Between Pipette and Patient

Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue research in AMR? 

After completing my Master’s studies in Biomedical Sciences, I pursued additional training in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, motivated by my interest in both fundamental microbiology and applied biotechnological research. I then began my doctoral research at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, where I developed and applied molecular biology techniques to study host–parasite–(bacterial) symbiont interactions. 

In 2019, I started working as a postdoctoral researcher on the RESPIRI-TB project, a rewarding collaboration between academic and pharmaceutical partners aimed at developing novel antibiotics targeting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis respiratory pathway. My work focused on exploiting the mycothiol biosynthesis pathway as a potential target for new antimicrobial drugs. 

What specific aspect of AMR does your research focus on? 

My research focuses on host–pathogen interactions in bacterial pulmonary infections caused by Mycobacterium species, including tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. I aim to gain fundamental insights into how these pathogens adapt to antibiotic pressure, both in isolation and during interaction with their eukaryotic host. In particular, I am interested in the role of bacterial “persister” cells in antibiotic tolerance and treatment failure. 

How do you see your research contributing to the fight against AMR? 

By elucidating the mechanisms that enable pathogens to persist during treatment, particularly in the context of host–pathogen interactions, this work can help identify new therapeutic targets and inform the design of more effective treatment strategies. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of bacterial stress responses and persistence will help guide the development of future antibiotics and treatment regimens that are less prone to resistance development. 

What are some of the biggest challenges in this kind of research? 

While advances in big data analysis and AI-guided drug design have greatly accelerated target identification and compound optimization, these predictions ultimately require experimental validation. Wet-lab testing of drug responses remains slow and resource-intensive but is nevertheless essential to ensure biological relevance and therapeutic efficacy. Balancing the speed of computational approaches with the rigor of experimental work is therefore a key challenge in advancing AMR research. In addition, even when scientific potential is there, promising research lines can be discontinued due to shifting strategic priorities within pharmaceutical companies. 

How important is collaboration in your research? 

Collaboration is absolutely essential in any research, as no single researcher or discipline has all the necessary expertise, and meaningful progress depends on combining perspectives from different fields. In a follow-up project from RESPIRI-TB, which involves studying the role of persistence in Mycobacterium abscessus disease, we are working closely with clinicians. This is particularly exciting, as it enables us to link laboratory findings with clinical data, thereby further strengthening the translational relevance of our research. 

How do you balance your professional and personal life? 

During my PhD, I worked very intensively and did not mind working during weekends or holidays. Since becoming a parent to two young children, I have learned to find a healthier balance between my professional and personal life. They encourage me to disconnect from work, be more present, and live more in the moment, which has ultimately helped me approach my work with greater focus and perspective. 

What is the most important message you would want the public to understand about AMR? 

We have been fortunate to live in a time when bacterial infections can be effectively treated, but antibiotics should not be taken for granted. Bacteria continuously evolve and develop resistance under antibiotic pressure. This is no longer a future problem, people are already dying from infections that are difficult or impossible to treat due to antimicrobial resistance. Using existing antibiotics responsibly and investing in the development of new ones are therefore essential. Overcoming AMR requires a collective effort: everyone has a role to play, from the public and healthcare providers to policymakers, governments, and industry. Together, we must ensure that antibiotics remain effective for future generations.