Institut Curie, France's leading cancer research and treatment center, transforms scientific progress into medical innovation. Since its creation in May 1921 by Marie Curie, the Fondation, which is recognized as a public utility, has continued to develop its activities in research, care and the transmission of knowledge.
Aware that it is the custodian of Marie Curie's real estate, memory and scientific heritage, Institut Curie has taken note of the concerns raised by the plans to demolish the Pavillon des Sources. The solution consists in preserving the pavilion and moving it a few dozen meters, deconstructing it and then rebuilding it brick by brick.
“I would like to take this opportunity to voice my satisfaction: thanks to this compromise, the memorial heritage of our illustrious founder, which we value so highly, and our scientific project of international scope will work together to the benefit of both the transmission of knowledge and cancer patients,” explains Prof. Alain Puisieux, Director of Institut Curie Research Center.
A unique scientific project for patients, in the heart of the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève neighborhood
The new building, named "Marie Curie - Claudius Regaud", will house the international "Chemical Biology and Cancer" scientific project. Chemical Biology is a scientific discipline that aims to understand biological processes using chemical techniques and tools. It explores interactions and mechanisms at a molecular level to shed light on biology.
Applied here to oncology, this "Chemical Biology and Cancer" project fits in perfectly with Marie Curie's scientific heritage, and will increase our knowledge of how tumors function and interact with their environment, exploit identified vulnerabilities and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Conceived alongside Institut Curie's 19 technological platforms and within close proximity to its hospital, its success is also based on strong interdisciplinarity with Université PSL and scientists from ESPCI Paris - PSL, École normale supérieure - PSL (ENS) and École nationale supérieure de Chimie de Paris - PSL, with whom it is essential to work hand in hand.
Thanks to the involvement of doctors in this project, and our close ties with the patients they care for, our ambition is to meet crucial unmet medical needs and develop effective innovative therapies. Examples include breast cancer, gynecological cancer, lung cancer, sarcoma, glioblastoma and uveal melanoma.
More than just a new building, this project is part of an inspiring, dynamic ecosystem of excellence, conducive to the rapid conduct of the first clinical trials within the Paris-Montagne Sainte-Geneviève International Campus, of which Institut Curie is the driving force in the field of healthcare research.
In addition to the therapeutic benefits for patients, this project will, in line with French President's wishes, enhance the attractiveness of research in France, encourage the emergence of new talents, and boost France's global competitiveness in terms of breakthrough innovations in oncology.
A larger museum in tribute to an exceptional woman and a visionary man
Saved and restored by Institut Curie, the Pavillon des Sources will become a new and enlarged wing of the Musée Curie. This new cultural space will pay tribute to Institut Curie's two founders, Marie Curie and Claudius Regaud, through a contemporary museum itinerary and innovative scenography, while showcasing recent discoveries in the fight against cancer.
Beyond the cultural issues it addresses, this project guarantees the site's architectural coherence and also takes into account environmental issues: Marie Curie's garden, whose preservation was always envisaged in the initial project, will be enlarged thanks to a lush green space.
Since the bequest of one million euros from Mrs. Eve Curie-Labouisse, Marie Curie's daughter, in 2009, Institut Curie has invested nearly 16 million euros in the Musée Curie, notably to ensure that it remains free and open to all, preserving the memory of Pierre and Marie Curie and their equally illustrious descendants.
Institut Curie's mission is to promote the transmission of knowledge to younger generations, by providing access to culture for all.
Driving scientific progress forward for the greater good, providing access to discoveries and disseminating medical expertise: Institut Curie is committed to these demanding and inspiring values of Marie Curie. They are our heritage, and the goal of all our employees, who work day in, day out to care for patients and push back cancer.