Meet The Invited Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Meera Unnikrishnan
Meera is a Professor of Molecular Bacteriology at the University of Warwick where she leads a research group focused on how bacterial pathogens invade and survive host defence systems. By combining whole-genome based strategies with single gene-level functional studies she understands mechanisms of Clostridioides difficile colonisation of the gut and the specialised Type VII (Esx) secretion systems of Staphylococcus aureus. She will share her insights into the "three-way" interactions between pathogens, the host mucosa and the gut microbiota.
Plenary Speaker: Prof. Jonathan Maelfait
Jonathan is a Professor at Ghent University and leads the Nucleic Acid Immunity lab at the Center for Inflammation Research. He investigates the fundamental interplay between viruses and the immune system. His research focuses on how innate immunity in our cells detects viral RNA and DNA to activate defence mechanisms like necroptosis and pyroptosis, that can prevent viral spread but are also linked to autoimmunity.
LINE+ Lecture: Supa Chantschool
Supa is the co-director of HepBcompanion. He is committed to advancing health equity and patient-centred innovation. Living with chronic hepatitis B himself, Supa brings lived experience to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen support for people affected by HBV. Drawing on both professional training and lived experience, Supa has developed strong expertise in clinical trial engagement, including patient recruitment, retention, and community involvement. He has worked closely with academic, clinical and pharmaceutical partners to support education initiatives that lead to meaningful dialogue between affected communities and researchers. He will talk about his journey and the best-practice principles for community engagement, informed by people living with HBV and those who advocate for them.
Watch Supa's inspirational TEDxNHS talk "Hepatitis B Virus: Combatting the Silent Epidemic”.
