Speakers

Dr. Sarah Ahannachis a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Bioscience Engineering at the University of Antwerp, specialising in the interplay between women's microbiomes, health equity, and citizen science. She is a co-lead of Isala, the pioneering global project that empowers women to explore their vaginal microbiome through inclusive, participatory research. From this initiative emerged Rufaida, a Ramadan-focused study investigating how fasting influences both the vaginal and gut microbiomes, with 245 Muslim women from 34 cultural backgrounds contributing weekly insights. Sarah's work bridges scientific rigor with social relevance, advocating for gender-responsive research design and diverse representation. A passionate science communicator and advocate for women in STEM, she engages communities through outreach, collaborations, and storytelling. Through multidisciplinary methods and community partnerships, Sarah strives to dismantle taboos, strengthen health equity, and inspire new norms in women’s health research.