Looking back at the 2023 edition
The Eighth annual Leprosy Research Initiative Spring Meeting was held on 20-21 April 2023 in Breukelen, the Netherlands. This in-person event brought together over 80 attendees from 20 countries, including LRI-funded researchers, LRI committee members, partners of LRI, and other attendees with a particular interest in leprosy research.
The Spring Meeting is an important event for presenting and discussing progress and results from ongoing LRI-funded research projects and a platform for shared learning and networking. According to Dr. Richard Truman, Chair of the LRI Scientific Review Committee, "this year's Spring Meeting was a resounding success, showcasing high-quality presentations and encouraging scholarly, social, and personal interactions among individuals in the leprosy world." Ms Linda Hummel, Director of LRI, emphasised that the importance of collaboration and scientific quality as LRI’s identity was evident throughout the event.
The two days were filled with scientific presentations, interactive sessions and opportunities for interactions. In total, 31 progress presentations were given on ongoing projects covering all five LRI research priorities and the R2STOP Initiative presented key outcomes of their funded projects. On Friday afternoon, participants attended thematic sessions on topics of their preference including transmission, research capacity strengthening, and mental wellbeing, all sparking lively discussions. In addition, the occasion was particularly noteworthy as we commemorated the 10th anniversary of LRI. All those involved were gratefully acknowledged and an overview of LRI’s milestones to date was proudly presented.
This year, as part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations, LRI also hosted an online ‘Highlights of LRI Spring Meeting’ event on June 1st, to allow for participation globally. The event included the showcasing of selected project progress presentations from the in-person meeting, and a special LRI 10-year anniversary session. The event was open to everyone with an interest in leprosy research and participation was free-of-charge. Over 110 participants joined from all around the world, highly valuing the opportunity to learn about a range of leprosy research and LRI’s projects, as indicated by their survey feedback. The recording of the event is available online, if you would like to (re-)watch this event.
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Looking back at the 2022 edition
On Thursday April 7 and Friday April 8, 2022 the seventh annual Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI) Spring Meeting took place. Around 200 attendees from 48 countries joined us online. In Dr Richard Truman’s words, chair of the LRI Scientific Review Committee, “this meeting is designed mainly to review the progress of the various research projects supported by the LRI. It is also intended to be a form for the exchange of new information from established scientists and young investigators, as well as a platform for facilitating networking and, hopefully, developing new synergies.”
In total 29 progress presentations; 21 regular and 8 so-called pitch presentations were given in two parallel tracks. Regular presentations were given on the progress of ongoing studies, whereas the pitch presentations were on research projects that started recently. The presenters covered a wide variety of studies, ranging from basic science to social science research projects. Regardless of the research topic, the potential impact of the projects for persons affected by leprosy, or at risk of being affected, is always at the epicenter. As the director of LRI, Linda Hummel said: “We share one goal; achieving zero leprosy. We share the drive to do so with a focus on the solutions for the ultimate beneficiaries; the people affected by leprosy.”
In addition to the progress presentation sessions, the WHO Global Leprosy Programme gave an opening keynote presentation on WHO’s ongoing work on the definition, criteria, and indicators for interruption of transmission and elimination of leprosy. The plenary keynote presentations on the second day were devoted to the Excellence in Disability Prevention Integrated across Neglected Tropical Diseases (EnDPoINT) project and to the achievements & plans of the LRI and the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL) Research Agenda implementation.
Because of its virtual nature, the meeting brought together a dedicated, worldwide community of researchers who shared their work, progress and difficulties with the LRI research committees, fellow researchers, funders and interested audience. We would like to thank everyone who attended, presented, chaired, and helped in any and every way!
Recordings LRI Spring Meeting 2022
Want to watch sessions you were unable to attend or relive some of your LRI Spring meeting 2022 moments? All plenary sessions and progress presentations have been recorded.
Day 1 - April 7th 2022
Opening plenary and Keynote presentation - Day 1
1. Words of Welcome by Ms Linda Hummel (Director LRI) and Dr Richard Truman (SRC Chairman)
2. Keynote presentation on WHO’s ongoing work on the definition, criteria and indicators for interruption of transmission and elimination of leprosy - by Dr V.R. Pemmaraju (WHO Global Leprosy Programme)
Chair: Dr Richard Truman
Progress Presentation Sessions - Day 1
Progress Presentation Session 1A: Reactions & treatment
Chair: Dr Zoica Barkirtzief da SilvaPereira | Co-chair/moderator: MsJannine Ebenso
Progress Presentation Session 1B: Diagnostic tests
Chair: Dr Gigi Ebenezer | Co-chair/moderator: Dr Christa Kasang
Progress Presentation Session 2A: Reactions
Chair: Prof Paul Fine | Co-chair/moderator: Dr Lena Fiebig
1. Engaging with leprosy-endemic communities in Papua, Indonesia, to enhance case finding, recruitment and retention in the MetLep Trial / Dr Marlous Grijsen – Oxford University, UK
2. ENLIST MTX – Two randomised controlled trials of methotrexate in erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) / Dr Barbara de Barros - London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
3. Exploring strategies and identifying effective mechanisms to mobilize persons disabled as a result of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) to influence policy and programs to ensure person centered approach for affected persons in Cote d’Ivoire / Dr Julien Ake - effect:hope, Canada
4. Assessing Electronic Data Collection Tools, Pathways and HMIS Integration for Leprosy and LF MMDP Data to Improve Service Delivery / Mr Stephen Boateng- Ghana Health Services
Progress Presentation Session 2B: Stigma & mental well-being
Day 2 - April 8th 2022
Opening plenary and Keynote presentation
Keynote presentation on the Excellence in Disability Prevention Integrated across Neglected Tropical Diseases (EnDPoINT) project by Dr Oumer Ali (CDT-Africa, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia)
Chair: Dr Richard Truman
Progress Presentation Sessions - Day 2
Progress Presentation Sessions 3A: Early Detection
Chair: Dr Patricia Deps | Co-chair/moderator: Dr Sunil Anand
1. Assessing the effectiveness of Intensified Extended Contact Survey (IECS) to routine leprosy case detection in Bangladesh / Dr Dipak Kumar Biswas – Damien Foundation Bangladesh
2. Integrated approach with skin camp, eSkin Health app, and teledermatology in early detection and effective management of skin NTDs in Côte d’Ivoire / Mr Aubin Yao, Hope Commission International, Côte d’Ivoire
3. Collaboration with traditional healers to reduce the delay of leprosy diagnosis and improve detection of hidden leprosy patients in Sierra Leone / Dr Mariama Mahmoud - National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Progamme, Sierra Leone
Progress Presentation Session 3B : Transmission
Chair: Prof. Françoise Portaels | Co-chair/moderator: Dr Peter Steinmann
1. ComLep: Deep sequencing of skin biopsies reveals no drug resistant M. leprae in the Comoros / Prof. Bouke de Jong – Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium
2. Safety trial to transition the defined subunit vaccine, LepVax, into M. leprae- infected individuals in a leprosy-endemic country - Leprosy Vaccine Phase 1b / Ms Becky Rivoire – American Leprosy Missions
3. Molecular Mechanisms of Immunomodulation Imparted by Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) vaccine against multibacillary leprosy / Dr Pushpendra Singh - National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, India
4. The Use of Molecular Methods in Subclinical Murine Models of Leprosy to Examine the Efficacy of Proposed Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Regimens / Dr Vino Cheriyan – National Hansen’s Diseases Programs, USA
Progress Presentation Session 4A : Post Exposure Prophylaxis
Chair: Dr Jos Dekker | Co-chair/moderator: Dr Christa Kasang
1. Chemoprophylaxis for leprosy: comparing the effectiveness and feasibility of a skin camp intervention to a health centre based intervention (PEP4LEP) / Mr Ephrem Mamo – Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
2. Post ExpOsure Prophylaxis for LEprosy in the Comoros and Madagascar (PEOPLE) / Dr Epco Hasker – Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium
3. Testing an App supported delivery system for Leprosy Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services / Dr Samarul Islam - NLR India
4. Leprosy Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Post Exposure Prophylaxis Setting in Tanzania (LARS) / Dr Erica Sanga - National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania
Progress Presentation Session 4B : Diagnostic test
Chair: Prof. Victor Rutten | Co-chair/moderator: Dr Lucretia Acosta
1. Identify leprosy associated M.Leprae transcriptomic & human host immune signatures that aid as early signals for determination of Type I&II reactions / Dr Madhusmita Das - Schieffelin Institute of Health- Research & Leprosy Centre, India
2. Using plasma metabolomics to increase our understanding of metabolic changes in leprosy and associated reactions: A proof-of-concept study / Dr Jessica Fairley - Emory University, USA
3. Biomarkers for early detection of leprosy using comparative transcriptomics / Dr Pushpendra Singh & Mr Anuj Mavlankar - National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, India
Plenary: Keynote presentation and Closing
Keynote presentation: Achievements & plans of the LRI and the GPZL Research Agenda implementation - by Dr Nienke Veldhuijzen (LRI Technical Officer)
Chair: Dr Richard Truman
Closing: Ms Linda Hummel (Director LRI) and Dr Richard Truman (Chairman SRC)
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Looking back at the 2021 edition
In 2021, the Spring Meeting took place in a virtual set-up, for the first time. Around 220 attendees from 33 countries joined among whom were representatives from the Turing Foundation, the WHO Global Leprosy Programme, the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL), the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) and The Research to Stop Neglected Tropical Diseases Transmission Initiative (R2STOP).
As in previous years, the meeting was devoted to presentations on the progress and results of LRI funded projects to the LRI Scientific Review Committee, the LRI Steering Committee, representatives from all funded research groups, associate partners and co-financiers, and representatives of all funded projects. In addition, representatives of projects funded by R2STOP participated in the meeting and shared their research findings. In total 28 progress presentations: 22 regular and 6 short or so called pitch presentations were given in two parallel tracks. Regular presentations were given on the progress of ongoing studies, whereas the pitch presentations were on research projects that started recently. The presenters covered a wide variety of studies, ranging from basic science research to social science research projects. Even though scientific updates were shared, the participants and presenters did not loose sight of the importance and potential impact for persons affected by leprosy. As LRI's intern Laura de Groot aptly said: “There is a difference between having leprosy and becoming a person with leprosy.”
In addition to the progress presentation sessions, the WHO Global Leprosy Programme gave an opening keynote presentation on the global leprosy situation, the Global Leprosy Strategy and research priorities at global level. The plenary keynote presentations on the second day were devoted to updates on different aspects of the GPZL’s working groups as well at the research agenda priorities and results of a research landscaping inventory.
After the presentations the audience could ask questions to the presenters via the Q&A chat function. Furthermore, time was allocated to network via the online networking area. This allowed the audience to interact with each other and gain new connections, as would happen in a face-to-face meeting.
This virtual meeting successfully brought together a dedicated community of researchers who shared their work, progress and difficulties with the research committees, researchers, funders and other stakeholders. We would like to thank everyone who attended, presented, chaired and helped in any and every way!
Recordings
Want to watch sessions you were unable to attend or relive some of your LRI Spring meeting moments? All plenary sessions and progress presentations have been recorded. The recordings are available on this page:
1. Words of Welcome by Ms Linda Hummel (Director LRI) and Dr Richard Truman (SRC Chairman)
2. Keynote presentation on Global leprosy situation: current status and future directions by Dr Erwin Cooreman (WHO Global Leprosy Programme)
Plenary: Keynote presentations – Day 2:
1. Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL) Leprosy Diagnostic Working Group by Dr Sundeep Chaitanya Vedithi (American Leprosy Missions)
2. Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL) Country Modeling Working Group by Dr David Blok (Erasmus MC)
Keynote presentation and Closing Plenary – Day 2:
1. Keynote presentation - Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL) Research Priorities: Prioritization and landscaping results by Dr Nienke Veldhuijzen (LRI Technical Officer)
2. Closing by Ms Linda Hummel (Director LRI) and Dr Richard Truman (Chairman SRC)
Progress presentation session 1A – Day 1:
1. Integrated approach with skin camp, eSkin Health app, and teledermatology in early detection and effective management of skin NTDs in Côte d’Ivoire / Dr Rie Yotsu - Nagasaki University, Japan
2. Meaningful Engagement of Persons affected by Leprosy in Research: A Multi-stakeholder Perspective on Barriers of the Leprosy Context and Strategies for Enhancement/ Ms Laura de Groot - VU University Amsterdam
3. Assessing the effectiveness of Intensified Extended Contact Survey (IECS) to routine leprosy case detection in Bangladesh / Dr Dipak Kumar Biswas – Damien Foundation Bangladesh
Progress presentation session 1B – Day 1:
1. Identify leprosy associated M.Leprae transcriptomic & human host immune signatures that aid as early signals for determination of Type I&II reactions / Dr Madhusmita Das - Schieffelin Institute of Health- Research & Leprosy Centre, India
2. Biomarkers for early detection of leprosy / Dr Pushpendra Singh - National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, India
3. Identification of human susceptibility genes and pathogen-based transmission patterns / Ms Maria Tio Coma - Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Progress presentation session 2A – Day 1:
1. Inflamed Skin Lesions Along an Area of a Peripheral Nerve / Dr Marivic Balagon - Leonard Wood Memorial Center for TB & Leprosy Research, Philippines
2. A qualitative and participatory research to improve the management of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum / Ms Annisa Ika Putri - VU Athena Institute, The Netherlands
3. Does extra clofazimine for MB cases at high risk of ENL improve their prognosis/outcome over 2 years? / Dr V.V. Pai and Ms Anju Wakade - Bombay Leprosy Project, India
4. Assessing the effectiveness of family-based approaches aimed at prevention & sustainable self-management of disabilities, impacting the quality of life, mental wellbeing & participation of people with leprosy, podoconiosis and LF and their families / Mr Moges Wubie – Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
Progress presentation session 2B – Day 1:
1. Using plasma metabolomics to increase our understanding of metabolic changes in leprosy and associated reactions: A proof-of-concept study / Dr Jessica Fairley - Emory University, USA
2. Functional analysis of candidate variants in the early-onset leprosy phenotype using a novel cellular model / Prof. Marcelo Mira - Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Brazil
3. Genomic markers for pathological variants and transmission of leprosy bacilli / Dr Pushpendra Singh - National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, India and Dr Itu Singh - Stanley Browne Lab, TLMTI
Progress presentation session 3A – Day 2:
1. Promoting inclusion where it matters most: Building resilience in individuals and families based on evidence and participatory methods / Ms Anna van ‘t Noordende – NLR , the Netherlands
2. Intersectionality of inclusion / Mr Sarju Sing Rai – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3. Improving mental health and quality of life of persons affected by leprosy or Buruli ulcer in Southern Nigeria / Dr Ngozi Ekeke - German Leprosy and TB Relief Association Nigeria
4. Capturing culture-specific stigma dynamics by understanding ‘What matters most’ / Dr Ruth Peters – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Progress presentation session 3B – Day 2:
1. Role of arthropods in transmission of leprosy / Dr Kevin Macaluso - Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
2. Monitoring the effect of prophylactic interventions in contacts of leprosy patients including field-application of a novel immunodiagnostic test in Bangladesh / Ms Anouk van Hooij - Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
3. Safety trial to transition the defined subunit vaccine, LepVax, into M. leprae- infected individuals in a leprosy-endemic country - Leprosy Vaccine Phase 1b / Ms Stefanie Weiland – American Leprosy Missions
4. Implementation of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS) Biomolecular Predictive Test to reduce the incidence of DHS among Leprosy Patients in Papua and Nepal / Ms Hana Krismawati - National Institute Health Research and Development of Papua, Indonesia
Progress presentation session 4A – Day 2:
1. Mobile Technology (M-Health) – A novel approach to facilitate and motivate self-care among the leprosy affected / Mr Sathish Kumar Paul - Schieffelin Institute of Health- Research & Leprosy Centre, India
2. Helminth influences in leprosy: Indicators, Treatment, Reactions and Clinical Outcome / Dr Deanna Hagge - The Leprosy Mission Nepal
3. Design a customized offloading devices to promote healing of plantar ulcers / Mr David Prakash Kumar - Schieffelin Institute of Health- Research & Leprosy Centre, India
Progress presentation session 4B – Day 2:
1. Efficacy and Tolerability of Adjunct Metformin in Combination with Standard Multidrug Treatment for Multibacillary Leprosy: A Randomized Double-blind, Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial in Indonesia / Dr Marlous Grijsen – Oxford University, UK
2. Chemoprophylaxis for leprosy: comparing the effectiveness and feasibility of a skin camp intervention to a health centre based intervention (PEP4LEP) / Dr Marega Abdoulaye – Lúrio University, Mozambique
3. ComLep: Improved understanding of ongoing transmission of leprosy in the Comoros, a region hyper endemic for the disease / Ms Sofie Braet – Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium
4. Post ExpOsure Prophylaxis for LEprosy in the Comoros and Madagascar (PEOPLE) / Dr Epco Hasker – Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium