JACQUES MARESCAUX

Prof. Jacques Marescaux, born on August 4, 1948, is a renowned figure in the field of minimally invasive surgery. After excelling in his medical education, he delved into digestive pathologies research and eventually became the Chief of Service in 1989. In 1994, he founded IRCAD (Research Institute Against Digestive Cancer), a leading institution in minimally invasive surgery training and research.
Over the years, IRCAD has gained international recognition, hosting thousands of surgeons globally in courses covering theoretical instruction, live surgeries, and practical exercises. Annually, more than 8,800 surgeons from around the world participate, benefiting from the expertise of an international team comprising over 800 experts.
The institute has been at the forefront of surgical innovation, particularly in robotics and virtual reality applications. Notable achievements include Operation Lindbergh in 2001, which showcased surgery transcending geographical barriers. IRCAD's commitment to advancing surgical techniques is evident in projects like ANUBIS, focusing on transluminal surgery, and its emphasis on virtual reality research. In 2021, IRCAD unveiled a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to teaching and researching surgical robotics.
Acknowledging the vital link between the training institute and surgeons, IRCAD designed the WebSurg Virtual University in 2000 — a free online platform boasting a community of over 500,000 surgeons featuring high-quality surgical video content.
Jacques Marescaux expanded IRCAD's concept globally establishing centers in Taiwan, Brazil, Lebanon, Rwanda, and India, with the upcoming launch of a center in North America and a new institute in China. Aside from the Institut Pasteur, IRCAD stands out as the only French research institute firmly established on every continent. This global reach underscores its commitment to advancing medical research worldwide.
Jacques Marescaux advocates for healthcare spending reevaluation, viewing it as an opportunity for development and innovation. His role in modernizing university hospitals in France, particularly through the Institute of Image-Guided Minimally Invasive Surgery, highlights his dedication to advancing healthcare.
Throughout his career, Prof. Jacques Marescaux has contributed to over 4,000 publications and communications, receiving invitations to lecture at prestigious institutions globally. He is a member of numerous academies and societies, holding a permanent Chair of Excellence at the University of Strasbourg alongside four Nobel Prize winners. The IRCAD's global presence signifies its commitment to advancing medical research on a worldwide scale.