Meet Our Dedicated Team

At the heart of the Born Strong Initiative is a team of visionary scientists and researchers who share a deep commitment to transforming maternal and infant health on a global scale. Our team is driven by a common purpose: to empower mothers and fortify the immune resilience of newborns. Together, we believe in the boundless potential of science to rewrite the narrative of maternal-fetal-newborn health.

Founder

Professor Tobias Kollmann

Professor, Microbiology & Immunology; Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada

Scientific Advisory Board

Michelle Giles (Chair)

Professor Of Infectious Diseases
Monash University and University of Melbourne, Australia

Petra Arck (Co-Vice chair)

Professor Of Experimental Feto-MaternaI Medicine
Medical Faculty of the University of Hamburg, Germany

Valerie Verhasselt

Head of Immunology and Breast Feeding
Telethon Kids Institute, Australia

Arnaud Marchant

Director - Institute for Medical Immunology
Université Libre de Bruxelles. Belgium

Sing Sing Way

Director - Center for Inflammation and Tolerance & Professor of
Paediatric Infectious Disease
Cincinnati Children Hospital. USA

Kevin Kain

Canada Research Chair, Professor of Medicine. Director SA Rotman
Laboratories, Science Director - Tropical Disease unit
University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital, Canada

Sabra Klein

Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA

Christine Stabell Benn

University ot Southern Denmark and the Bandim Health Project
Guinea Bissau Africa

Richard Scheuermann

Scientific Director
National Institutes of Health, USA

Nima Aghaeepour

Associate Professor of Research and Vice Chair of Research Data
Science, Department of Pediatrics
Stanford University. USA

Pinaki Panigrahi

Professor of Paediatrics
Asian Institute of Public Health, India and Georgetown University
Medical Centre, USA

Arturo Borzutzky

Associate Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology
School Of Med'cine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

Operations & Management

Rad Aniba, PhD

Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at RAN BioLinks

Rym Ben Othman, PhD

Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at RAN BioLinks

Our Team's Skills and Expertise

Immunology: Our scientists are pioneers in the field of maternal-fetal immunology, unraveling the mysteries of how a mother's immune system impacts her baby's health.

Systems Biology: We leverage cutting-edge systems biology techniques to decode complex biological networks, providing invaluable insights for our research projects.

Artificial Intelligence: Our data scientists harness the power of AI to analyze vast datasets, identifying patterns and connections that drive innovation.

Research Areas

At the Born Strong Initiative, our research areas encompass a rich tapestry of maternal and infant health exploration. With a diverse and passionate team of scientists, we delve deep into the intricate web of maternal-fetal-newborn immunity, seeking to unlock its secrets. Our research spans a wide spectrum, from understanding the molecular interactions that fortify a mother's immune system during pregnancy to deciphering the genetic and environmental factors that influence an infant's immune resilience. We explore cutting-edge topics such as systems biology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to gain insights that drive progress in our mission. Additionally, our investigations extend to the societal and global health implications of maternal and infant health, aiming to bridge gaps, reduce disparities, and shape policies that benefit communities worldwide. Through our collective efforts, we are not merely exploring research areas; we are paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries that have the potential to redefine the very foundation of maternal and infant health

Community Engagement

At the Born Strong Initiative, community engagement is at the heart of our mission. We firmly believe that meaningful change in maternal and infant health can only be achieved through collaboration, dialogue, and active involvement with the scientific and local communities. We are committed to fostering connections with fellow researchers, institutions, healthcare providers, and the broader community. Through educational programs, workshops, and outreach efforts, we empower individuals with knowledge about maternal and infant health, demystifying complex scientific concepts, and promoting informed decision-making. Our engagement extends to partnerships with local organizations, sharing resources, expertise, and support to address maternal and infant health disparities at the grassroots level. We actively listen to the needs and concerns of communities, understanding that their insights are invaluable in shaping our research and initiatives. By forging these meaningful connections, we aim to create a collaborative ecosystem where collective efforts lead to tangible improvements in the health and well-being of mothers and infants worldwide.

F.A.Q

What are the key research areas of the Born Strong Initiative?

We explore a wide range of research areas, including maternal-fetal immunity, systems biology, data analytics, and global health. Our goal is to uncover the connections between a mother's immune system and her baby's health.

How can I get involved in the Born Strong Initiative?

You can join our community by filling out the application form (Click on Join the Movement in the Homepage). We welcome researchers, enthusiasts, and collaborators who share our passion for maternal and infant health.

What resources are available for researchers within the initiative?

We offer a range of resources, including data management support, collaborative frameworks, and opportunities to present your research through webinars, articles, and podcasts.

How can I stay updated on the initiative's latest developments and activities?

You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates. Additionally, follow us on social media: our official Twitter account or our LinkedIn page for real-time news and insights.

What is the Born Strong Initiative's stance on data privacy and ethics?

We prioritize data privacy and adhere to strict ethical guidelines in all our research projects. Our data handling and research practices comply with international standards and regulations.

Are there opportunities for collaboration with other research institutions or organizations?

Yes, we actively seek collaborations to further our mission. If you're interested in partnering with us, please reach out to our team at bornstrong@ranbiolinks.com

What impact has the Born Strong Initiative made so far in maternal and infant health?

We've made significant strides in advancing research and raising awareness. Our team has published groundbreaking research, organized global symposiums, and fostered collaborations to drive change in the field