Exciting times ahead for the TAE community! Join us at the ESCMID Global Congress in Vienna, where we’ve planned dedicated sessions and TAE Day 2025 - your chance to connect with peers worldwide. We also welcome our three new TAE Steering Committee members: Tuomas Aro, Annabel Niessen, and Filip Bielec!

Looking ahead, ESCMID Summer School promises an exceptional experience in Dublin, with 135+ applications for grants already received - register now to be part of this unique learning and networking opportunity.

In this issue, we also recap the TAE National Representatives February Meeting, explore how we can strengthen young scientist networks globally, and highlight the latest infectious diseases research.

See you in Vienna, Dublin, or online!
Your TAE-SC Team
(Giorgia, Casandra, Suzanne, Christian, Yousra, Claudio, Galadriel, and Filippo)

Kick-off TAE Day 2025 with the latest TAE Network updates and the Outstanding Trainee Award ceremony, celebrating exceptional talent. Challenge yourself with the TAE Quiz, then connect with leading experts in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases during our signature Round Table Session - a unique chance for informal discussions. This year’s refreshed format includes morning and afternoon sessions, a networking lunch, and more opportunities to connect - all without pre-registration!

Don’t miss this dynamic day of learning, networking, and inspiration!

Schedule:
8:30-12:00: Morning Round Tables
12:00-13:00: Lunch Reception & Networking
13:00-13:30: TAE Opportunities & Outstanding TAE Award Ceremony
13:30-17:00: Afternoon Round Tables

Key Details:

• Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025
• Location: On-site, Courtyard Hotel (3’ walk from entrance D of the congress venue)
• No pre-registration required: Attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Flexible participation: You may join either the morning or afternoon session.

Tuomas Aro, Annabel Niessen and Filip Bielec (from left to right)

Welcome to Our New TAE Steering Committee Members!
We are thrilled to welcome Tuomas Aro, Annabel Niessen, and Filip Bielec as the newest members of the TAE Steering Committee! They will start their term after ESCMID Global in Vienna. Each brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the TAE community, and we look forward to their contributions in shaping the future of young professionals in Infectious Diseases (ID) and Clinical Microbiology (CM). Get to know them below!

Tuomas Aro
"I am honored to join the TAE Steering Committee after serving as Finland’s national representative since 2023. The energy and support within this community have been truly inspiring. I specialize in Infectious Diseases at Helsinki University Hospital, with a strong interest in multi-drug resistant bacteria among refugees and migrants. Through ESCMID, we gain invaluable perspectives beyond our own borders. I am committed to advocating for young professionals, improving training quality, fostering collaborations, and ensuring a better work-life balance. Recently, I fulfilled a dream by publishing a documentary photography book about COVID-19. I look forward to strengthening our community together!"

Annabel Niessen
"I am a Clinical Microbiology resident at Utrecht University Medical Center and excited to join the TAE Steering Committee. I look forward to supporting early-career professionals in microbiology and infectious diseases while fostering collaboration within our community. Outside work, I love acting, singing, and hiking in the mountains. I can’t wait to connect with you all!"

Filip Bielec
"As a Clinical Microbiologist and Head of the Department of Epidemiology at the Central Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Łódź, Poland, I focus on antimicrobial resistance and hospital-acquired infections, particularly urinary tract infections. I am passionate about supporting medical professionals, fostering collaboration, and promoting rational antimicrobial stewardship. I look forward to working with TAE to enhance training and development opportunities for young professionals in our field."

Join us in welcoming Tuomas, Annabel, and Filip - we are excited for what’s ahead! 

ESCMID Summer School is moving forward and with more than 135 applications for attendance grants, we expect an incredible turnout in Dublin this year! Registration is still open so you can secure your spot now to join in this annual event dedicated to educating and connecting young scientists with an interest and passion for the field of infection. We are excited to host this event once again for the benefit of participants coming from all over the world.

On February 10th, we held the Online National Representatives Meeting, where we had the pleasure of hearing insights from the UK CM NR, South African CM NR, and Ugandan ID NR on building and sustaining young scientist networks. Together, we explored the challenges and benefits of establishing new networks and discussed how TAE can support this growing global community. If your country doesn’t yet have a National Representative, consider stepping forward or reaching out to your local NR to get involved!

Welcome to our brand-new corner, Updates from the Literature! With every newsletter, we’ll highlight a selection of recent publications that we believe could have a significant impact on clinical practice. From groundbreaking studies to key reviews, we aim to keep you informed about the latest developments in our field.

1. Oral Regimens for Rifampin-Resistant TB
A NEJM study evaluated five all-oral, nine-month regimens for treating rifampin-resistant, fluoroquinolone-susceptible TB. Results suggest these regimens are effective across diverse patient groups, including children and pregnant individuals.

2. Levofloxacin for Preventing MDR-TB in Vietnam
The VQUIN MDR trial found that a six-month levofloxacin regimen significantly reduced TB incidence in household contacts of MDR-TB patients, supporting its role in TB prevention strategies.

3. Chikungunya Vaccine Trial in Brazil
A live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine showed a strong immune response and good safety profile in endemic regions of Brazil, marking progress in vaccine development against the virus.