Gaston Ramon

Come and discover the exhibition Gaston RAMON, a scientist from Sens, 1886-1963, a history of vaccinations.
Professor Gaston Ramon, a veterinary surgeon and biologist, was born in Bellechaume, near Sens. He studied in Sens up to the lycée level. Between 1906 and 1910, he studied veterinary medicine at the prestigious Alfort Veterinary School, before joining the serum production department at the Institut Pasteur in Garches in 1911. Showing a strong interest in scientific research, he was authorised to open a modest laboratory in which, thanks to rigorous and relentless work, he made his main discoveries:

1922: discovery of the phenomenon of "flocculation";
1923: discovery of diphtheria toxoid, the diphtheria vaccine;
1924: discovery of the principle of adjuvant and stimulant substances;
1926: development of combined vaccinations.
His research led to improvements in serum quality and the development of vaccines against diphtheria (a disease of the respiratory tract) and tetanus, which were widespread and fatal at the time.
Gaston Ramon won numerous French and foreign scientific awards and was included on the list of scientists eligible for Nobel Peace Prize status. He was a recognised and important scientist, as his correspondence with his peers attests. In Sens, the hospital and a street bear his name, as does the Villeneuve l'Archevêque college.
The exhibition features family memorabilia, photographs, personal objects, scientific publications and correspondence with French and foreign professors from all over the world.