Blog – Isala

Isala wants to break the taboo around vaginal health. That’s why all our research kits contain great conversation starters  (also online available). Use these cards as inspiration for interesting chats with friends and family, and find out how much there is to say about vaginal health.

You can also start a conversation online by clicking on a question and adding your response. You can do it anonymously – your first name is fine. The Isala researchers will answer your question. This way, we can increase knowledge about the female microbiome and break the taboo together. That’s our dream at Isala. Feel free to add comments and ask questions – let’s start the conversation together! 

Break the taboo

More than genes: the invisible microbial connections between mothers and daughters

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the bonds that connect mothers and their children: the stories, traits and memories that are passed down each generation. But could this connection go beyond to what we can see with the naked eye? In the Isala daughter study named Maggie we are exploring whether microbial companions are also passed down by our mothers and shared within a family.

A snapshot in the life of an Isala researcher

People are often curious when I mention that I am currently working as a PhD researcher. They are interested in what I am investigating, but just as often they admit to not knowing what this type of work looks like. More specifically, what a day-to-day looks like. Do I attend a lot of classes? Or am I in the lab full time? Read more to find out!

From invisible traces to silent allies: how microbiomes and underwear help tell the story after sexual violence

Today, on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we want not only to talk about the magnitude of the problem, but also about what can be improved in practice. A few years ago, I told you about our GeneDoe project and the microbial fingerprint. Now, for the first time, we can look back with concrete numbers: what can semen, the vaginal microbiome, and even a pair of underwear reveal after sexual violence?

The Wonder Within: Successful film screenings

On July 1, The Wonder Within, the short documentary I made together with the Isala research team, was presented to the Isala community, colleagues, family members, friends, and the general public during a screening at the University of Antwerp’s city campus. No fewer than 394 people registered to attend, and despite the heatwave, the vast majority actually showed up!

Building your network at a conference: Mission (im)possible?

Every time I attend a conference, I set a simple goal: have one or two meaningful conversations with fellow attendees — whether they are from academia or the private sector. That, to me, is what makes a conference successful. It’s advice my supervisor, Sarah Lebeer, gave to help comfort our inner impostors. At the 2024 ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics) meeting in Cork Ireland, I would say I exceeded that goal.

A table of connection – looking back on our inspiring iftar

“Eating is so intimate. It’s very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you’re inviting a person into your life.” – Maya Angelou

On Friday evening, the 21^st of March, something magical came to life at Campus Drie Eiken of the University of Antwerp. Under the soft light of the springtime sun and the cozy feelings of togetherness, the Rufaida team and student organisation Niyyah brought more than 50 women together for a special iftar and mini-symposium. An evening in which science, faith, culture and connection worked together hand in hand – exactly what the Rufaida project stands for.