#WomensMonth 2025: CSIR researcher joins prestigious US mentorship for women in vaccinology

This Women’s Month, the CSIR celebrates Dr Monique Bignoux, a pioneering researcher selected as a mentee for the prestigious US National Academy of Sciences Mentorship for Early-Career Women in Vaccinology programme. Monique is recognised as a phenomenal CSIR woman and SHEro this Women’s Month and beyond.

Monique is a National Research Foundation Professional Development Programme Postdoctoral Fellow in the Aquaculture and Animal Health group within the CSIR’s Advanced Agriculture and Food cluster. Her selection places her among an exceptional network of women shaping the future of global vaccine innovation.

Dr Monique Bignoux, Postdoctoral Fellow in Aquaculture and Animal Health within the CSIR Advanced Agriculture and Food cluster

The mentorship programme will connect her with world-leading experts, strengthen her leadership skills and expand her international collaborations. The programme was initiated through a workshop held in Kigali, Rwanda on 28 to 29 July 2025, and will run for one year. The programme brings together a cohort of 36 early-career women scientists from across Africa, paired with mentors drawn from the United States and Africa.

“Being chosen is both an honour and an empowering experience. This opportunity provides access to guidance and connections that can amplify my impact. It is a space for growth, contribution and uplifting women in science,” she says.

With a background in biochemistry and cell biology, Monique’s research work focuses on aquaculture and animal health, including zoonotic diseases. She is particularly interested in the application of vaccinology as a powerful tool to address disease threats that undermine food security and livelihoods.

As a woman in STEM, she has navigated the challenges of being heard in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Mentorship and determination have shaped her journey and her message to aspiring women scientists is clear: “Believe in your voice and your impact. Science needs diverse perspectives and your contributions matter,” she notes.

Currently, she is developing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines for priority animal and aquaculture diseases that currently have no treatment options. These innovations aim to safeguard animal health, strengthen food systems and deliver benefits that extend far beyond South Africa’s borders.

She envisions more women leading vaccine innovation, influencing policy and shaping inclusive scientific ecosystems.

“We are building a more equitable scientific landscape, and diverse perspectives make our solutions stronger. I want to leave more than vaccines behind – I aim to leave a legacy of impact, from improving global food security to empowering the next generation of scientists to lead with purpose and confidence,” adds Monique.

Her selection for this international mentorship programme not only recognises her personal achievements but also underscores the CSIR’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation and gender equity.

Dr Bignoux examines morphological features of cultured cells for vaccine and Lab-on-Chip development