Doudou Georges Massar Niang was highlighted as the Ambassador of the Month in January 2023. Doudou has been an exemplary ambassador, contributing significantly over the years. He has also recently summarised his experiences at the IUIS2025 Congress.
We’re grateful that he joined our team!
Doudou is an Assistant Professor of immunology at the Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal.
Read his previous interview – Ambassador of the Month – 2023
Congratulations on earning your PhD! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in immunology research since 2023.
My academic foundation began in pharmacy and medical biology at Cheikh Anta Diop University, where I first encountered immunology—a field I instantly fell in love with. In 2017, I pursued a Master’s program in Immunology and later embarked on my PhD in 2019, culminating in my graduation in March 2025.
The period since 2023 has been one of transition, primarily dedicated to completing my doctoral studies. Alongside this, I sought to expand my technical expertise through short training programs in Malawi and Morocco, where I gained hands-on experience in tissue sample processing, flow cytometry, and tumor molecular biology. A significant milestone during this time was securing a competitive assistant professorship at Cheikh Anta Diop University, marking the next chapter in my academic career.
We would love to hear more about your ongoing research. What projects are you currently working on, and how do they impact the field?
I’ve been privileged to receive two research grants to study breast cancer immunology and molecular biology in Senegal. One key focus is implementing molecular biology techniques as an alternative to immunohistochemistry to improve the accessibility of molecular characterization for breast cancer patients. This approach enables us to generate critical samples for investigating how molecules like galectin-3 and TLR4 within the tumor microenvironment influence tumor-infiltrating leukocyte populations, their functional dynamics, and ultimately patient outcomes. Our work prioritizes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, the most prevalent and aggressive subtype in sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to uncover insights that could inform more tailored therapies.
What inspired you to choose immunology as your focus in the scientific field? Has this evolved over time?
Even in high school, I gravitated toward biology-related disciplines. During my pharmacy training, immunology lectures captivated me—they felt like epic tales of heroes (neutrophils!) sacrificing themselves to protect the body. As a history enthusiast, this narrative deeply resonated with me. Over time, I realized immunology research aligned perfectly with my personality, thanks to its dynamic nature and relentless evolution.
What specifically stood out about Immunopaedia that made you want to become an ambassador, and how has your experience as an ambassador affected you?
Immunopaedia stood out to me for its invaluable educational resources, curated content, and active role in organizing international courses. Becoming an ambassador allowed me to advocate for its use in Senegal while personally benefiting from the platform’s opportunities. My involvement—particularly in preparing course materials and writing summaries—has significantly honed my scientific writing and communication skills.
Based on your own experience, what one piece of advice would you give someone who wants to study or research immunology in today’s scientific landscape?
Subscribe to Immunopaedia and stay engaged with IUIS initiatives, including courses and congresses. These platforms are indispensable for staying at the forefront of immunological advancements.
Can you share a moment of unexpected joy or surprise in your scientific career over the past two years that has stayed with you?
Receiving the email notification for my first competitive international grant sparked an impromptu dance celebration—a moment of pure, unscripted joy I’ll never forget!
May we please have your most recent publications?
- Niang, DGM, Gaba, FM, Diouf, A, et al. Galectin-3 as a biomarker in breast neoplasms: Mechanisms and applications in patient care. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2022; 1- 12. https://doi.org/10.1002/JLB.5MR0822-673R
- Bissiengou, P. M., Niang, D. G. M., Assoumou, S. Z., Koumavor, A. K., Okoumba, U. M., & Mbiguino, A. (2023). Le ratio CD4/CD8 chez les personnes infectées par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine trois ans après le début du traitement antirétroviral à Libreville, 2021: The CD4/CD8 ratio among people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus three years after the start of antiretroviral treatment in Libreville, 2021. Journal de la Recherche Scientifique de l’Université de Lomé, 25(1), 113-121.
