International Women’s Day marked by research leaders
Professor Andrea Cooper
Andrea Cooper, from the University of Leicester’s School of Biological Sciences, is celebrating the vital work of research network, VALIDATE, as part of International Women’s Day (8 March).
The network, which has just welcomed its 1,000th member, brings together an international community of researchers to develop vaccines against globally significant and complex diseases.
Set up in 2017, and led by a team of female experts, VALIDATE Co-Director Professor Cooper, who is also part of the Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group has been a member since its inception.
She said: “It’s an amazing milestone to reach for the network and marks a truly extraordinary journey - from a small, focused initiative of 32 members to a global community of over 1,000 researchers, clinicians, and partners across 79 countries, united by a shared commitment to vaccine research for mycobacterial diseases including tuberculosis and leprosy, leishmaniasis, and melioidosis.
“What better way to mark this milestone than on International Women’s Day when we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, political and of course scientific achievements of women who are forging ahead in their fields.
“VALIDATE brings together a global community of like-minded people and while not exclusively for women, we endeavour to champion female voices through continuing professional development. We’re extremely proud that VALIDATE’S leadership team is a team of internationally influential women who are focused on ensuring others will follow in their footsteps - thereby broadening participation and building achievement in underrepresented areas.”
VALIDATE leaders work together with the membership, supporting researchers to accelerate vaccine development to reduce mortality and morbidity across the globe, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The network has generated 193 new scientific collaborations, 86 publications, over 3,400 attendees from 78 countries to our events and our activities have stimulated over £25.5M in follow-on funding.
Professor Cooper added: “It’s about generating new ideas and collaborations, and delivering lessons leaned across the network. VALIDATE provides grants for ground-breaking projects by members and so we would encourage all those involved in relevant fields to join us and help us reach our joint goals.”