Ecraid Young Ambassador: Isabell Wagenhäuser

We have engaged three enthusiastic Young Investigator Ambassadors who represent the voices and perspective of the next generation of scientists. As part of our network, the Young Ambassadors will help us connect with peers by:

• Acting as a bridge between Ecraid and the young scientific community
• Offering insights into what resonates with early-career researchers
• Bringing forward ideas for engaging content
• Supporting the development of a vibrant community where young researchers can learn, exchange, and grow together

In this interview, we are introducing our second Young Ambassador: Isabell Wagenhäuser, a resident at the University Hospital Würzburg. She is a Clinician Scientist, which allows her to combine medical training with research. 

Isabell works as a resident in laboratory medicine at the University Hospital in Würzburg, and her scientific work focuses on vaccine immunology as well as the diagnostics and prevention of acute respiratory infections.

We interviewed Isabell on her interests and what peaked her passion for clinical research in infectious diseases.

What is your background?

I am an MD and have studied in Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. In addition, I completed a master's degree in translational medicine and earned a medical doctorate degree in the field of infection diagnostics.

What made you first fall in love with science?

Science fascinated me early on because it offered clarity in a world full of complexity. What really made me fall in love with science, though, was realizing how deeply it affects people’s lives. Understanding how pathogens spread, how vaccines work, and how research can save lives turned my curiosity into a true passion.

How did you learn about Ecraid?

I first learned about Ecraid during my initial participations as very young researcher to ESCMID Global in 2022 and 2023. In November 2023, I attended the ‘Better Methods in Clinical Studies’ postgraduate course from Ecraid & ESCMID with a grant. It was a fantastic workshop that greatly motivated me and from which I learned a lot.

What drew you to accept to be a young ambassador for Ecraid?

I was drawn by the opportunity to contribute to a Ecraid as an European initiative that unites researchers, clinicians, and institutions across borders. I am delighted to support Ecraid in this way, demonstrating that it promotes and actively involves the next generation of scientists, encouraging them to network and collaborate across borders.

What inspires you in your work?

The sense of purpose behind everything we do. Infectious disease research is not abstract - it directly influences patient care, public health decisions, and global wellbeing. Knowing that my work, even in small steps, contributes to preventing illness or improving treatment keeps me motivated every day.

Lab coat or field boots?

Both. I enjoy the precision and controlled environment of laboratory work just as much as the dynamic, real-world perspective that fieldwork provides. Each setting offers unique insights, and together they create a fuller understanding of infectious diseases.

Viruses or bacteria?

Viruses! Especially respiratory viruses, because they combine complexity, speed, and global impact in a way few pathogens do.

Petri-dish or PCR machine?

Definitely the PCR machine - it’s essential for my work on respiratory viral pathogens and remains one of the most transformative technologies in diagnostics.

If you had a Time Machine – would you travel back in time to witness the discovery of penicillin or travel to the future to discover the next pandemic vaccine or antibiotic?

I would travel back to the era of Robert Koch and Emil von Behring. Witnessing the early days of microbiology and the development of the first vaccines would be incredibly inspiring. Being present at a time when fundamental discoveries were made - often with very limited tools but enormous curiosity and determination - would offer a unique perspective on how our field was built from the ground up.

What’s your proudest moment so far in your work?

I believe that the most important milestone so far has been completing my doctoral degree earlier this year, which also marked the conclusion of one of the largest international real-life evaluation studies on the use of SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid tests, including their application for screening purposes.

What advice would you give to someone who’d want to be an researcher/investigator?

You need strong nerves, creativity, and a good tolerance for frustration. But if you have found a topic or field you are truly passionate about and bring all of that to the table, then those are the ideal prerequisites.

What's the biggest myth about infections or misconception you've ever had to correct?

That all respiratory infections are “just a cold.” Many pathogens can have complex transmission patterns and severe consequences, even if symptoms seem mild initially.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for our field at the moment?

Opportunities: Use of AI in diagnostics, data management, and clinical decision support.

Challenges: Fragmented research ecosystems, data interoperability issues, short-term funding cycles, regulatory and administrative burdens.

In your opinion what is something that you miss as a young researcher when it comes to knowledge sharing in the ID field? Something you’d consider helpful, but you don’t see enough of.

I believe we need more accessible platforms for informal knowledge exchange — spaces where young researchers can ask questions openly, learn from experienced clinicians, and discuss practical challenges that don’t make it into publications. More mentorship, transparency, and cross-disciplinary dialogue would make a tremendous difference.

We warmly welcome Isabell on board as a Young Investigator Ambassador and appreciate our collaboration with her! Follow Ecraid on Instagram and stay up to date to upcoming courses, webinars and different young investigator education opportunities!