Study of Respiratory Infections and The Effectiveness of Treatments
Dr.Hiam Chemaitelly is a Lebanese Assistant Professor of Research in Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, whose research has had a significant global impact, particularly in the study of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza. Her work was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing data-driven insights that shaped national and global responses, leading to more effective public health policies and resource allocation. Dr.Hiam’s research focuses on understanding infection dynamics, including transmission, reinfection, hospitalization risks, and the effectiveness of natural immunity and vaccination strategies.
Driven by her scientific curiosity and commitment to public health, Dr.Hiam’s research has contributed to global knowledge about infectious diseases, especially within the Middle East, a region she believes has great potential for producing impactful research. Her work has informed clinical practices and helped reduce the burden of infectious diseases on society, benefiting populations across all demographics. A significant part of her research also explores the role of vaccination in pregnant women, further emphasizing its importance in protecting vulnerable groups.
Dr. Hiam’s future research aims to expand to other infectious diseases affecting public health and healthcare systems in the Middle East. She is committed to building international collaborations to enhance the scope of her work and ensure that her findings continue to shape public health responses worldwide.
Dr.Hiam is hopeful that more women in the Middle East will be pursuing careers in science, while believing in the fact that every contribution – no matter how small – can have an impact on society and even beyond. She is a firm believer that science needs more diverse voices and that the contributions of women are invaluable.
- Tell us about yourself, where you are from and a bit about your childhood that led you to choose your career and educational path.
I’m originally from Lebanon and currently an Assistant Professor of Research in Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. My parents’ sacrifices to provide me with a strong education and nurture my curiosity through books and diverse literature – despite limited resources – laid the foundation for my career in science and epidemiology. Growing up in Lebanon, I also witnessed firsthand the health challenges faced by communities and vulnerable groups, further inspiring my commitment to improving population health.
- Tell us more about your field of education and focus.
My field is epidemiology, which examines how diseases spread, their causes, and their impacts on population health. My research focuses on infectious diseases, particularly respiratory infections like COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza, as well as sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis. I also lead studies that inform public health policies on vaccine effectiveness and other interventions, aiming to provide data-driven insights that shape strategies to improve population health.
- Were there any challenges you faced, especially in terms of being a woman in the STEM field?
One of the main challenges I encountered was the limited access to quality higher education opportunities within the region, combined with additional constraints from social expectations and family commitments. However, I was fortunate to have a unique opportunity to pursue my PhD while remaining based in the region, which enabled me to develop my academic career here. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments has also been demanding, given the rigorous hours and continuous learning required in STEM. Nevertheless, strong family support has been invaluable, allowing me to focus on my professional growth and aspirations.
- Do you think there is a misconception or bias when it comes to Arab women in STEM or is it the same globally, meaning there are fewer women in STEM in the Arab world or globally?
There’s a misconception in some Western countries that Arab women have limited engagement in STEM, but this view is outdated. The region has made substantial progress. At our college, for instance, most researchers are women. While women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, this is largely because these changes are recent and many talented women are still early in their careers. With time, more women will undoubtedly rise to leadership positions.
- What has been the highlight of your career and/or study?
The highlight of my career has been leading the statistical analysis efforts on COVID-19 in Qatar. The pandemic posed a major population health threat, demanding rapid, evidence-based insights into the virus’s spread and the impact of interventions. There was an urgent need for data on vaccine effectiveness, infection and reinfection risks, and disease severity, and I was fortunate to be in epidemiology with the right skills to make a meaningful contribution. This research generated high-profile studies that have influenced public health policies globally. While it was a challenging experience, it was incredibly fulfilling to work on research with an immediate impact on population well-being.
- How does your community stand to benefit from your work and efforts?
My work has naturally a direct impact on public health by informing programs and policies that improve population health outcomes. The results I generate contribute to a broader understanding of disease prevention and management, strengthening the community’s ability to better confront health challenges. A key part of my mission is also to mentor the next generation of women in science, empowering them to contribute to the scientific community and promote public health. Ultimately, my goal is to help create healthier, safer communities through research that makes a meaningful, positive difference in people’s lives.
- How will the accolade from L’Oreal–UNESCO impact your work?
Receiving the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science award is a profound recognition of the value and impact of my scientific contributions and affirms the vital role of women in high-impact research. This award will also open doors for me to pursue new opportunities for collaboration, funding, and support, all essential for conducting meaningful research and advancing science in our region. It also fuels my motivation to reach new scientific heights and to inspire other women to pursue impactful careers in science.
- Any last words?
I’m deeply grateful for the recognition from L’Oréal-UNESCO and hope it inspires more research initiatives in resource-limited countries, where many women may not have the same opportunities I’ve had. I also want to thank my mentors and family for their unwavering support, which has been invaluable in shaping my career.
