10 September 2026 Articles

Infectious disease specialist Isabel Brosius wins Eos Pipet 2026 for her leadership in mpox research

The jury praises her strong scientific work and pronounced societal engagement.

Infectious disease specialist Isabel Brosius (Unit of Emerging Clinical Infectious Diseases) was awarded the jury prize for her work during the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the award ceremony for the annual Eos Pipet Award took place. With this award, Eos and the Young Academy of Belgium (Jonge Academie) honour the most promising young researcher of today. During the ceremony, the five laureates presented their work in a short pitch, after which the audience award and the jury award were presented.

Isabel travelled to the outbreak region in the DRC to help set up a diagnosis, treatment and research centre.

Investigation at the outbreak site

When a new variant of the mpox virus was reported in late 2023 in Kamituga, in the east of the DRC, Isabel travelled to the region to investigate this unknown variant. Together with her colleagues and Congolese partners, she set up a diagnosis, treatment and research centre to provide care and better understand the virus. This impactful fieldwork under challenging conditions was a compelling factor for the jury: "She actively went to the places where outbreaks first occurred and conducted research there. That shows courage. We also want to highlight her leadership in mpox research, which has made her an internationally recognised reference figure."

Isabel Brosius

"This Eos Pipet award is a wonderful recognition, not only for me, but for everyone who contributed to this research — our colleagues in Belgium and the DRC often work together under difficult circumstances and with great dedication, and I am grateful to ITM for the trust I have always been given."

Isabel Brosius
Infectious disease specialist
Winner of Eos Pipet 2026

"Just as important is the support of my family," Isabel continues. "My partner Stig makes it possible for me to leave at short notice with two young children at home, and my sister and our parents step in wherever needed. Without that network, this would not have been possible."

Experience that helps save lives

The award recognises the importance of outbreak research and the ability to respond quickly to understand and control new infectious diseases. Isabel was honoured for her work during an earlier mpox outbreak, but is currently applying the knowledge she gained to the fight against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the DRC. "We have only seen the tip of the iceberg in this outbreak," says Isabel. "Fortunately, we can build on the strategies and partnerships from previous outbreaks. Each outbreak may be different, but the need for fast, reliable answers remains the same."

Isabel Brosius

Diary from the frontline

Isabel takes you behind the scenes of the investigation into the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak. In her diary, you follow the launch of a study in the DRC, from training sessions and protocols to the first patients.

Read her diary