Wall of Extraordinary Women: Professor Kirsty Le Doare honoured for her global contributions to maternal and neonatal health

Professor Kirsty Le Doare, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist and leading vaccine researcher, has been honoured on the University’s Wall of Extraordinary Women for her global contributions to maternal and neonatal health.

As a Professor of Vaccinology and Immunology and Director the Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection Research (CNPI), Kirsty’s work focuses on preventing infections in early life, particularly through maternal and neonatal immunisation. Her research addresses major global health challenges, including Group B Streptococcus and other infections that disproportionately affect newborns.

“I’m passionate about improving outcomes for mothers and infants globally, especially in low and middle-income countries where the burden of infectious diseases remains highest,” she said.

Kirsty’s career began in clinical medicine, where her experiences as a paediatrician shaped her research direction. “I saw firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable infections in newborns. That experience made it clear to me that treating children was not enough, we needed to prevent disease before it started.”

This insight led her to focus on maternal immunisation, an approach that protects infants during their most vulnerable early months through vaccination in pregnancy.

Kirsty’s work spans clinical research, doctoral training and leadership in global health partnerships. Collaborating with colleagues across Africa and Europe, she leads research programmes that influence vaccine policy and practice internationally.

“Working in partnership with colleagues in Africa has profoundly shaped my research, reinforcing the importance of equity, collaboration, and locally led science,” she said.

She is also committed to mentoring future clinical academics and fostering inclusive research environments. “I am deeply committed to training the next generation of clinical academics and ensuring that our science informs policy at national and global levels.”

Her recognition forms part of the University’s ongoing initiative to celebrate the achievements of women within its community. The Wall of Extraordinary Women, located at the Clerkenwell campus, highlights individuals whose work has made a significant impact in their fields.

Kirsty joins a distinguished group of honourees, including Professor Amina Jindani, Emeritus Professor of Tuberculosis Therapeutics, known for her work in tackling tuberculosis.

The latest addition to the wall was marked at a celebratory event titled ‘Give to Gain: Leadership, Legacy and Extraordinary Women’, hosted by the Office for Equity and Inclusion. The event brought together leaders from across sectors to share insights and experiences.

A panel discussion was chaired by Pia Chaffey, Change Manager at City St George’s, and featured leaders from across different sectors including:

• Zoe Burdo, Partner and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP)
• Professor Anna Whitelock, Executive Dean of the School of Communication & Creativity at City St George’s
• Rue (Roman) Asghar, City St George’s Students’ Union Deputy President for Wellbeing and Equity
• Tejal-Roma Williams, Criminal Solicitor-Advocate and co-founder of The City Law School Innocence Project

Kiren Chima, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said:

“The Wall of Extraordinary Women event has become an important annual moment to celebrate the achievements, leadership, courage, and impact of women across our institution, as well as to welcome the newest honourees to the wall. The event provided a valuable space to recognise successes while openly acknowledging the challenges and barriers women have faced on their professional journeys.

"A heartfelt thank you to our panellists and speakers for sharing such honest and thought-provoking insights, and to everyone who attended for contributing to the rich discussions. I am confident that attendees had the opportunity to reflect on their own journeys, taking away new insights to support their professional growth.”