--- title: "Rayhane Nchioua participates in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany; ethics and social impact focus" sdDatePublished: "2026-08-20T08:10:00Z" source: "https://www.lindau-nobel.org/blog-women-in-research-lino75-rayhane-nchioua/" topics: - name: "scientific research" identifier: "medtop:20000735" - name: "biomedical science" identifier: "medtop:20000710" - name: "communicable disease" identifier: "medtop:20000448" - name: "viral disease" identifier: "medtop:20000451" - name: "pandemic" identifier: "medtop:20001218" - name: "women" identifier: "medtop:20001327" - name: "university" identifier: "medtop:20000407" locations: - "Ulm" - "France" - "Morocco" - "Germany" --- Rayhane Nchioua participates in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany; ethics and social impact focus Women in Research #LINO75: Rayhane Nchioua - Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings Ethics and Social Impact in Focus Published 20 August 2026 by Ulrike Böhm Women in Research #LINO75: Rayhane Nchioua Rayhane from Morocco is a junior group leader at the Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center , Germany. Her research explores how pandemic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV evade the body’s natural defenses to successfully infect humans. She studies the ongoing “arms race” between viruses and the immune system, focusing on how viruses hide from, block, or exploit the cellular mechanisms that normally protect us from infection. By understanding these interactions, her work aims to help develop better strategies to prevent and treat future viral outbreaks and pandemics. Rayhane participates in the 75 th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (#LINO75 – Interdisciplinary). Enjoy the interview with Rayhane and get inspired: What inspired you to pursue a career in science I have always been fascinated by the invisible world of microorganisms. As a child, I was constantly amazed that tiny organisms, impossible to see with the naked eye, could have such profound effects on our lives. Very early on, I became curious not only about what viruses and microbes do, but how they work at the molecular level. That curiosity never left me. Science gave me a way to explore questions that seemed almost magical when I was younger, and today I still feel the same excitement when I uncover a new piece of the puzzle. Who are your role models? I have been fortunate to meet many inspiring people throughout my career. One of my most important role models is Dr. Dorota Kmiec, who supervised my Master’s research and taught me what rigorous and creative science looks like. I also admire women who have broken barriers and followed their own paths, such as Emmanuelle Charpentier. Beyond science, I greatly admire the French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani for her courage, creativity, and ability to tell meaningful stories. My role models all share one thing: they dared to think independently and pursue excellence. How did you get to where you are in your career path? My journey began in Dakhla, a small city in the south of Morocco, where I spent the first years of my childhood. Growing up there gave me a strong sense of freedom and curiosity. In the 1990s, there were few educational opportunities for young children, so I spent a lot of time learning from my parents, exploring, and imagining possibilities far beyond my surroundings. Later, my family moved to Fez, where I attended the French school system. This was a major challenge because many of my classmates had years of French education before me, and I had to catch up quickly. Looking back, this experience taught me resilience and determination. Another important step was moving to France for university. There, Dr. Jan Robbins and Dr. Marc Sitbon gave me my first real opportunity in research, despite the fact that I had virtually no laboratory experience. Their trust changed the course of my life. What was initially supposed to be a six-month internship in Germany eventually became an eight-year scientific journey. During that time, I completed my PhD, conducted high-level research, and received opportunities I could never have imagined as a child growing up in Dakhla. Prof. Frank Kirchhoff has been an exceptional mentor throughout this period and played a major role in my scientific development and success. What is the coolest project you have worked on and why? One of the most fascinating projects I have worked on explored how viruses jump between species. We investigated how viruses circulating in African monkeys, such as moustached monkeys, were able to cross species barriers and eventually infect chimpanzees. Understanding these evolutionary events is like solving a biological detective story. It combines virology, evolution, and ecology, and it helps us understand how future pandemics might emerge. What’s a time you felt immense pride in yourself Defending my PhD was one of the happiest days of my life. It represented years of hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance. Coming from a small town in southern Morocco and reaching that milestone felt incredibly meaningful. Receiving the Doctoral Prize from the German Society for Virology for the best PhD thesis in virology in Germany was another moment of immense pride. Winning the Gips Schüle Award was equally special. These recognitions reminded me that dedication and persistence can open doors that once seemed impossible. What is a “day in the life” of you like? I have to admit that I am not really a morning person, I tend to be more productive later in the day. I like to start my mornings slowly and usually arrive at the lab around 9:00. No two days are ever the same: one day I might be performing experiments, the next analyzing data, writing grants, mentoring students, or discussing new ideas with colleagues. One thing I particularly enjoy is the social side of science. I am fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful colleagues and friends, which makes even the busiest days enjoyable. That constant mix of discovery, collaboration, and human interaction is what keeps science exciting for me. I usually finish the day with some exercise or yoga before heading home. What are you seeking to accomplish in your career? If I am allowed to dream big, I would say a Nobel Prize one day. But more realistically and more importantly, I want my work to contribute to better pandemic preparedness and to a deeper understanding of how viruses interact with the human immune system. If my research can help prevent or mitigate future outbreaks, I would consider that a meaningful success. What do you like to do when you’re not doing research? I am a passionate football fan and enjoy watching matches whenever I can. I also love reading. Books allow me to disconnect from the laboratory while continuing to learn about the world from different perspectives. What advice do you have for other women interested in science Science can be challenging, and there will certainly be obstacles along the way. But women absolutely belong in science, and our voices and perspectives are needed. My advice is to believe in yourself, seek out mentors who support you, and never hesitate to take up space. We should also actively support one another because every woman who succeeds helps make the path a little easier for those who follow. In your opinion, what will be the next great breakthrough in science I believe one of the most important breakthroughs will be the development of an effective HIV vaccine. Decades of research have brought us closer than ever before, and recent advances in immunology, structural biology, and vaccine technologies give me hope that this goal is achievable. What should be done to increase the number of female scientists and professors? One of the most critical stages is the transition from postdoctoral researcher to independent group leader or professor. This is where many talented women leave academia. We need stronger mentoring programmes, better support for balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and more opportunities for women to establish independent research careers. Investing in women during this career stage would have a tremendous impact on the future of science. Ulrike Boehm is a physicist and science enthusiast. She works as an optical scientist at ZEISS in Oberkochen, Germany. Previously, she did her Ph.D. studies at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen in the Department of NanoBiophotonics of Nobel Laureate Stefan Hell, followed by research stays in the US at the National Institutes of Health and HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus, developing tools for biomedical research. She is generally passionate about designing and building (optical) instruments to image, probe, and manipulate (biological) structures. Furthermore, she is passionate about science communication and open science and is a huge advocate for women in science. 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