Early Career Microbiologist of the Year competition – Daniel Yara
Posted on June 17, 2025 by Daniel Yara
Meet Daniel Yara from Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, UK; one of this year's Early Career Microbiologists of the Year finalists. We interviewed them to find out more about their experience as an early career microbiologist. The Early Career Microbiologist of the Year Award recognises excellence in science communication by a member who is an undergraduate, postgraduate student or within five years of appointment to their first position.
Daniel Yara
What are your current research interests?
My main research currently consists of investigating correlates of protection against various viral pathogens such as Zika and Chikungunya. Specifically, my research aims to characterise the differential serological response upon natural infection and/or vaccination to develop a threshold of protection to support the development of better diagnostics. In addition, through external funding, we work with manufacturers at the pre-clinical phase to support novel vaccine development to ensure quality and safety for public health.
Pathogens and their associated diseases have fascinated me since my undergraduate studies. Moreover, I am passionate to apply my skills and knowledge to improve public health. Working at the MHRA provides a unique environment that allows me to pursue both motivations.
How would you explain your research to a GCSE student?
Antibodies are proteins that are part of your immune system and help clear infections. They form part of our ‘immune memory’; recognising pathogens, such as viruses, that have previously infected the body, so that when the same or a similar virus comes along, antibodies can neutralise it and reduce how bad you feel. I study the antibodies we produce after a viral infection, which help us stay protected against future infections with the same virus or a closely related virus. To do this we collect samples from volunteers around the world and examine the interaction between antibodies and viruses using different models which mimic infection.
Another way to produce protective antibodies is using vaccines. I examine if new vaccines being developed produce antibodies that target the virus of interest and subsequently examine the ability of the new pool of antibodies to provide protection. Certainly, there are cases where the produced antibodies will fail to provide protection against rapidly evolving viruses, therefore we investigate the ability of ‘upgraded’ vaccines to produce antibodies which will hopefully protect us from such newly evolved viruses.
What advice would you share with someone interested in working in this field?
I would say not to limit yourself with what you know and have learnt. In my case, prior to my current job, bacteriology was my ‘expertise’, and I did not think that a few years after finishing my PhD that I would now be working with pathogenic viruses. I would also say to stay open to the opportunities that come your way and to be courageous if some opportunities seem to be challenging.
You also need to have a natural interest in public health and global outbreaks as this could influence the work you undertake. Lastly, I would say to always make yourself approachable so that you can form professional connections. Collaboration is essential so that robust scientific outcomes for the benefit of the public can be carried out.
How has getting involved with Microbiology Society activities benefited your professional development?
I joined the Microbiology Society during my PhD and have maintained my membership ever since; as the society has always supported me. The Microbiology Society has encouraged me to present my work since my first Annual Conference. It has always been a privilege to be offered to present my work at Annual Conferences either as talks or posters, as well as interact with various scientists who have helped with the future direction of my research. Moreover, I am very grateful to the Society for awarding me various travel grants to attend Annual Conference as well as international conferences beyond the Society.
Lastly the Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference provided various opportunities to network with delegates, allowing me to form new connections and strengthen professional relationships with scientists. The Annual Conference has been a source of inspiration, thanks to the breadth of presentations given by various passionate scientists.
What do you love most about your job?
By working in public health, I get to research various pathogens and help find measures to combat them. At the MHRA, I am regularly kept up to date with pathogen outbreaks around the world and have been able to collaborate with international partners. The MHRA, in its role of ensuring the safety of medicines, enables me to have input and real impact on public health, allowing me to feel that my work is contributing directly to it. In addition, the last 4 years at the MHRA has allowed me to develop both my scientific and professional skills, which are essential for achieving my career goal to be a principal investigator. Every week is different, working with a dynamic team, with new possibilities coming my way due to global occurrences.