Catching up with Dr Hina Raza, Assistant Professor in Pakistan, we reflect on how BactiVac opportunities shaped her personal journey and professional growth.
Hina was first introduced to the BactiVac Network in 2021, whilst completing her postdoctoral research at University College London, UK. Hina’s supervisor at the time, Professor Sudaxshina Murdan, recommended she apply to become a Member of BactiVac.
In 2023, after returning to Pakistan, Hina attended her first BactiVac Annual Network Meeting. She submitted a successful application and was awarded a BactiVac travel bursary, as well as a place on the pre-meeting Grant Writing Workshop. The workshop, led by Scriptoria, supported early career researchers with grant writing ahead of the next call for BactiVac Catalyst Funding.
It would not have been possible for me to attend without the financial help – due to the huge economy differences, and personal reasons, I can’t invest too much in myself.
The workshop was significant in Hina’s journey, along with the networking opportunities, which she describes as ‘life-changing moments’. Developing her scientific writing skills and reflecting on past applications allowed her to produce a successful application in BactiVac’s seventh round of Catalyst Project Funding. Hina commented: "The whole meeting was a game changer for me."
Soon after securing the Catalyst Project funding, Hina established her lab in Pakistan. In her mission to advance a novel approach to poultry vaccination with a focus on E. Coli, particularly in low and middle-income countries, Hina was able to provide salary support for her staff and students, buy reagents for her group, and lead on scientific decisions for the first time in her career. Reflecting on this experience, Hina said: "This project grant allowed me to flourish - I gained independence as a researcher."
The project also supported Hina with a series of engagement activities for local farmers in Pakistan. In collaboration with her former supervisor, Sudaxshina, Hina was able to collect surveillance data on the perception and understanding of vaccines and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the farming community and tailor the sessions accordingly.
As a result of the sessions, two poultry farmers agreed to participate in a pilot trial for Hina’s vaccine candidate. The farmers have granted Hina access to a closed area of their farms, with the possibility of expanding the study following a successful trial period.
Following BatiVac’s 5th Annual Network Meeting in Vietnam, Hina, Sudaxshina, and Mohamed Yousif took the opportunity to organise a presentation, discussion and laboratory demonstration for farmers and local pharmaceutical companies, promoting the use of vaccines in aquaculture to address AMR. Delivered in the Can Tho University, the group showed the simplicity of the vaccine, with there being no need for specialist equipment for its administration. The workshop proved a success; one farmer offered investment in the vaccine, which is currently being explored and formalised.
Hina has used opportunities available through BactiVac to support her research financially but has also benefitted by establishing a personal international network. Her position in the veterinary space is strengthened by her connections and experience, and we look forward to seeing her research continue to grow and succeed in the future.
