Institut Pasteur Research Volunteers Committee (COVOL)
Harnessing the experience of research participants
The Institut Pasteur established the Research Volunteers Committee in late 2021 to strengthen relationships with individuals involved in its research. Whether healthy volunteers or patients, they have all developed valuable experience, and their observations, views and ideas can greatly benefit how research and experiments involving human subjects are conducted. This committee is a valuable partner for the Institut Pasteur and its scientists and part of a broader approach rooted in reciprocity, transparency and ongoing improvement of practices.
Duties of the COVOL
The COVOL is an advisory body that can give its views on any matters related to research involving people at the Institut Pasteur. In 2023, it published an opinion encouraging teams to return the aggregate results of their research projects to enrolled participants. It has also given its opinion on the accessibility of information resources for volunteers and is making efforts to improve standardization and consistency.
One COVOL member is appointed to sit as a full member of the Institut Pasteur Ethics Committee (CEIP), in the subcommittee of civil society representatives.
Opinions issued by the COVOL
Opinion on presenting the aggregate results of research projects to volunteers
Members
The committee includes 13 participants who are involved in the Institut Pasteur’s research. Applicants are selected at random to avoid discrimination and cover a variety of profiles.
Find out more
Contact