VALID8

Dr Pia Steigler is a Principal Investigator at the vaccine manufacturing company Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines, and an immunologist specialising in TB vaccine development. In this milestone VALID8 interview celebrating the 1,000th VALIDATE member, Pia reflects on her personal journey into vaccinology and the role of community in science.

1 - What do you do / what do you research?

I am an immunologist with expertise in TB vaccine development.

2 - What drew you to studying vaccines?

My interest into vaccinology stems from a personal experience: I had open pulmonary TB and tuberculoid mastoiditis as a teenager despite having received BCG.  I spent six months in the hospital, in isolation, and the disease left me with a lifelong hearing and breathing disability. This experience became my motivation to develop a more effective vaccine against BCG, which provides durable protection beyond childhood.

3 - How has VALIDATE shaped your work or career and research so far?

VALIDATE is providing a global research ecosystem for neglected pathogens. I have access to a vast network of peers and senior researchers, which has helped me to establish connections for technical discussions and collaborations.

The best part for me as an early-career scientist is the ECDN network of VALIDATE. The ECDN network has been invaluable, providing dedicated mentoring, personal and career developmental seminars, and peer support that has significantly boosted my confidence, helped with strategic planning and managing of challenging situations.

4 - What’s your favourite memory or moment from your time with VALIDATE?

At VALIDATE, you not only meet your next collaborator, but you also make lasting friendships. The favourite moments are always the in-person Annual meetings, where you get the chance to reconnect with peers and meet new members.

5 - What do you value most about being connected to 1,000 researchers across 80+ countries?

The reach of the network is what I value most. VALIDATE is a huge network with many diverse experts. If I don't know the right person to help me with a technical or scientific challenge, someone in the network certainly will.

6 - What advice would you give to the 1,000th VALIDATE member joining today?

Welcome! Make the most of the available resources, attend meetings, seminars, and networks. Most importantly, connect to the people.

7 - What excites you most about the future of VALIDATE?

That the network is growing so fast! A larger network means more potential collaborators and a greater diversity of skills, which is a fundamental aspect of generating scientific knowledge and translating science into successful vaccine products.

8 - Describe VALIDATE in one word.

Impactful!