VALID8

Nastassja (left), winning the best poster award at the VALIDATE Annual Meeting 2025

Nastassja Kriel is a tuberculosis researcher at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. In this special VALID8 interview celebrating the 1,000th VALIDATE member milestone, Nastassja reflects on TB prevention and collaboration.

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

I focus on preventing persister bacteria in TB — dormant cells that evade treatment and cause relapse. Understanding these mechanisms will enable development of vaccines to prevent latent TB.

2 – What drew you to studying vaccines?

Vaccines are a cost-effective way to prevent disease and reduce transmission while slowing resistance.

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

VALIDATE had a transformative impact on my career. As a VALIDATE Fellow, I managed my first independent grant and developed key project management skills.

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

Attending CTVD with my fellow ECDN members was my favourite moment.

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

I value the friendships I’ve built and the mutual support within the network.

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

Stay alert for VALIDATE talks and meetings and become an active member of the community.

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

I’m excited to expand my collaborative network globally.

8 – Describe VALIDATE in one word.

Community.