On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Institut Pasteur and the association ALFI (Association for Housing Families and Individuals) officially signed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for young scientists. The signing ceremony, held in the presence of François Romaneix, Executive Vice-President of the Institut Pasteur, and Guillaume Brugidou, General Delegate of ALFI, marks a major step forward in the implementation of an ambitious housing policy. As part of this agreement, 30 additional housing units will be made available over three years in two Parisian residences, located in the 13th and 14th districts, under highly favorable rental conditions. This initiative is fully aligned with the goals of Pasteur 2030 strategic plan, which places strong emphasis on supporting the next generation of scientists.
Access to Housing: A Growing Challenge for Students
Access to housing is a major concern for students across France, and PhD candidates are no exception. In Île-de-France, and particularly in Paris—home to numerous leading academic and research institutions—demand for housing far exceeds supply. Young researchers face limited options, high rent, and increasingly restrictive application processes, making it difficult to find accommodation near their place of study or work.
This reality has a direct impact on their daily lives: long commutes, fatigue, stress, and difficulty focusing on research. As a result, housing becomes a key factor in their well-being, scientific success, and long-term professional engagement.
A growing housing policy
Thanks to partnerships with the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP), Nexity Studéa, and ALFI, the Institut Pasteur has grown its housing capacity from 60 units in 2024 to over 95 in 2025—with more expansion plans underway to better meet the needs of young researchers on campus.
To learn more about current housing options, click here.
Want to take action and support young scientists?
As part of its education support program, the Institut Pasteur has launched the initiative “A Roof to Study”, one of four pillars of this philanthropic program.
Goal: Raise €370,000 per year to provide decent, affordable housing for PhD students, enabling them to focus on their research in stable living conditions.
You can make a difference—as an individual, company, or foundation—by supporting this high-impact initiative: Discover the program