About the Foundation
The Institut Pasteur du Laos Foundation was established in 2018 to support the scientific, educational, and public health mission of IPL. Through philanthropic support, partnerships, and targeted initiatives, the Foundation contributes to strengthening research capacity, advancing scientific knowledge, and supporting the development of future generations of researchers in Laos.
Operating under the auspices of the Fondation de France, the Foundation helps fund research, training, infrastructure, and innovation, and plays an important role in supporting activities that address infectious diseases and emerging public health challenges affecting Laos and the wider region.
The Foundation supports a broad range of initiatives, including scientific research projects, laboratory development, capacity-building programmes, scholarships, and opportunities for young researchers. Through these efforts, it contributes to strengthening national scientific expertise and promoting evidence-based approaches to public health.
Supporting the Next Generation of Lao Scientists
One of the Foundation’s key objectives is to encourage scientific excellence and support the professional development of emerging researchers in Laos.
Through initiatives such as the Young Researcher Grant Award, the Foundation provides opportunities for early-career scientists to design, coordinate, and implement innovative research projects addressing priority public health challenges. These initiatives help strengthen local research capacity while encouraging scientific leadership and innovation within Laos.
Over the years, Foundation-supported researchers have contributed to advancing knowledge in areas including vector-borne diseases, infectious diseases, public health, and laboratory sciences.
The researchers featured below are among the recipients of Foundation-supported grants and awards.
Foundation-Supported Researchers
Dr. Tiger Soulaphy
For the third consecutive year, the Fondation Institut Pasteur du Laos has awarded its Young Researcher Grant Award to support the development of innovative research led by a young Lao scientist.
The 2025 selection committee met on 30th of July 2025 to review all applications.
After careful evaluation, the committee selected the project led by Dr Tiger Soulaphy from the Medical Entomology Laboratory.
His research project, titled “Post-release assessment of Wolbachia establishment and dengue virus circulation in field mosquito populations in Vientiane, Lao PDR”, will receive a grant of €40,000.
This project will contribute to a better understanding of dengue transmission dynamics in Vientiane and support ongoing efforts in vector control and public health research in Laos.
Dr. Chittaphone Vanhnollat
On 12th of July 2024, the Young Researcher Grant Challenge 2024 was awarded to Dr Chittaphone Vanhnollat for his research project “Uncovering hidden pathogens: virome characterisation of bat-infesting arthropods in Laos”.
His work aims to improve knowledge of emerging pathogens circulating in wildlife-associated ecosystems in Laos, contributing to broader efforts in disease surveillance and prevention.
Mrs. Somsanith Chonephetsarath
The 2023 Young Researcher Grant Challenge was awarded to Mrs Somsanith Chonephetsarath for her project “Arboviral detection of cave-dwelling hematophagous insects in Lao PDR”.
Her research focuses on identifying arboviruses in insect populations living in cave environments, helping to strengthen understanding of potential disease transmission risks in Laos.
