Our DNA

Since 1888, the Institut Pasteur has been studying life at the microscopic level, unraveling the mechanisms of living organisms, exploring avenues for vaccines and treatments against diseases, and sharing its knowledge with future generations. All with a single goal: to protect our lives, those of our children, and those of our loved ones.

Our vision, our missions

Every day, our scientists are inspired by the same ambition: to improve our understanding of diseases and use this knowledge to better protect public health worldwide. 

Vision and missions

Our History

Discover the remarkable history of the Institut Pasteur since its founding in the late 19th century. From the discovery of the rabies vaccine to its 10 Nobel Prizes, explore a legacy of science and humanism.

Our History

Our status

Private non-profit foundation with recognized charitable status since 1887, the Institut Pasteur is funded more than one-third by public donations. This legal status embodies our mission to serve the public interest in the field of human health.

Our status

Our discoveries

Our history is interspersed with discoveries that have revolutionized medicine and public health. For almost 140 years, the Institut Pasteur has been adding to its tally of major breakthroughs, each meeting the major health threats of its time.

Our discoveries

Our commitments

Learn how the Institut Pasteur is working to promote sustainable, open, and ethical research for the common good.

Our commitments

Awards and honors

10 prix Nobel
Dix prix Nobel ont été attribués à des chercheuses et chercheurs de l'Institut Pasteur dans la catégorie « Physiologie ou Médecine ». 1907 : Alphonse Laveran ; 1908 : Élie Metchnikoff ; 1919 : Jules Bordet ; 1928 : Charles Nicolle ; 1957 : Daniel Bovet ; 1965 : André Lwoff, François Jacob et Jacques Monod ; 2008 : Françoise Barré-Sinoussi et Luc Montagnier

Since our inception, ten Institut Pasteur scientists have won Nobel Prizes for their landmark discoveries in the fields of science and human health.

Awards and honors