Bangladeshi scientist Dr Senjuti Saha has been honoured with the “Rising Star” award by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, an organisation dedicated to strengthening vaccines, immunisation, and pandemic preparedness globally.
The announcement was made on the institute’s official website on 24 March.
The “Rising Star” award recognises early-career scientists who are advancing vaccine science through their research and playing a vital role in expanding immunisation coverage.
Since its inception, only a small number of scientists worldwide have been selected for this recognition, which honours those shaping the future of vaccines, and Dr Saha is the first Bangladeshi and the first scientist from South Asia to receive the accolade.
The award ceremony is scheduled for 12 May at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington DC, where Dr Saha will be formally presented with the honour. The event will bring together world-renowned scientists, vaccine advocates, and global health leaders to celebrate contributions to immunisation and public health.
Dr Saha currently serves as the executive director of the Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF). Her primary focus involves generating essential scientific evidence to inform vaccine policy in low- and middle-income countries.
Over the last decade, she has led research programmes on typhoid fever, respiratory infections (specifically the RSV virus), neonatal infections, and antimicrobial resistance.
Her research has been instrumental in tracking the prevalence and evolution of infectious diseases by integrating clinical surveillance, genomics, and public health data. This holistic approach has enabled her team to highlight disease trends and the real-world impact of immunisation programmes.
Notably, their work on typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCV) has supported advocacy efforts for the introduction of the vaccine in Bangladesh.
Beyond her laboratory work, Dr Saha is a staunch advocate for strengthening scientific capacity in countries most impacted by infectious diseases. She has led various initiatives to train and mentor young scientists, expanding opportunities for scientific education and research in the region.
Dr Saha earned her PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto. She completed her postdoctoral training at The Hospital for Sick Children and Stanford University, and also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University.
She returned to Bangladesh to lead locally-conducted research programmes aimed at tackling urgent public health challenges.
According to the sources, Dr Saha’s recognition highlights the growing leadership of scientists from low- and middle-income countries who are providing the data and innovation necessary to combat global infectious disease threats.
