Since its inception, the Institut Pasteur has located near pandemic areas. The first Institut Pasteur outside of France was created in 1891 in Saigon in Vietnam to vaccinate people against rabies and smallpox.
This proximity to sites of infection offers a real capacity of reaction and analysis to the Network. Present on five continents through 33 Institutes, it is recognized as a specialist in microbiological surveillance.
Researchers, men and women of different cultures are united by the same Pastorian culture, the same scientific rigor and the same values.
Research activities focusing on the main transmissible bacterial, parasitic or viral diseases. Special relationships with the laboratories of other institutes belonging to the Network create a link between local concerns and the international scientific community. They also enable technology transfer and the implementation of leading-edge biological methods in environments which would otherwise be unable to have access to such developments
Public health activities : national reference centers and WHO collaborating centers, participation in national programs to fight against infectious diseases ... These activities also include field investigations, backed by the operation of the laboratories that then process numerous organic samples. These are essential for an accurate understanding of the environment and the epidemiological mechanisms of disease.
Service activities : clinical chemistry, microbiology of water and food, testing centers, centers for vaccinations ...
Training activities, not only to personnel Institutes but also to external staff, technicians or students, who may then use their experience in other regional or national or bodies.
The Network's activities are divided across these three Pasteurian missions, with a focus on: