Nina van Sorge | Head of Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis
AMC

Nina van Sorge is Professor of Translational Microbiology at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention at Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands. Her research is aimed at clarifying the molecular pathogenesis of bacterial infections with respect to innate recognition and (vaccine-induced) antibodies to identify new strategies to prevent and treat bacterial infections. She has build a considerable track record of impactful contributions and is recipient of multiple personal and collaborative grants on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A), two pathogens of global relevance and concern for which no vaccines are currently available. In addition, she coordinates and leads the activities of the Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, which performs the national laboratory-based surveillance for vaccine-preventable bacterial infections (e.g. Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae) as well as non-vaccine preventable invasive diseases (e.g. Strep A and neonatal Streptococcus agalactiae (Strep B)). The integration of fundamental research with molecular epidemiological surveillance provides a unique position to gain insight into invasive bacterial infections. Prof. van Sorge is actively involved in strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and public health organizations to accelerate the translation of research findings into guidelines and innovative antibody-based solutions including vaccines. As a testimony to her translational aspirations, she is co-inventor on Strep A vaccine development patent (WO 2013/020090 A3), which is currently in pre-clinical development, and received the NWO Stairway to Impact award (2023) for her multifaceted and translational work on Strep A. Prof. van Sorge’s participation in the World Vaccine Congress Europe 2025 reflects her dedication to sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and driving efforts to combat infectious diseases and improve public health on a global scale.