Investing in young people

Through its hands-on laboratory programs, taster sessions, international university exchanges, comprehensive doctoral training provision and multiple scientific outreach initiatives aimed at all types of participants, the Institut Pasteur is committed to kindling curiosity and developing a scientific community determined to meet major global health challenges.

Promoting careers and curiosity in science 

Investing in young people involves sowing the seeds of scientific curiosity from an early age. The Institut Pasteur is keen to inspire budding young researchers to consider careers in science through internships, research programs for beginners, and international educational partnerships.

Discovering research and scientific professions

Every year, we open our doors to middle school students for taster sessions. Our "Collège 3" program gives ninth graders the chance to get an initial flavor of working in research professions, scientific roles and scientific support roles. 

Our flagship "Young Researchers" initiative provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to gain several months' hands-on experience in our research laboratories. This program, developed by the organization "Arbre des Connaissances", ends with a presentation at a scientific conference, offering participating students a unique chance to share their findings.

Hands-on laboratory sessions for international students

European undergraduates and Master's students can also complete hands-on international internships in our laboratories through prestigious exchange programs such as Amgen Scholars and Erasmus+. These schemes help them not only to develop their scientific skills, but also to broaden their professional network and moreover encourage them to pursue a career in science.

Not to mention... Outreach initiatives aimed at making science widely accessible

We are strongly committed to passing on scientific knowledge as widely as possible to kindle curiosity and train critical thinkers.

Training a new generation of scientists 

Since the first microbiology course taught by Émile Roux in 1889, the Institut Pasteur has played a key role in teaching life sciences at international level. 
Every year, we host over 900 students, PhD students, scientists and professionals on our dynamic campus.

Comprehensive and accessible training provision either in person or online

We offer courses tailored to all skill sets and all stages of students' scientific careers:

•    Our [Pasteur Courses]: over 40 courses per year, combining theory and laboratory practice, delivered to small groups at the Institut Pasteur Education Center. 
•    Our [MOOCs]: our online courses, accessible from anywhere in the world, attract over 30,000 learners from 130 countries every year. 
•    [Our Educational Webinars] shed light on major public health issues for a wider audience.
 

An international academic ecosystem benefiting science and health

Teaching at the Institut Pasteur is delivered within a global network of academic and scientific partnerships. This international dimension allows us to disseminate our expertise way beyond the walls of our campus and train a committed global scientific community to tackle global health challenges. 

Within this framework, the SPARK and PERL programs, launched in 2025, are prompting the emergence of new international synergies and partnerships by bringing together a community of early career scientists from the Institut Pasteur and Pasteur Network.

With its focus on innovation and translational research, the SPARK program helps young scientists turn their discoveries into real-world applications through interdisciplinary projects aligned with Pasteur 2030 priorities. The PERL program supports structured training, teaching and collaborative research projects within the network.