VALID8

Dr Cristian Segura-Cerda is a postdoctoral researcher at CIATEJ, Mexico. In this special VALID8 interview marking 1,000 VALIDATE members, Cristian reflects on how the network transformed his career.

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

My group and I focus on the immunogenomics of tuberculosis. We investigate innate immune genes that may correlate with protection against TB, working across in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo clinical approaches.

2 – What drew you to studying vaccines?

At the beginning of my PhD, I was offered an opportunity to work on vaccines, and I took it because I was genuinely curious about how biotechnology could transform health. That curiosity has guided me ever since.

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

VALIDATE has truly marked a “before and after” in my career. I don’t think I’ve said this enough, but VALIDATE genuinely changed and accelerated my professional path. Without VALIDATE, I would not have received early-career training as a PI, nor secured a PI position in vaccine technology as early as I did. The resources, the connections, the mentoring, and the meetings have been absolutely fundamental for my career (and continue to be)

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

My favourite moments are always arriving at the Annual Meetings and immediately recognising that I’m about to see my “friends-in-mycobacteria, leishmaniasis, and melioidosis”. It’s incredibly exciting to be in a space where you know the community exists. People who share your interests, who are open to discussing new ideas, and who genuinely support you. That sense of belonging is extraordinary.

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

The multicultural nature of the network, and the fact that, despite our different backgrounds and languages, we’re all aligned in the same mission. That is truly remarkable.

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

Get involved in as many activities as you can. Make full use of the resources available. Talk to people, collaborate widely. Collaborate, collaborate! My experience is that no one in VALIDATE will ever say no.

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

The idea that even more young researchers with fresh perspectives will join the network. I hope we continue to see greater inclusion of people from under-represented communities and regions.

8 – Describe VALIDATE in one word.

Support.