Jean-François Bach (1940-2023) was a distinguished French medical immunologist and professor emeritus at Université Paris-Descartes (now Paris Cité). Born on June 8, 1940 in Yvré-l'Évêque, Sarthe, he began his medical career as an intern at Paris hospitals in 1963 and completed his doctorate in medicine in 1969 followed by a doctorate in sciences in 1970. A protégé of Jean Hamburger, the pioneer of kidney transplantation, Bach established his career at Necker Hospital in Paris where he led the renowned Inserm research laboratory U25. His exceptional contributions to science led to his election as a member of the Académie des sciences in 1985, and he subsequently served as its perpetual secretary from 2006 to 2015, guiding the institution through a period of significant scientific advancement.
Bach's seminal work fundamentally advanced our understanding of auto-immunity, elucidating the mechanisms by which the immune system mistakenly recognizes and attacks the body's own constituents, a phenomenon responsible for over 80 chronic diseases. His doctoral research was so groundbreaking that it resulted in three publications in the prestigious journal Nature, establishing him early in his career as a leading figure in immunology. Throughout his scientific career, Bach investigated the complex interplay between immune responses and autoimmune disorders, making significant contributions to our understanding of conditions that represent the third leading cause of chronic illness after cancer and cardiovascular diseases. His research not only provided theoretical frameworks but also informed clinical approaches to diagnosing and managing autoimmune conditions affecting millions worldwide.
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Bach was deeply committed to the societal role of science, chairing the Académie des sciences' committee on science, ethics, and society and developing influential recommendations on scientific integrity, biosafety, and the promotion of scientific culture. His leadership extended to numerous national and international bodies including the Scientific Council of Gustave-Roussy Institute, the Scientific Council of Institut Pasteur, and the National League against Cancer. Bach was instrumental in shaping science policy and fostering scientific education, leaving a lasting legacy through his mentorship of generations of immunologists and his advocacy for rigorous scientific standards. His contributions were recognized with France's highest honors, including Commander of the National Order of Merit and Commander of the Legion of Honor, cementing his status as one of France's most influential scientific figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
