Meet some of the people behind IMD!
From professors to students, seniors to juniors, many are the people that every year work to ensure that the International Microorganism Day does not go by unnoticed. Here are some of the people behind the day’s celebrations!
ISABEL SÁ-CORREIA
“I was involved in the four editions of the IMD, which started in Portugal and has since expanded around the world.”
Where do you work?
I am a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa. I belong to the directive board of the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB) and I am also the Head of iBB Biological Sciences.
What is your role in imd?
The IMD was a Portuguese initiative promoted by the Portuguese Society of Microbiology (SPM) when I was the President. As SPM President I was involved in the four editions of the IMD (2017-2020) that took place in Portugal and were expanded to Europe (in 2018), America (in 2019) and around the world in the 24-hour marathon that took place during the 2020 edition.
what is your favourite moment so far while working for imd?
All the times that, since 2017, I have seen the network of individuals and institutions, from all over the world, widen and the conviction and joy with which they joined IMD’s philosophy and activities!
FAVOURITE QUOTE BY A SCIENTIST?
“The role of the infinitely small in nature is infinitely great.” ― Louis Pasteur
JOSEPH SHUTTLEWORTH
“I work to organize our team and communications with the systems and tools needed to make IMD successful.”
Where do you work?
I work as the Science Communications Officer at the Federation of European Microbiology Societies (FEMS) in Delft (The Netherlands), and spend some of my work time helping to manage the International Microorganism Day communications and 24-hour live stream event on the day (17 September)!
What do you do at IMD?
I work to organize our team and communications with the systems and tools needed to make IMD successful! I also act as a host during our live stream, and so chair and organize our speakers for many of the sessions. As the main contact with FEMS, I help to work out our budgets, staffing (e.g. freelancers and interns), and funding for all the things that make IMD reach our audience and deliver them all the microorganism content they desire. As someone with a scientific background, my favourite activity is bringing microscope image and videos to our social media following, so they can see the wonders of microorganisms up close themselves!
How long have you been in a relationship with Microbiology?
I remember being given a microscope when I was about 7 years old, and this helped build my love for life sciences and microscopy from an early age. When I was a bit older (about 16!) I was lucky enough to work as a research intern for several summers at the William Dunn School of Pathology at the University of Oxford, the same institute that helped to perfect penicillin production from Penicillium mould during the Second World War under the supervisions and direction of Dr Howard Florey, who shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Sir Ernst Chain and Sir Alexander Fleming. It was here I got my first experience with working laboratories, the professional scientific process, horse-blood agar plates, PCR machines, antimicrobial peptides, and plating, incubating, and then eventually counting thousands of E. coli colonies!
Favorite quote by a scientist?
''I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers which can't be questioned.'' ― Richard Feynman
BEN LIBBERTON
“I am responsible for several projects related to science communication under the IMD umbrella.”
Where do you work?
I work as a science communicator in Stockholm, Sweden. Before that I was a postdoc working on Staph aureus colonization of catheters at the Karolinska Institute.
What is your role in IMD?
As a science communicator there are a number of things that I do on a regular basis that are useful for IMD. For example, I helped build up the website and establish social media channels. I also provide training for different types of science communication activities from social media to blogging. I was also involved behind the scenes with the live stream last year helping to make it run smoothly and get as many viewers as possible. I am also responsible for some other project under the IMD umbrella such as the educational resources which can be found on the IMD website.
What is your favourite moment so far while working for IMD?
My favourite moment was during the 24-hour live stream in 2020. I think it was at some point in the afternoon after we were about half-way through the live stream. I was quite tired having done the nightshift but it was at this moment where it felt like we had really achieved something and that the event was going to be a success. It took a lot of planning and hard work so at this point, it all felt worth it, and those feelings were reflected in the team as we checked in with one another throughout the day.
How long have you been in a relationship with Microbiology?
I've always been interested in biology and human health, but it wasn't until college that I really discovered my passion for microbiology. At this point I chose to study microbiology at Leeds University and eventually went on to do a PhD. Having studied microbes for so long, it's hard to stop and microbiology continues to play a large role in my career as a science communicator.
Favorite quote by a scientist?
This is a tough question. I draw a lot of inspiration from learning about the journeys of scientists as they navigate their research. I think one of the most relevant quotes for me has always been attributed to Thomas Edison who is reported to have said "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." I think this is an important attitude to have in scientific research. There is often a lot of pressure to find the "right" result that fits a predetermined idea. This quote from Edison helps remind me that any data that can be collected from a well-designed experiment is important and will ultimately help to uncover the truth of what is being studied.
CLÁUDIA P. GODINHO
“I joined the team with the goal of increasing the reach of IMD through social media and the website. ”
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I am a researcher at the Biological Sciences Research Group of iBB, at Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN IMD?
I help organise IMD since its second edition, in 2018. I started with the goal of increasing the reach of IMD both nationally and internationally through social media and the website, while contributing to the organisation of the celebrations at Instituto Superior Técnico.
In 2019, we started to cooperate with the FEMS office to improve the reach of IMD throughout the globe. Nowadays, we are a small international team where everyone does a bit of everything.
What is your favourite moment so far while working for IMD?
Although I felt very proud of the team effort after the online marathon of 2020 during the pandemic, I have to say my favourite moment was the celebration in 2019. We organised a great day at IST, in a sunny garden. Several schools from the Lisbon area visited the exhibition stands showcasing our research. Bak and Saca were there as well! It was such a great day!
How long have you been in a relationship with Microbiology?
I think my relationship with Microbiology started when I stepped foot in a lab. Also, as a self-confessed hypochondriac, I always wanted to know more about microorganisms!
Favorite quote by a scientist?
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” ― Louis Pasteur
ELENI KOURSARI
“My main role is to help with communication campaigns and maybe this year I might also host some sessions during the live stream! ”
Where do you work?
I currently work as the Science Communications Assistant at FEMS
What is your role in IMD?
This is the first year that I will be part of IMD in its full context, including planning prior to the event, the actual day and the aftermath. My main role is to help with communication campaigns, which usually involves a lot of small creative projects, facilitate the Microbe Art competition, and who knows this year I might also host some sessions during the live stream!
What is your favourite moment so far while working for IMD?
I love being part of the international network created as part of IMD, because after all microbiology is everywhere!
How long have you been in a relationship with Microbiology?
I believe my spark for Microbiology was ignited the day I stepped into my first microbiology lab, so about 5 years ago! At first, I was quite unsure whether I wanted to be a biochemist, microbiologist, or chemist, but when I started putting theory into practice I realized that microbiology is my passion. I am particularly interested in the areas of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Favorite quote by a scientist?
“If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off... no matter what they say.” – Barbara McClintock. This quote is a brilliant reminder for us to always trust our instinct, and follow our curiosity.
NUNO MELO
“I am mostly focused on the graphic design of specific posts or campaigns, and help with whatever small tasks are required. ”
Where do you work?
I am in my second year of a PhD programme in Biotechnology and Biosciences, at Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal!
What is your role in IMD?
I am mostly focused on the graphic design of specific posts or campaigns. However, everyone on the team does a little bit of everything.
What is your favourite moment so far while working for IMD?
I greatly enjoyed helping to put together the last year's 24h stream-athon. Seeing it all come to fruition on the 17th of September and meeting so many great scientists across the world was very rewarding and made it feel like all the work the team put into it was worth it!
How long have you been in a relationship with Microbiology?
Married for 4 years now. Before that? It was complicated. You cannot escape it, if you think about it.
Favorite quote by a scientist?
"I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy." – Marie Curie