Please find below the message from the Communications and Public Affairs Department reminding you of the rules for public and media engagement:

“Dear all, 

As you know, the words and statements of scientists are coming under increasing scrutiny at a time of growing public mistrust of institutions and brutal attacks against the very principles of science and progress. The upcoming presidential election campaign in France will only increase the spotlight and heighten the intensity and sensitivity of debates on the role of science in society, the fight against disinformation, and topical public health issues such as vaccination, health and climate, infectious diseases and women's health.

The voice of the Institut Pasteur's scientists is a source of authority – what they say counts, not only for our institute but for French society more widely and even beyond our national borders. We are particularly grateful to those scientists who devote part of their time to engaging with public debate and making their voices heard.

One of the roles of the Department of Communications and Public Affairs is to guide these voices, making sure their message is not distorted, supporting them and maximizing their impact, while protecting those who speak out and safeguarding the Institut Pasteur's reputation. 

The regulatory documents that govern our community clearly set out several guidelines about voicing opinions in public, especially the following:

"All individuals working at the Institut Pasteur (...) must refrain from expressing opinions for which the Institut Pasteur could potentially be held liable without prior written authorization from the management team." 

Company agreement, part of article 11.2: External communication 

We would therefore ask you to inform the Department of Communications and Public Affairs and seek its advice before any public statements you make that are sensitive in nature or likely to have an impact on the Institute’s image or reputation, including: interviews, op-eds, participation in public debates or media-covered events, podcasts, videos, or social media posts addressing public health, political, or societal issues, or topics that could be exploited for political purposes.

Routine scientific communications (presentations at conferences and seminars, publications, or statements regarding scientific findings that do not involve sensitive issues or represent an institutional position) are not subject to prior review, provided that obligations regarding integrity, confidentiality, data protection, and the prevention of conflicts of interest are met.

This coordinated approach will enable us to: 

• identify any risks of politicization, misuse or confusion between personal views, scientific expertise and the Institut Pasteur's official position; 

• prepare messages, clarify context and anticipate difficult questions; 

• guarantee that different people speaking on behalf of the Institut Pasteur present a consistent message; 

• provide guidance before, during and, if necessary, after your public engagement. 

If you are approached by any media outlets, we would ask you to systematically contact the Press Office before replying, even if you intend to refuse: presse@pasteur.fr.

For any public statements or sensitive situations on social media, please be sure to contact us in advance at: socialmedia@pasteur.fr.

OREX scientists—that is, staff members from other research institutes, such as the CNRS and Inserm—are required to comply with similar rules set forth in the charters adopted by each of these two institutes (CNRS Charter, Inserm Charter, both documents in French). When they participate in activities at the Institut Pasteur as part of their work, they are also required to comply with these rules for public speaking, in order to ensure a common framework for the entire Pasteur community.

The teams in the Institut Pasteur Department of Communications and Public Affairs are always on hand to offer advice and support. 

Thank you all for your vigilance and cooperation.”

Department of Communications and Public Affairs