Experience report on the #UniStemDay 2026 event at Institut Pasteur

By Marina Caillet, Project Manager

Coordinated by the University of Milan for over 15 years, UniStem Day is the largest European event dedicated to the dissemination and public engagement of science around stem cells. This exceptional day aims to encourage high school students to develop their scientific knowledge and spark their curiosity by introducing them to the latest advances in research. 

True to this annual appointment, LabEx Revive organised a scientific congress at Institut Pasteur, offering first-year students from the Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux (78), ENC Blomet (75) and Lucie Aubrac (93) high schools a unique immersion into the world of research. Plunged into the heart of science, the students had the opportunity to step into the shoes of researchers for a full day. 

This 18th edition was themed "Free to Choose", encouraging young people to build their own future by breaking free from prejudices and social conventions. The day began with an unprecedented moment: for the first time on our initiative, a giant interactive quiz was organised via simultaneous video connection with students from Toulouse, Berlin and Warsaw. Through a series of "raise your hand" questions, students from all four cities were invited to reflect together on their relationship with science and research: did you know what stem cells were before today? Do you think you need to be a genius to become a researcher? Are you considering a career in science? Did you feel you had a real freedom of choice in your academic path? These questions — sometimes humorous, often thought-provoking — allowed for a cross-country comparison of young people's perceptions and aspirations, setting the tone for a day defined by openness and dialogue. 

The morning continued with two lectures: Walter Habeler, researcher at I-Stem and partner of LabEx Revive, presented the fundamentals of stem cell biology and the latest advances in clinical research; Rachel Bellone, researcher at Institut Pasteur, then shed light on the emergence of arboviruses in France. 

The students then took the floor to present scientific reviews in the form of posters and oral

presentations, evaluated by a panel of experts. The topics covered — infectious diseases, developmental biology and neurobiology — highlighted the richness and diversity of stem cell research and its applications. 

The afternoon was marked by a "speed-meeting" with various research professionals, allowing students to explore the wide range of careers within a research institute. The day concluded with a quiz and an awards ceremony in a warm and convivial atmosphere. 

UniStem Day 2026 brought together more than 30,000 students across 93 universities and research institutes in 12 countries: Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. 

Many thanks to all the speakers, teachers, and students for their commitment to this enriching experience! The organisers would like to extend particular thanks to the jury members: Frank Yates, Eve Gazave, Guillaume Velasco, Stéphanie Pons, Soumia Abdellaoui, Mylène Moyal, Sandie Munier, Rachel Bellone and Philippe Afonso. 

Thanks also to the speed-meeting participants for their enthusiasm and dedication: Sara Ortica, Christophe Thomas, Laurianne Temime, Kevin Gateau, Julie Allouche, Morgan Gazzola, Caroline Hermitte, Nabil Ben Hamama, Manon Bavise, Frédéric Lemoine, Bérangère Virlon, Coline Mousseau-Jost, Alexis Matamoro Vidal, Aline Wilquin, Audrey Salles, Hélène Laude, Evelyne Dufour, Serge Ibo and Vincent Laville. 

Special thanks to the teachers and supervisors, as well as to the volunteers from SupBiotech. 

Coordinated by LabEx Revive, this event was made possible thanks to the support of SupBiotech engineering school, Institut Pasteur, ANR and the Inception programme.