YoungBIS

YoungBIS started as a grassroots initiative, but in just a little under three years, it grew out to be the community hub for young Belgian immunologists. Co-founders Hind Hussein, Anissa Zouzaf, and Donovan Flumens give some insight into who the faces behind yBIS are and what their vision is for the future.

Can you introduce yourself?
Hind: Professionally, I’m a mucosal immunology researcher. I studied biology and molecular biology and biochemistry in Brussels (ULB), then followed up with a PhD studying the role of a transcription factor (c-Maf) in controlling Tfh cells and Treg cells in gastrointestinal inflammation in mice. I’m currently a postdoc at KU Leuven, at the Center of Intestinal Neuroimmune Interactions, which in part of a Translational research institute focusing on gastrointestinal diseases (TARGID). I study the immune mechanisms involved in the development of abdominal pain in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. As mast cells play a crucial role in this process, I have spent the past 4 years characterising mast cell heterogeneity in the human colon using single cell transcriptomic approaches. I’ve also been supervising PhD students working on different studies more or less revolving around the same core topic. As a summary, my main technique in flow cytometry, even though I’ve expanded towards transcriptomics, and I’m a formerly T cell-, turned mast cell-person now. Personally… I guess I’m that weird lady with pink hair, now? Back when I had free time I would do a bunch of creative stuff (photography, improvisation, singing, music, writing…). Now I mainly just… work. And scroll on my phone (:

Anissa: I am in the 4th year of my PhD at the Mucosal Immunology lab at TARGID, KU Leuven. My journey into this field started quite early on. I was 17 and had to write a mini-thesis on a topic that interested me. Immunotherapy was quite big and novel back in those days, and I already had a big affinity with medical research. Afterwards I went on to study Biomedical Sciences at Hasselt University and opted for elective courses in immunology, but also business development.
I further cultivated these interests by exploring different research environments (hospitals, research institutes) during my internships before I landed at the RWTH Uniklinikum in Aachen for my 1-year Erasmus+ funded exchange. I had the privilege to be mentored by prof. Oliver Pabst, a pioneer in Mucosal Immunology and it was there that I decided I wanted to pursue a PhD, 2 months before the Flemish research fund (FWO) deadline. I reached out to the group of prof. Gianluca Matteoli at KU Leuven, who closely collaborates with gastroentrologist Séverine Vermeire and I found the perfect fit here; a PhD combining both real-world problems (the lack of barrier restoring therapies for IBD) and the translation to the bedside (novel drugs!).

Donovan: I’m an open person, who loves to meet new people, connect, and share experiences. Whether it’s at a party, a festival, or simply while exploring the world as long as it allows me to experience the richness of life. I’m also someone who thrives on energy and adventure with a passion for running. I’ve pushed myself to race distances longer than 100 kilometers. This helps me to constantly stretch my boundaries.
I completed high school as a somewhat stubborn student, with an interest in the field of Mathematics and Sciences. After graduating, I enrolled in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Antwerp. However, during my third year of my Bachelor’s, I discovered a deep interest in the immune system, initially sparked by a summer school on vaccinology. This newfound passion led me to switch tracks, and I transitioned into a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, focusing on Molecular and Cellular Sciences.
In 2021, my journey as an immunology scientist truly began when I started as a PhD researcher at the Laboratory of Experimental Hematology. Now, four years later, I’m putting the finishing touches on my PhD and am eagerly looking forward to defending it soon.

What are your connections to Belgium and Immunology?
Donovan: I was born and raised in Belgium, specifically in Antwerp, where I also pursued my academic studies. Currently, I am in the final stages of my PhD program, focusing on cancer immunology. My research career is still in its early stages, but over the past four enriching years, I have made significant contributions to the development of novel cell therapies for treating hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). During my PhD, I have built expertise in immune cell engineering and investigated various approaches to harness the potential of the immune system in combating cancer.

Hind: I am Belgian-Lebanese. I was born in Belgium, then when I was 3, I moved to Lebanon, where my dad is from. I lived and went to school there until I was 18, then moved back, on my own, to Belgium for uni. I’ve been studying/working in Belgium ever since. I tried to leave after my PhD ended in 2020, but COVID happened.

Anissa: I grew up in beautiful Limburg, Belgium where I had the chance to attend Hasselt University. Because of its strategic location, I have a double degree from Maastricht University (the Netherlands) and conducted my master’s thesis internship just over the border at the RWTH in Aachen (Germany). Right now, I am back in Belgium, conducting my PhD at the KU Leuven.

What is your role in yBIS?
Anissa: I’m part of the yBIS Board, where I take on the role of Secretary. It’s a dynamic position, especially since the organization is constantly growing and evolving. I like to think of myself as a bit of a firefighter, putting out both small and large fires before they have a chance to spread. Whether it’s ensuring smooth communication, handling logistics, or stepping in wherever needed, I thrive on keeping things running efficiently behind the scenes.

Hind: I am the spokesperson of yBIS, ie, the weird pink-haired lady that might equally reply to e-mails, speak at events, decide stuff, have a variety of plans for yBIS, fill paperwork, hang posters… You name it.

Donovan: In yBIS, I hold the role of Vice-Spokesperson and Treasurer. As Vice-Spokesperson, I act as one of the faces of the organization, helping to represent its mission and vision to everyone interested in immunology. I serve as a key member of the Board, collaborating closely with other Board members to guide the direction of the organization towards our objectives. In addition to my spokesperson duties, I am responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of yBIS as the Treasurer. This involves mapping and managing the organization’s finances, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that financial records are kept transparent and up-to-date. Through these responsibilities, I contribute to both the strategic and operational success of yBIS.

What inspired you to join yBIS?
Donovan: What inspired me to become part of the yBIS was the word “young.” The idea of an organization led by young researchers to bring together young researchers, all driven by a shared passion for immunology, truly resonated with me. The opportunity to build up an organization from the ground up felt exciting and valuable. It’s a chance to contribute to a community where young researchers can unite, share ideas, results, and work towards achieving shared goals in immunology.

Anissa: My innate curiosity and hands-on mentality. Hind, our Spokesperson, sits in the office next to me, and if you asked her how I ended up in yBIS as member number two, she’d probably say I was way too eager and just couldn’t resist getting involved. I started the second year of my PhD, but I had always been a busy bee. Science is more than bench work; you are part of something larger like bees in a beehive. Together, you can build beautiful things. But that community sense was lacking, especially amongst young immunologist in Belgium. So, when the opportunity arose to help out with organizing something (anything, really) I jumped right in. I taught myself how to build a website (steep learning curve) and write statutes for starting a non-profit (legal language is hard!). In a way I learned a lot from this, especially when it comes to community building.

Hind: I created yBIS in November 2022 after attending the first yEFIS symposium. Rami and Myriam, the president and treasurer at the time, basically told me they really struggled to contact anyone from Belgium to organize a local young immunology community there and that the BIS was equally difficult to reach. So I just figured I would try? And it worked?

What challenges do young immunologists face today?
Anissa: The world has evolved exponentially over the past 5–10 years, yet the framework surrounding science often feels stuck in the past. The rules, both written and unwritten, remain largely the same as they were for previous generations, despite the landscape of research, funding, and career opportunities changing drastically. This disconnect can make it incredibly challenging for young immunologists to navigate their careers, whether it’s securing funding, finding mentorship, or simply understanding the unwritten norms of academia.
That’s where communities like yBIS come in. We provide a space where young immunologists can find guidance, share experiences, and support each other through these challenges. Whether it’s through networking, skill-building initiatives, or just creating a sense of belonging, yBIS helps bridge the gap between the rigid structures of traditional academia and the evolving needs of today’s scientists. No one should have to figure it all out alone, and having a strong community makes all the difference.

Hind: Oof. Where do I begin? Lack of job opportunities, toxic work environments, lack of recognition, huge pressure to be productive, lack of community, lack of visibility and mentorship. Some of them are probably issues that previous generations faced, but I think we’re presenting quite unique challenges due to the way the research landscape has evolved throughout the years and where the academic environment actually stems from (an elitist view that knowledge is for the few, which is now far from the case).

Donovan: Young immunologists face different challenges such as limited funding opportunities, the pressure to publish, work-life balance struggles, and competitive job markets, making it difficult to thrive in their careers. The yBIS can play a crucial role in fostering collaborations between research group, sharing resources, and building supportive communities, enabling young researchers to overcome these challenges and thrive collectively.

What advice would you give to young researchers looking to get involved in immunology?

Hind: Just get out there. Talk to people, organize things, meetings, seminars, journal clubs, stupid immunology joke competitions. We’re stronger together, and it’s a hell of a lot MORE fun when you’re not alone, or when you at least don’t feel like you have to deal with all of that (vaguely gestures in direction to any PhD/research-related things) on your own. I was a loner for most of my life, but I’m pretty convinced that community is REALLY HELPFUL. Also, where is the fun in science if you can’t share it and discuss things with your colleagues, honestly

Anissa: My advice? Get involved in as much as you can handle (emphasis on handle!). Curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a researcher can have, and if you embrace it, you’ll find unexpected opportunities coming your way. Some of them will challenge you, some will open new doors, and all of them will help you grow.

Donovan: The most important thing is to follow your genuine interests. Your enthusiasm and passion will drive your success. Don’t be afraid to speak up, share ideas, and ask questions; networking is essential, and there’s no “wrong” way to start. Attend conferences, connect with people, and build relationships within the field. It will help you grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the challenges you encounter and stay resilient, as setbacks are a natural part of research. Keep pushing forward, because persistence and curiosity will lead you to success in your academic and research career

What is your vision for the future of yBIS?
Anissa: Just like a beehive, I envision yBIS growing into a multi-layered, self-sustaining community where every “bee” has their role, contributing to something bigger than themselves.

One of my dreams is to see a research project, or even a paper, emerge from a yBIS connection. Imagine two researchers meeting at a yBIS event, exchanging ideas over coffee, and eventually turning that conversation into a groundbreaking study. That’s the kind of impact I hope we achieve; facilitating not just networking, but real scientific progress.

Donovan: My vision for yBIS is to see it evolve into a well-known and respected organization in Belgium, one that is recognized and supported by universities across the country. yBIS would become a trusted name, where colleagues actively recommend it to new young PhDs, fostering a go-to network for young researchers in the field of immunology. In the future, I hope yBIS will grow into a large network that not only shares knowledge but actively helps one another. For instance, it would be wonderful to see yBIS providing grants other resources that enable the professional and academic growth of its members.

Hind: I really hope it will stay in the immunology landscape for a while and that things will not fall flat when the current board moves on. I would really have benefited from such an organization when I was doing my PhD, and I know a lot of others would have too. We’re currently trying to launch webinars (yes, another one) where we highlight Belgian researchers working abroad, and aspects of life in Academia, both the bad (and how to improve it) and the good. I’m hoping yBIS will provide a space for young immunologists to discuss issues that they’re facing and decrease the taboo surrounding a lot of these topics. Holding space for that will already help tremendously. I also want to make STICKERS.

The youngBIS Board at the 1st Annual Meeting. Pictured second from the left, Donovan Flumens; in the middle, Hind Hussein; on the far right, Anissa Zouzaf.