Dr. Anastasia Geladaris interviewed for »Women in Science«

Dr. Anastasia Geladaris is a scientist in the Translational Neuroinflammation working group. She has been working at the Fraunhofer ITMP site in Göttingen since its foundation in January 2021. In addition to her passion for science, she is also an advocate for women’s rights and regularly practices Thai yoga.

What exactly are you currently researching at Fraunhofer ITMP and how do you think research into the immune system influences the development of innovative treatments?

My research focuses on the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). While the focus used to be on MS relapses, it is now known that MS mainly progresses independently of relapses. This process is called progression. The progression predominantly takes place within the central nervous system (CNS) and is caused by chronic inflammation in the CNS. Microglia are one of the driving forces behind the underlying mechanisms of progression. Microglia are innate immune cells in the CNS. There are currently no drugs approved for the treatment of MS progression. There are various reasons for this: On the one hand, the exact mechanisms that lead to progression need to be better understood, and on the other, biomarkers are needed that enable early detection of the progression of MS.

It is therefore important to better understand the mechanisms that take place in the CNS and lead to the progression of MS. This is the only way to discover biomarkers and new innovative targets in order to develop a therapeutic strategy against the progression of MS.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in health research and how did you overcome them?

In my opinion, as in many areas, one of the biggest challenges is still the underrepresentation of women, especially in management positions.

Fraunhofer ITMP in Göttingen was founded in December 2020. The head of site and all the working group managers are male. This begs the question of why there is such a gender imbalance in a young company.

This is a challenge, not only for me as a researcher, but also as a woman. That is why I am committed to equal rights and to improving conditions for women in science in the future.

In your opinion, what are the key steps that need to be taken to promote equality in health research in the long term?

The first step is to raise awareness of the fact that gender inequality no longer has a place in today’s society. This starts with the application process, where gender shouldn’t play any part. People in management positions in particular need to recognize and question their own internalized stereotypes. Subjects like maternity protection and parental leave management need to be reinforced and promoted in the work culture. Splitting childcare equally between parents and raising awareness of both in equal parts in the work environment would also help to make things easier for women.

What does success in research mean to you? Is it scientific progress, social recognition or something else?

For me, success in research means contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms of MS progression and finding a possible therapy to ultimately help people with MS.

How can networks and mentoring programs support women in health research and what experiences have you had in this area?

I took part in a mentoring program for women in science in Göttingen as a mentee during my doctorate and can fully recommend it! I found the opportunities it provided for discussions with women from different fields and stages in their careers extremely empowering and energizing. The opportunity to learn from other women’s experiences and gain insights into their processes and lives was a real gift and something for which I am very grateful. Networks are important for campaigning for important issues such as equal rights in science.