MASTER SCIENTIST

"A mind…. of a scientific man is bird on the wing; we see it only when it alights or when it takes flight. We may by watching closely keeping it in view, and point out just where it touches the earth. But why does it alight here and not there? Why has it taken this direction and not that in its flight toward new discoveries?"

These are the words of Pasteur’s longtime collaborator, Emile Duclaux. Pasteur provided the answer. Rather, he himself was an answer. Louis was a unique personality and possessed qualities, rarely found in one human being. He was a master technician who was highly intuitive by nature. He sincerely committed himself to scientific research.

Generally when someone chooses a particular field of study, he sticks to it. But Pasteur, the genius that he was, moved from chemistry to biology and from biology to medical research. Though, he worked mostly in isolation, he possessed the qualities of public speaker with excellent debating acumen. He worshipped science, following his belief that science is the world of spiritual values and he maintained this belief throughout his life. Although he had to fight with the practical problems of specific industry and medical ethics, he never ignored the theoretical aspects of relevant problems. His research was well networked to a progressive logic. Indeed, he believed that his research was ‘enchained.’ In the modern age scenario, his belief seems to be proverbial as one discovery led almost to another, as a chain of events.

MAN OF HUMANITY

Louis Pasteur lived a modest life and set an example of simplicity. He loved freedom and yet was a firm believer in scientific methodology. He always taught his disciples, "Do not put forward anything that you cannot prove by experimentation". He firmly believed that the freedom of creative imagination should necessarily be subjected to strict experimentation.

He emphasized the importance of spreading knowledge and the applications of research. He was lucky to see his theory and method put to use, beyond the frontiers of his motherland, during his lifetime. He was a pure humanist, who worked for improvement of the general health of the world community. He fearlessly opposed false ideas and taboos of his time. He changed the world of science and can truly be considered a benefactor of humanity.

Jesus once said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must become the very last, and the servant for all." Louis Pasteur had truly become the servant for all by sacrificing his time, energy, and health for the lives of others.

THE PASTEUR INSTITUTE

The Pasteur Institute is one of the leading scientific research centers of the world. It has about 100 research units and 2,700 employees, including 500 permanent scientists. Moreover, around 600 scientists visit the institute every year from over 70 countries to conduct research and undergo training. To solve the medical problems in developing countries, the Pasteur Institute has set up a global network of 24 branches worldwide. It also has a graduate study center and an epidemiological screening unit.

The Pasteur Institute pioneered the isolation of the AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) virus in 1983, which is a singular achievement. The Institute’s researchers have been working on molecular biology since World War II. A new age of preventative medicines was ushered in, with the introduction of vaccines for tetanus, yellow fever, diphtheria, poliomyelitis and hepatitis B. After several years, with the discovery and use of sulfonamides in treating infections, the institute achieved yet another breakthrough in the field of Medical Science.

Louis Pasteur was dedicated to basic research as well as its practical applications. His successors followed the same tradition. Their achievements were truly recognized in 1965. In this year, the prestigious Nobel Prize was awarded to the Pasteurean scientists, Francois Jacob, Jacques Monod and Andre Lwoff for their invaluable contribution in regulation of viruses. This reflects the Pasteur Institute’s unique contribution and commitment towards the world community. Today, this Institute continues to expand its horizons to serve humanity in the memory of its founder, the legendary Louis Pasteur.

PASTEUR’S MESSAGE TO HUMANITY

"I beseech to take interest in these sacred domains so expressively called laboratories. Ask that there be more and that they be adorned for these are the temples of the future, wealth and well being. It is here that humanity will grow, strengthen and improve. Here, humanity will learn to read progress and individual harmony in the works of nature, while humanity’s own works are all too often those of barbarism, fanaticism and destruction."