EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER NETWORK

Biography

Dr. Ifeanyi Emmanuel Abali, a distinguished epidemiologist at NCDC, plays a pivotal role in Nigeria's public health. With over 12 years of experience, he coordinates initiatives, conducts analyses, and engages stakeholders. Certified in Public Health Emergency Management, he holds postgrad certifications from renowned institutions. His commitment to readiness is evident in his participation in simulation exercises. His academic background includes an MPH degree from the U.I, Nigeria.

Statement of Interest

With over 12 years of dedicated service in public health, particularly in disease surveillance, preparedness, and outbreak response, I am deeply invested in advancing TB vaccine research and development. My experience in coordinating initiatives, policy development, capacity building, provision of technical support, ensuring quality assurance, surveillance, data analysis, research, innovation, and stakeholder engagement aligns seamlessly with the goals of the ECR Network Steering Committee by setting the strategic direction, progress review, identifying priority areas of work, developing the work plan, opportunities for improvement, and implementing activities. I am eager to contribute my expertise to foster collaboration and innovation in TB vaccine R&D. Serving on the Committee would provide me an invaluable platform to further drive impactful change and ensure the effective dissemination of research findings, strengthening global efforts to combat TB.

Biography

Bello Abdussalam is a medical doctor and TB vaccine advocate with more than 2 years of experience in global health policy advocacy and research. He is a 2023 TB Vaccine Advocacy Fellow with StopTB partnership Working Group on New TB Vaccines where he co-led a multilingual open letter advocacy campaign that was presented at the UNHLM on TB in 2023. Also, He worked with KNCV Nigeria as a TB Advocacy Intern where he mobilized and trained more than 50 youth advocates on TB vaccine advocacy.

Statement of Interest

My passion for TB vaccine advocacy began as a TB survivor, which has fuelled my commitment to advancing TB prevention and treatment strategies. Through my academic and professional background in medicine and global health I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in TB vaccine development and implementation.

I have actively engaged in TB vaccines advocacy and research, including working on TB vaccine advocacy campaigns with the Stop TB Partnership Working Group on New TB Vaccines. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the WGNV ECR Steering Committee.

I am particularly interested in leveraging the ECR Network's platform to advance TB vaccine research, access, and advocacy. I believe that my commitment to TB advocacy, coupled with my community engagement and communication skills, make me a strong candidate for the ECR Steering Committee.

Biography

In 2023, I joined KCNV as a TB researcher, with a background as vaccine and policy advisor at the RIVM. Inspired by the dedication and efforts of colleagues worldwide, I am committed to advancing TB vaccine readiness initiatives. I recently became KNCV’s TB vaccine lead and my largest contribution so far includes presenting and publishing a review on the knowledge on new TB vaccines. I aspire to commence a PhD. supporting the preparation of successful implementation of new TB vaccines in LMICs.

Statement of Interest

Within my first year as early career researcher at KNCV, I was immersed into the field of TB vaccine readiness, learning about the need and potential of a new TB vaccine. This time sparked my ambition to contribute to TB vaccine R&D, particularly preparation for successful implementation in LMICs. This was further solidified at the Union in Paris, through presentations discussing aspects from development of a new TB vaccine to successful implementation. I greatly belief that TB vaccine R&D requires a collaborative approach spanning diverse stakeholders across countries and thus appreciate ECR network's mindset. I enjoy being in such dynamic environments, characterized by a flexible and inclusive mindset. The ECR network represents an exciting opportunity to expand my knowledge and actively contribute to the collective efforts within the TB R&D space. I am eager to contribute to the network's community spirit and learning from my peers while sharing my gained skills and insights so far.

Biography

I am a person driven by curiosity, and I am relentless in my pursuit of scientific understanding and problem-solving. My current obsession is with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-host interaction and how bacterial and host factors decide the pathogenesis of the tuberculosis (TB) disease. I leverage traditional and computational immunology to enhance interpretation and gain profound molecular insights into the immune system to develop better TB vaccine strategies.

Statement of Interest

I am deeply committed to TB vaccine research and development and to building a community of researchers who share the same enthusiasm. My vision as a TB vaccine researcher is to unravel the dynamic interplay between the immune system and Mtb at a cellular and molecular level and apply this fundamental knowledge to help develop efficient vaccines. As an ECR Steering Committee member, my vision is to establish a community of early career researchers that fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where researchers can connect, share ideas, and encourage each other. Together with ECR Network Co-Chairs, I aim to 1) develop mentorship programs that pair early career researchers with more experienced researchers, 2) offer resources and information relevant to early career researchers, such as funding opportunities and job postings, and 3) promote collaboration among early career researchers on research projects and initiatives. I am sure that together, we can combat deadly TB disease.

Biography

Abraham Tekola, an Ethiopian health researcher, specializes in public health epidemiology. As a Project Coordinator at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Addis Ababa, Abraham focuses on study design and health data analysis, particularly in infectious disease modelling and vaccine studies. He has participated in key international conferences and workshops. With a strong statistical background and a goal to become a health-independent researcher and epidemiologist.

Statement of Interest

I am excited to join The Working Group on New TB Vaccines Early Career Researcher Network (ECR Network). With a background in public health, epidemiology, and genetic epidemiology, and experience as a Project Coordinator at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, I am dedicated to advancing TB research. My expertise in study design, data analysis, and attendance at conferences and workshops uniquely position me to contribute effectively to the ECR Network's mission.

I am eager to collaborate, learn, and contribute to the Network's goals of collaboration, mentorship, and capacity building in TB vaccine research. My passion for TB research, coupled with my skills and experience, make me a valuable addition to the ECR Network. I am excited about the opportunity to join and contribute to the Network's important work.

Biography

My educational background stems in BSc in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, MSc in Biotechnology, and currently PhD candidate in Biotechnology (Peptide based TB vaccine research). I am also a regulatory scientists based at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana, where assess regulatory dossiers on vaccines, monoclonal antibodies among other biological products for approval.

Statement of Interest

As a young man I have always love to deal with issues about Vaccines. My passion for biotechnology research and development and its Regulation stems from my education background in Biotechnology and regulatory experience as Technical assessor of Vaccines and Biotechnology derived Medicinal products.

My career goal is to build and apply acquired expertise in biotechnology and Regulation of Medicinal Biological Products in Biopharmaceutical R&D, and ensure best Regulatory practice in the Africa, so that I can make strategic regulatory policies that promote public health and scientific innovation in Africa.

My research interest is in finding a new Vaccine candidate (Multi- Epitope-Based Vaccine) against TB disease in adults and adolescents.

I am optimistic that the ECR network and activities of the steering committee will be a good environment to communicate my research toward a new TB vaccine development and further enhance my thinking through engagements and knowledge sharing

Biography

I am a research scientist, articulate and energetic individual, keen on exploring things and putting into effective and practical work with experience quantitative and qualitative methodology, project management skills to approach complex problems, coordinating and managing the implementation of strategic initiatives related to research, healthcare delivery, clinical operation processes, and program execution with Local and international Partners.

Statement of Interest

I am passionate and have interest in TB, I have demonstrated experience in leadership, administration, and producing deliverables. Strongly ambitious to become a well-informed and competent Consultant in the field of health, and environment, and work as a catalyst for change. I am interested in clinical medicine; clinical research and I have participated in different TB clinical trials. As a research scientist I evolved from sub-investigator, Co-Principal investigator, Principal Investigator, Project Manager, a member of steering Committee research technical group from Tanzania National Tuberculosis and Leprosy program (NTLP) , a member of steering Committee TB Net consortium and a member of steering committee PANACea III african lead consortium. My knowledge and experience match and fit for the position, I will add value to the ECR Network Steering Committee in achieving its goals as well as helping more TB patients and reach the goal of ending TB across the world.

Biography

With a background in clinical medicine and Epidemiology, she is currently undertaking her PhD studies with South African TB Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) at the University of Cape Town investigating the radiological diagnostic phenotypes and severity of subclinical TB in children & adults. Her research focus and interests lies at the intersection of medicine, epidemiology, and immunology, with a specific emphasis on TB research. She successfully managed StopTBPartnership funded TB REACH W7 & 10.

Statement of Interest

I joined the working group on new TB vaccines due to my interest in TB vaccine R&D and I am an associate member of the VALIDATE network . Currently a PhD student with the South African TB Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) group learning & getting involved with current vaccine research work. Working in TB for over 5 years, I can execute tasks effectively, manage projects and study teams successfully. Through effective teamwork & collaboration, I’ve positively influenced my teammates and supported their academic and career paths. I have strong interpersonal skills with attention to detail, I'm flexible with good time management. I can synthesize input from multiple sources, commit to a plan with confidence and articulate my evidence-based decision making well. I adore collaborative work as it gives me the chance to learn from others. I have meticulous problem solving and effective clear communication skills which would complement my role on the ECR Network steering committee very well.

Biography

A public health professional, MD - Community Medicine from AIIMS, New Delhi with 5 years of diverse experience in planning and conducting research projects (cross-sectional and longitudinal), part of the pase-3 vaccine trial for TB in the country to providing technical support to the state and country for TB elimination activities and member of national disease modelling consortium. Currently placed at WHO Country Office as the National consultant, looking after the “Monitoring and Evaluation".

Statement of Interest

As an enthusiastic and accomplished early career public health professional with diverse experience in epidemiology, TB research (vaccine trials and operational research) and program management, I am eager to contribute to the Steering Committee of our esteemed ECR Network. My extensive background in facilitating TB surveillance, operational research, and programmatic support aligns perfectly with the committee's objectives. I am committed to fostering collaboration, driving strategic initiatives including innovations, and advocating for the participation of fellow ECRs in our network's activities within and outside India. With a demonstrated passion for TB-related research and a track record of impactful contributions in the country, I am poised to effectively contribute to the advancement of our network's goals.

Biography

I am a medical doctor and TB epidemiologist based at the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme in Blantyre, Malawi. My work focuses on understanding the risk of TB infection and disease to inform policy in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa. I recently led the first community-based TB infection prevalence survey among adolescents and adults in Malawi, recruiting ~3000 participants. Findings informed site preparations for the M72/ASO1E phase 3 trial, for which I'm Sub-Investigator for the Blantyre site.

Statement of Interest

Over 100 years since the only TB vaccine was discovered, I believe that the world is long-overdue for a vaccine that will protect those most in need: adolescents and adults. I strongly admire and believe in the global TB vaccine development community's efforts to deliver effective TB vaccines to save millions of lives projected to be lost assuming no such vaccines and the current armament of tools available to fight TB. Through my involvement in the M72/ASO1E phase 3 trial as Sub-Investigator for the Blantyre, Malawi site, I look forward to contributing to this important cause. I was recently awarded a TBVI Young Scientist Award, which funded my attendance at the TBVI Annual Meeting 2023-2024 where I presented findings from our TB infection prevalence survey in Blantyre, Malawi and relevance of such data for TB vaccine studies. It would be a great honour to contribute to the global TB vaccine development community's efforts through the WGNV ECR Network as a Steering Committee member.