In Conversation With Our Young Researchers: Lisa Hefele

14 February 2025

Lisa Hefele’s work as a Postdoctoral researcher at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships in addressing global health challenges. Her research not only advances the understanding of infectious diseases but also contributes to the development of effective public health interventions that benefit communities worldwide.

Impacting Public Health in Low-Resource Settings

Lisa Hefele’s research journey began in Germany, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Erlangen-Nuremberg University and a Master of Science in Molecular Biosciences from Heidelberg University. Her passion for public health and epidemiology led her to Luxembourg, where she joined the PaReCIDS project as a PhD student. This project, a collaboration between the LIH and the Institut Pasteur du Laos, aims to investigate the burden, epidemiology, and aetiology of infectious diseases in Laos.

Lisa’s interest in infectious diseases began during a semester abroad in Malaysia, where she took a Medical Microbiology course. Her PhD studies allowed her to focus on epidemiology, which has become her true passion. Understanding disease patterns and working to improve public health drives her commitment to research.

The impact of Lisa’s research is multifaceted. By investigating the epidemiology of hepatitis B and other infectious diseases in Laos, her work informs vaccination strategies and public health interventions that directly benefit at-risk communities. Additionally, her studies contribute to global health efforts by enhancing the understanding of disease dynamics, which supports capacity strengthening in regions like Laos and helps reduce health inequities.

A Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Research Environment

Working in the Clinical and Applied Virology group at LIH, Lisa has had the opportunity to collaborate with scientists and medical doctors from diverse fields, including virology, epidemiology, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach has been crucial in addressing the complex health challenges faced by low-resource settings like Laos. Lisa’s research has also benefited from collaborations with institutions such as Cambridge University and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Lisa Hefele is currently involved in the PaReCIDS project, which stands for “Luxembourg-Laos Partnership for Research and Capacity Building in Infectious Disease Surveillance.” This project aims to investigate the burden, epidemiology, and aetiology of infectious diseases in humans and animals in Laos. Her primary research fields include infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine-preventable diseases, and public health, with a specific focus on hepatitis B and measles/rubella.

Lisa’s work involves close collaboration with local scientists and health professionals in Laos. Together, they exchange knowledge and skills, which not only strengthens the health systems in the region but also enriches their own understanding and approach to infectious disease research. This reciprocal partnership helps create resilient, community-driven health solutions that can adapt to local needs while contributing to global health efforts.

Choosing Luxembourg as a Research Destination

Lisa chose Luxembourg for its strong commitment to international collaboration and its emphasis on global partnerships. The country’s exceptional research infrastructure, advanced technologies, and substantial funding programs have provided her with the resources needed to conduct impactful research. Moreover, Luxembourg’s multicultural environment and central location in Europe have made it an ideal place for Lisa to live and work.

I believe Luxembourg was a good choice as a research destination because of its strong commitment to international collaboration, especially in health. Luxembourg’s emphasis on global partnerships and capacity strengthening aligns perfectly with my interests in impactful, cross-border research.

Lisa Hefele

Living in Luxembourg has been a positive experience for Lisa. She appreciates the country’s safety, organization, and quality of life. The multicultural population and pro-European outlook have enriched her daily life, making Luxembourg a unique and welcoming place to call home.

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