During a reception at the French Residence, IPSP representatives presented the Institute’s recent progress and highlighted its role in strengthening Franco-Brazilian scientific cooperation.
Paola Minoprio, Executive Director of the Institut Pasteur de São Paulo (IPSP), and Gérard Chuzel, Head of Project Management, represented the institution at a reception held on August 21 at the French Residence in São Paulo, on the occasion of the official visit of Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, responsible for the promotion of the French language, international partnerships and French nationals abroad.
During the meeting, Paola Minoprio presented the Institute’s latest achievements and development prospects to the Minister. Éléonore Caroit is well acquainted with the IPSP, having visited it several times and followed its development during her previous term as a member of the French Parliament representing French nationals abroad.
Paola Minoprio highlighted the Institute’s growth, including the establishment of new laboratories and research groups, the arrival of a growing number of scientists and the continued strengthening of its scientific infrastructure, particularly with funding from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). She also presented an update on the renovation of the animal facility, which is currently nearing completion, as well as the new technology platforms being established as part of the creation of the IPSP/FAPESP International Center.
Over the next five years, the new Center will make it possible to increase financial support for recruiting personnel and covering operating expenses, as well as to develop a biobank, expanding the Institute’s research and innovation capabilities.
The Executive Director also emphasized the IPSP’s unifying and catalytic role in developing new Franco-Brazilian scientific collaborations. In particular, she highlighted the Institute’s support for partnerships recently established by the CNRS, PSL and INRAE with the University of São Paulo (USP) and FAPESP within the framework of the FAPESP/USP International Center.
The Minister expressed her desire to return to the Institut Pasteur de São Paulo during one of her upcoming visits to the city. She also stated that she would convey to the French authorities in Paris the strategic importance of the scientific cooperation developed by the IPSP, both through its Brazilian and international partnerships.
This work contributes to the scientific diplomacy promoted by France, which considers it a priority, by fostering strategic collaborations in health, research and innovation.
The reception at the French Residence also provided an opportunity to strengthen the Institut Pasteur de São Paulo’s ties with the French community in São Paulo across institutional, economic, scientific and social spheres, and to expand relationships capable of contributing to the IPSP’s visibility and objectives.