Four ITM researchers secure competitive fellowships from the Research Foundation of Flanders

Anteneh Asefa

In sub-Saharan Africa, pregnant women living with HIV are disproportionately affected by obstetric violence and perinatal depression, leading to poor uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services and increased risk of vertical transmission of HIV. There is a critical evidence gap and urgent need for context-sensitive implementation research globally to address these challenges. Anteneh Asefa, from the Maternal and Reproductive Health Unit (Department of Public Health), will lead implementation research to co-design, implement, and evaluate an intervention that integrates perinatal mental health and respectful maternity care into the care of pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in Ethiopia and Guinea.

Irene Molina de la Fuente

The research of Irene Molina de la Fuente (Unit of Malariology, Department of Biomedical Sciences) bridges genomics, epidemiology, and policy to improve malaria control. Her project focuses on understanding the Plasmodium falciparum parasite’s resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) against malaria. Using advanced genomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic tools, she investigates resistance mechanisms beyond traditional models. The project also supports capacity building in malaria-endemic countries, empowering local researchers to generate data that informs national policies. This multifaceted approach not only deepens scientific knowledge of ACT resistance but also translates findings into practical strategies for malaria control—uniting Irene’s goals of cutting-edge research and real-world impact.

The submission deadline for the FWO Junior and Senior Postdoctoral Fellowships Call 2026 is Monday 17 November 2025.