Anticipating rather than suffering through future pandemics

Name: Et si on pouvait repérer la prochaine épidémie avant qu'elle n'éclate ? 🦠
Uploaded: 2026-10-05T15:03:32+00:00
Description: Et si on pouvait repérer la prochaine épidémie avant qu'elle n'éclate ? 🦠

Published the 5 October 2026 By Jeanne Fenouil; Translation: AI-assisted

Ebola, COVID-19, mpox... Faced with the rise in emerging diseases over the past twenty years, researchers at the Institut Pasteur are developing tools to detect future epidemics earlier, even before they break out.

#Artificial intelligence

Over the past twenty years, emerging diseases have been on the rise. In response to this threat, the Institute Pasteur has launched an initiative to detect future epidemics earlier. Researchers are developing tools capable of rapidly identifying new infectious agents and are working to accelerate the development of tests, treatments, and vaccines.

A study published in 2025 shows that artificial intelligence, when combined with human expertise, makes it possible to analyze large amounts of data to better predict where an epidemic is likely to emerge and how it might spread.

The idea is simple: no longer wait for a public health crisis to erupt before taking action, but be prepared even before it begins. Because the best way to combat an epidemic is often to anticipate it.

Episode 5 of 5 in our series “5 Discoveries That Advance Research.” To help scientists continue this vital work, please make a donation at Pasteurdon.fr