellency Ms FOO Teow Lee, Ambassador of Singapore in France, reaffirmed the will of Singapore to foster research collaborations with France, and warmly welcomed the strengthening of ties between A*STAR ID Labs and the Institut Pasteur.

The scientific presentations were structured around three broad research areas: respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Those research areas constitute scientific priorities for A*STAR ID Labs and the Institut Pasteur, as well as for the Pasteur Network.

The first session provided participants with an outline on ongoing tuberculosis research in the Pasteur Network and at the Institut Pasteur, and on epidemic preparedness at A*STAR ID Labs. The second session focused on vector-borne diseases with a wide-range of topics addressed, such as mosquito-virus interactions, trypanosome research, and viral-neuro-immune dynamics in arboviral infections, among others. The last session of the symposium outlined the latest research on antimicrobial resistance undertaken at A*STAR ID Labs, notably on phage therapy, at the Institut Pasteur, for instance on the development of new antibiotics, and in the Pasteur Network, regarding the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance.

Around 50 colleagues from the Institut Pasteur campus attended the symposium sessions. The speakers’ presentations as well as more relaxed networking moments provided the participants with opportunities to discuss future research projects and collaborations.

About A*Star/ID Labs

Founded in April 2021 as part of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore’s lead public sector R&D agency, ID Labs brings together a global and interdisciplinary team of scientists to generate purposeful outcomes towards preparedness and defense against emerging infectious disease threats, a vision shared by the Institut Pasteur and the Pasteur Network.

About the Institut Pasteur

The Institut Pasteur, a non-profit foundation with recognized charitable status set up by Louis Pasteur in 1887, is today an internationally renowned center for biomedical research.  In the pursuit of its mission to tackle diseases in France and throughout the world, the Institut Pasteur operates in four main areas: research, public health, training, and development of research applications. The Institut Pasteur is a globally recognized leader in infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunology, with research focusing on the biology of living systems. Among its areas of investigation are emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain connectivity disorders. The Institut Pasteur’s outstanding research is facilitated by the development of a technological environment of the highest standard, with core facilities for nanoimaging, computational biology and artificial intelligence. Since its inception, 10 Institut Pasteur scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine, including two in 2008 for the 1983 discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. The Institut Pasteur is part of the Pasteur Network.

About the Pasteur Network

The Pasteur Network is a vast human and scientific community with more than 30 members in over 20 countries contributing together to global health. Located in the heart of endemic areas, the Network has privileged access to a large number of pathogens that it monitors and studies on all five continents. This exceptional diversity makes the Pasteur Network a unique global actor in public health, science, innovation, and education, especially in the fight against infectious diseases.

Pasteur Network announces the online publication of the report, which covers the 2021-2022 activities. 

This latest report includes a presentation of the network and worldwide highlights of its members, achievements, and community.

Each of the four chapters is dedicated to a Pasteur Network Region: Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Euro-Mediterranean with a specific page for each member.

Consult the 2021-2022 report

About the Pasteur Network

The Pasteur Network is a vast human and scientific community with more than 30 members in over 20 countries contributing together to global health. Located in the heart of endemic areas, the Network has privileged access to a large number of pathogens that it monitors and studies on all five continents. This exceptional diversity makes the Pasteur Network a unique global actor in public health, science, innovation, and education, especially in the fight against infectious diseases.

Video presentation

Pasteur Network on Linkedin