• Announcing the LIVE 2024 Promotion Name: A Tribute to Professor Yasmine Belkaid

As we embark on our transformative two-year journey in the Leading International Vaccinology Education for Innovation (LIVE_Innov) program, we, the students of the 2024–2026 Master LIVE class, are thrilled to announce our collective decision to honor Professor Yasmine Belkaid by adopting her name for our promotion. This choice reflects our profound respect for her groundbreaking contributions to immunology and microbiome research, as well as her inspiring journey, which resonate deeply with each of us.

Professor Yasmine Belkaid is not only a distinguished immunologist but also a beacon of hope and empowerment for aspiring scientists around the globe. Her pioneering research has revolutionized our understanding of the microbiome’s essential role in regulating the immune system, with significant implications for vaccinology. Increasing evidence links the microbiota to vaccine responses, underscoring the vital importance of a healthy microbiome in enhancing vaccine efficacy.

Her remarkable achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including the Robert Koch Prize in 2021, the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences in 2019, and the Sanofi-Institut Pasteur Prize in 2016. As the current General Director of the Institut Pasteur, a global leader in the fight against infectious diseases, Professor Belkaid challenges her colleagues to innovate and develop new vaccines against pathogens that currently lack effective treatments, such as Lassa fever, shigellosis, and tuberculosis, while striving to enhance access to existing vaccines worldwide.

In an era marked by the uncertainty of emerging infectious diseases and global health challenges, Professor Belkaid’s innovative research and unwavering commitment to improving lives serve as an inspiring model for us as future immunologists. With over 220 scientific publications to her name, her work continues to pave the way for advancements in treatments and vaccines, motivating a new generation of researchers.

Professor Yasmine Belkaid’s ascent to the role of General Director at the Institut Pasteur —a position she shares as the second woman to hold this prestigious title since its founding by Louis Pasteur in 1887— stands as a powerful testament to the progress we can achieve through perseverance and dedication. Her remarkable journey not only inspires countless aspiring scientists but also demonstrates that through hard work and commitment, we can challenge the status quo and reshape the landscape of scientific leadership.

Her exceptional leadership encourages us to dream big and embrace our unique experiences and perspectives. By championing inclusivity and innovation, she empowers us to strive for greatness and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. Professor Belkaid’s unwavering commitment to mentorship deeply resonates with our cohort, reminding us that the diverse backgrounds and journeys we each bring are invaluable to our field.

As we honor Professor Belkaid, we also recognize the profound significance of her work in addressing pressing global health challenges. Her focus on neglected diseases and her tireless efforts to develop vaccines for conditions with significant health disparities inspire us to pursue our studies with purpose and responsibility.

In closing, we proudly adopt Professor Yasmine Belkaid’s name as our promotion name, not only to celebrate her exceptional contributions but also to carry forward her legacy of innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Together, we, the LIVE 2024–2026 Master Class, aspire to embody her spirit of exploration, resilience, and unwavering commitment to advancing science for the betterment of humanity.

With great respect and admiration,