The Pasteur Institute in France has announced the appointment of Algerian researcher Yasmina Belkaïd, specializing in biology and immunology, as its General Director. This makes her the second woman to hold this position since the institute was founded in 1887 by Louis Pasteur. Belkaïd's appointment follows a lengthy selection process that began in June 2021, according to the institute.
Professor Belkaïd is a graduate in biology from the University of Bab Zouar and completed her studies in France and the United States. She has received several awards and published over 200 research papers in immunology and microbiology. According to the institute, Belkaïd stated, "As the next president of the Pasteur Institute, I aim to position the institute as a leading research organization in life sciences and to enhance its role in the monitoring, prevention, and identification of emerging pathogens on an international level."
Belkaïd has published more than 220 scientific articles on infection, immunity, bacteria, and nutrition. She has received numerous awards, including the Robert Koch Award in 2021, the Lori Prize in Biomedical Sciences in 2019, and the Sanofi Pasteur Institute Award in 2016.
