Focus on INSTITUT IMAGINE

Institut Imagine is unique in its expertise in life-transforming genetic research and pioneering purpose to treat rare inherited diseases affecting children around the world. A nonprofit partner of Friends of Fondation de France since 2023, the institute brings hope to children, their families, and — as the impact of Institut Imagine’s work continues to expand — millions of others.

Former chair and Emeritus member of Institut Imagine’s International Scientific Council and Nobel laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn can attest to the importance of global medical research, and the power of cross-border philanthropy to support it. “Research is universal, helping us to overcome diseases that have no boundaries and may affect any family in the world. It is to everybody’s benefit that we support strong global medical research.”

As a leader in genetic research, Institut Imagine brings the world’s top experts in the field to work under one roof at its state-of-the-art facility in Paris. In doing so, it is able to provide unparalleled opportunities for deep collaboration, even when each researcher’s work looks very different on paper.

“Remarkably, researchers are discovering the interconnectedness of a wide range of devastating gene mutations, which may lead to greater medical advances for each of them. Institut Imagine can play a leading role in the ‘ah-ha' that can really start to understand the disease,” Dr. Blackburn said.

In addition, research is seamlessly shared between researchers and clinicians to promote an important breadth of understanding of complicated clinical aspects. As part of Institut Imagine’s goal to integrate researchers with physicians and the patients themselves, Institut Imagine is located next to the children’s hospital, Necker-Enfants Malades AP-HP University Hospital, where researchers are able to work directly with young patients receiving care and taking part in clinical trials.

"Research is universal, helping us to overcome diseases that have no boundaries and may affect any family in the world. It is to everybody’s benefit that we support strong global medical research."

Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn
Nobel laureate and Former chair and Emeritus member of Institut Imagine’s International Scientific Council

Institut Imagine researchers also collaborate around the world, including its partnership with The Rockefeller University in New York and growing ties with other U.S. institutions.

Through the global work of Institut Imagine, breakthroughs have been possible in areas including the relation between genetics and neurodevelopmental disorders, the repurposing of molecules, and the successful clinical trials in gene therapy, specifically related to immunity or hemoglobin disorders. Institut Imagine also led work in understanding immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and it has become an important launching pad for insight into more common diseases affecting millions of adults, such as heart disease and diabetes.

As Institut Imagine continues its groundbreaking work, Friends of Fondation de France is a valued partner in facilitating the significant resources needed to multiply Institut Imagine’s effects for greater global impact. Laurent Mellier, director of development and international philanthropy at Institut Imagine, said, “Friends of Fondation de France is not just a tool. A real and strong partnership exists. We found a team able to accompany us efficiently in our strategy.”

Donations made through the Friends of Fondation de France can help in the discovery of treatments, design of innovative programs, and use of high-level technology, as well as to attract the world’s top scientists.

“Friends of Fondation de France is not just a tool. A real and strong partnership exists. We found a team able to accompany us efficiently in our strategy.”

Laurent Mellier
Director of development and international philanthropy
Institut Imagine