News overview
Impact stories
Diary of Isabel
Isabel Brosius, a doctor and researcher with the Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit, takes you behind the scenes of an investigation into an outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus. In her diary, you follow the launch of a study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from training sessions and protocols to the first patients. She writes about the science behind an outbreak, but also about everything that happens around it: working across borders and cultures, solving unexpected problems, and balancing the roles of doctor and researcher. Follow Isabel as a research protocol gradually becomes reality, in the midst of an Ebola outbreak.
The first piece of the puzzle
Isabel’s diary begins with the intensive preparations for an Ebola study in Bunia. From a distance, the first pieces of the puzzle start falling into place, thanks to strong teamwork.
Switching gears
Isabel describes how she switches between her work as a doctor and preparations for the Ebola study in Bunia. Despite the distance, time pressure, and unexpected obstacles, the team is ready to get the study underway.
We've set off
The first patients have been enrolled in the study, immediately revealing what could still be improved in practice. The team continuously adjusts its approach to work efficiently and ensure everyone’s safety.
Vote for Isabel for the Eos Pipet 2026
Isabel Brosius has been nominated for the Eos Pipet 2026 Audience Award for her research on mpox. Vote before August 20 and help her win the Audience Award.
Spread the word! Share this story on
More stories
-
- Impact stories“This is about more than medicine—it’s about systems, equity, and courage”
A conversation with Marleen Boelaert Scholarship grantee Faradiba Faradiba (Indonesia) and Professor Raffaella Ravinetto (ITM)Read more -
- Impact stories
"I realised that I could not help as many people as I wanted by sitting behind a desk in a hospital"
Insights from Dr Moïse Saa Denah Tenkiano, Romain De Cock scholarship grantee 2024-2025Read more -
- Impact stories
The struggle for accessing essential medicines in Northern Syria
Dr Saleh Aljadeeah shares compelling insights into his research on access to essential medicines in conflict-affected areas of Northern Syria.Read more -
- Impact stories
After 40 years of HIV, why are we still not optimally reaching the most vulnerable groups?
ITM researcher Thijs Reyniers explains why HIV research is still so important today and where the solutions lie to further reduce the number of HIV infections worldwide.Read more -
- Impact stories
"I'm one of those idealists who graduated with the goal in mind: 'That's where I want to work!'" - Dr Liselotte Hardy
Dr Liselotte Hardy received her PhD from ITM. She has been working on the SIMBLE project since 2021. As part of the project, she is developing diagnostic devices adapted to conditions in Africa. We spoke to her about the project and why she chose to work at ITM.Read more -
- Impact stories
"You don't die of leprosy; you die with leprosy."
Prof Epco Hasker on the new approach to leprosy control in Madagascar and Comoros.Read more -
- Impact stories
Stories of Séverine: tales of life and death in a maternity clinic in Afghanistan
Séverine, our dedicated obstetrician, takes you to Afghanistan. Her experiences as a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders in a maternity clinic in Khost offer a glimpse into the lives of Afghan women and the local health care professionals who work tirelessly to make a difference. Join Séverine on her journey as she gets to know Afghan culture, confronts personal challenges, and discovers the profound resilience of the human spirit.Read more -
- Impact stories
One year of mpox: from the African forest to the city
During last year's mpox outbreak, our dedicated nurses, doctors, laboratory staff and researchers collaborated closely with colleagues, the affected community and policymakers both at home in Belgium and abroad. Their interdisciplinary approach helped them to effectively understand and manage the outbreak. As we look back a year later, it becomes evident that exotic viruses are no longer a distant narrative but a tangible reality.Read more -
- Impact stories
Multidisciplinary contribution to the fight against malaria
Malaria is the most infamous tropical disease, which still claims more than half a million victims every year. The mosquito that transmits the parasitic disease is therefore the deadliest animal on Earth.Read more -
- Impact stories
Uncovering the Ebolavirus: The Journey of ITM Researchers in Discovery and Research
ITM researchers Guido van der Groen and Peter Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus, which was first studied in Zaire in 1976.Read more
