Else Bijker

Else Bijker is a postdoctoral researcher at the Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and a fellow in paediatric infectious diseases and immunology at Maastricht UMC+. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, focusing on improving diagnostic tools and vaccine strategies for pediatric infectious diseases in global health contexts.

Her academic background includes:

• Medical degree from Maastricht University (2009)
• PhD cum laude from Radboud University Medical Center (2015) on malaria immunization approaches

Dr. Bijker specializes in pediatric tuberculosis diagnostics and malaria immunology, with active leadership in the Novel and Optimized Diagnostics in Pediatric Tuberculosis (NOD) and Feasibility of Novel Diagnostics for TB in Endemic Countries Consortium (FEND) studies. Her research integrates fieldwork in resource-limited settings with advanced immunological analysis, emphasizing practical solutions for childhood infectious diseases.

Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on diagnostic innovation and vaccine evaluation, particularly for tuberculosis and respiratory pathogens. Recent work combines qualitative health systems analysis with clinical trial data, highlighting cross-cutting themes of equity in remote settings and adaptive trial design for vulnerable pediatric populations.

As a core member of the Oxford Vaccine Group, she contributes to international consortia including the Resilient Responses to Protect Lung Health in Nunavik project, which addresses Arctic community health through culturally adapted interventions. Her collaborative approach spans epidemiology, immunology, and implementation science across multiple continents.