The Isala sisterhood: What is our global understanding of the healthy vaginal microbiome? 

Currently, there is no consensus on the healthy human microbiome composition, this gap also includes the vaginal niche. Although we know that lactobacilli are good for vaginal health based on studies done in women from high-income countries, little is known on how the vaginal microbiome looks like in women from other parts of the world, specifically from low middle-income countries.

After launching Isala, back in 2020, an increasing number of international research teams were inspired by Isala and wished to conduct their related research; this global interest in the vaginal microbiome gave life to a sisterhood of citizen-science projects named after iconic women. Our Isala family really spans the globe, with motivated and passionate members in various corners of the world. During the previous years, we have seen how Laura, Marie, Leke, Manuela, Aiona were born! See below the summary map of ongoing sister projects and upcoming ones! 

The map below gives an overview of the current Isala Sisterhood, and the ones that have shown interest in joining it. The Isala Sisterhood aims to increase the representation of women, especially from low-middle-income countries

Do you want to start a sisterhood project?

If you are interested in exploring starting your own community, a great first step is reading our publications. Starting with the Isala study where we report the associated factors impacting the vaginal microbiome in Belgium, then how valuable is citizen science as an instrument for women’s health research and a finally our view of how to increase diversity in the vaginal microbiome field. You can also contact Sandra Condori (Sandra.Condori@uantwerpen.be).

How can we support you?

By providing: 

  • Citizen Science knowhow on how to start your study 
  • Communication guidelines to help you conceptualize your study 
  • Wet lab guidelines 
  • Strong network to apply for funding  

Many countries face challenges in obtaining funding for research initiatives. This is where our commitment to support you comes into play. We understand that conducting research can be financially daunting. High-tech analyses are needed to study the composition of the vaginal microbiome, and these advanced technologies come at a high cost. Our mission is to bridge this gap by supporting researchers in securing funding by together writing grant applications, thereby ensuring that the benefits of women’s health research extend to resource-constrained regions. Overall, researchers of the Isala Sisterhood also contribute to equitable partnerships and increase of representation of understudied populations.

Do you want to participate in a sister project? 

Do you want to sponsor? 

Donate or contact Sarah Lebeer.

The Isala sisterhood in the press