The MORU–OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is a Wellcome-funded, 18-month programme that supports early- to mid-career researchers across South and Southeast Asia. Through mentorship, training, networking and seed funding, MODRA equips emerging scientists with the skills and opportunities to lead impactful research in global health and infectious diseases. Find out more about MODRA.
Dr Pham Tran Vinh Phu is advancing research to identify new antibacterial compounds against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), using computational and laboratory approaches. Building on his MODRA experience, he has established his own laboratory at the University of Danang, where he is developing future research projects and mentoring the next generation of Vietnamese scientists.
Now based in Thailand, Dr Pyae Linn Aung is advancing research on malaria among migrant and hard-to-reach populations. Building on his MODRA seed award, he has published two papers, established international collaborations, and is developing larger grant proposals to generate evidence supporting malaria elimination across Southeast Asia.
Dr Sabina Dongol, Head of Laboratory at OUCRU Nepal, has transitioned into an independent researcher following her MODRA seed award. She now leads studies on rapid typhoid diagnostics, has expanded collaborations across Kathmandu, and was selected for the ISARIC Leadership Programme, positioning her for future leadership in infectious disease research.
Dr Vu Thi Ngoc Bich is leading research on antimicrobial resistance at OUCRU Hanoi, investigating how drug-resistant bacteria spread between hospitals and households. She is now co-Principal Investigator on two major AMR projects, strengthening Vietnam’s research capacity and informing infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship.
Dr Kartika Saraswati leads research on rickettsial and other neglected tropical diseases in Indonesia through the RINSE project, mapping infection risks to strengthen surveillance. She has developed expertise in research planning, expanded collaborations across Southeast Asia, and aims to generate evidence that improves prevention strategies and health outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Dr Thanaporn Wattanakul is advancing research that combines pharmacometrics and pharmacoeconomics to improve malaria treatment policy. Her work evaluates the cost-effectiveness of pre-referral rectal artesunate for children with severe malaria. She has established international collaborations and is developing evidence to support more efficient, equitable, and data-driven treatment strategies.
Dr Sukanta Chowdhury is leading nationwide research to map melioidosis risk across Bangladesh using environmental sampling, laboratory testing, and genome sequencing. His work is generating the country’s first melioidosis risk maps, strengthening One Health approaches, improving diagnosis and prevention, and providing evidence to guide future public health policy and investment.
Dr Inke Lubis investigates how environmental change influences malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Indonesia, using geospatial and serological data. She has secured UKRI funding to expand this work, strengthening national research collaborations and generating evidence to inform One Health approaches and disease prevention policies.
The full story is available on the OUCRU website, part 1 - part 2 and part 3