本研究室に所属する博士課程４年のIsaac Akumaさんが25th International AIDS conference in Munich, Germanyに参加しました。
・Please give a brief introduction about yourself and your scientific background for people browsing the web.
I came from Kenya to Japan to do my masters under the Japanese government scholarship (MEXT). My scholarship was later extended to include a PhD in infection and immunity. I have gained experience in HIV infection and immunity with a bias on immune responses to HIV antigens and de novo antigens, such as SARS-CoV-2 immunogens.
・What efforts did you make to obtain the travel grant? Also, do you have any advice for junior researchers?
The travel grant application process was quite competitive. Out of 300 applicants, only 10 were selected. In my application, I made sure my story was captivating, and I clearly outlined how my experience in bNAb research aligns with the overall objectives of the vaccine enterprise program. I also mentioned how the grant would help me advance my career.
・How do you plan to use this experience in the future?
I met many people with whom our research interests align, and I plan to maintain contact with them for potential collaborations in the future.
From Isaac
I won a travel grant by the Vaccine Enterprise Mentorship Program to attend the 25th International AIDS conference in Munich, Germany. The opportunity enabled me to discuss my work on HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) with key research leaders in the field. If leveraged, bNAbs could be ideal thereupetic agents, because unlike antiretrovirals, they have minimal side effects and they don't need to be administered daily. During the conference, various groups reported promising findings from trials involving the use of bNAbs for pre-exposure prophylaxis and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. I also got the chance to meet my old friends and view amazing sites in Munich. I am thankful to everyone who enabled me to make this trip.
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