Asel Sartbaeva, a chemist from a small village in Kyrgyzstan, has developed a unique technology that allows vaccines to retain their properties at high temperatures. This invention could significantly improve the methods of storing and transporting critically important medical supplies in remote corners of the world. This was reported by the UN press service on International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Sartbaeva began her education at a local school, where she showed a keen interest in mathematics, physics, and chess. She was a two-time winner of the national materials resistance olympiad, becoming the first girl to achieve this success. These achievements strengthened her determination to pursue a career in science.
After completing her studies in Bishkek, Asel was selected for a PhD program at the University of Cambridge in the UK, where she researched silicon materials and zeolites used in various fields—from household chemicals to radiation protection. Today, she is an associate professor at Bath University and the founder of EnsiliTech, a company that implements her developments in vaccination.
The problem of vaccine transportation remains relevant, especially in countries with unstable electricity and a lack of refrigeration equipment. For example, in remote mountain villages of Kyrgyzstan, vaccines are delivered by horse, and in island nations—by boat. Sartbaeva's development will help reduce vaccine losses and make them accessible to millions of children in low-income countries.
Additionally, Asel actively supports educational initiatives. She is an ambassador for the UNICEF program "Girls in Science," which helps schoolgirls master STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The program includes workshops, meetings with mentors, and the development of leadership and communication skills, helping girls believe in themselves and choose a scientific career despite existing stereotypes.
“Many parents fear that their daughters will not be able to start a family if they choose a scientific career. For me, it is important to demonstrate that this is not the case: a career and personal life can be successfully combined,” she asserts.The "Girls in Science" initiative has already helped thousands of schoolgirls confidently develop their communication skills and boost their self-esteem. Many graduates of the program have chosen STEM majors in universities that they had not even considered before.
Sartbaeva emphasizes that science needs diverse talents—from experimenters to programmers and communicators. “This is especially relevant for girls planning to study chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering. Your knowledge and skills are extremely needed,” she adds.
The innovations developed by Sartbaeva and her team at EnsiliTech are particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how scientific achievements can help address global health issues and make essential medicines accessible to those in need.
