LDUK was recently thrilled to announce funding for pioneering Lyme diagnostics research led by PhD student Saba Niaz at the National Horizons Centre, within the School of Health & Life Sciences at Teesside University. Saba is supervised primarily by Dr Ojodomo Achadu, and co-supervised by Professor John Young.
Read more about the new Lyme diagnostics research.
After presenting at the ILADS conference in London earlier this year, Saba again brought her work to an international audience at the 2nd Annual Conference on Chronic Infection Pathologies (CIP 2026), held from 4th-6th September.
From data to diagnosis
CIP 2026 bridged the gap between scientific discovery and clinical practice, fostering collaboration to improve diagnostic accuracy, accelerate research, and enhance patient care. Scientific sessions featured some of the latest research on:
- Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases
- Long COVID and post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS)
- PANS/PANDAS and neuroimmune disorders
- Biomarkers and precision diagnostics
- Artificial intelligence and data-driven medicine
- Patient-reported outcomes and real-world evidence
- Emerging diagnostic technologies and translational research
Saba shares her feedback on the conference below.
Reflections from CIP 2026, Helsinki
By Saba Niaz MSc
What an incredible few days it has been at the 2nd Annual Conference on Chronic Infection Pathologies (CIP 2026) in Helsinki!
I had the privilege of presenting my PhD research, “A Dual-Modality Origami Paper Biosensor for Direct Detection of Borrelia OspC,” to an audience of clinicians, researchers, and fellow scientists working at the frontier of chronic infection science.
Sharing my PhD work on a dual-modality biosensor combining fluorescence and SERS detection for early Lyme disease diagnosis was both nerve-wracking and deeply rewarding. Standing on that stage and explaining the science behind CQD-MIP quenching and Borrelia antigen detection to a room full of experts in the field reminded me exactly why I chose this path.
Beyond my own talk, the conference was a genuine masterclass in co-infection immunology, Lyme disease research, and emerging diagnostic technologies. The conversations I had between sessions, over coffee, and during poster walks were just as valuable as the formal programme.
It was also just wonderful to be in a room with people who understand the complexity of chronic infection and take patients’ experiences seriously. Every conversation advanced my thinking and gave me fresh clarity on the direction of my PhD.
Advancing research through vital collaboration
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Lyme Disease UK. I cannot thank the charity enough for facilitating this trip to Helsinki, giving me the opportunity to present my research to an international audience, and exposing me to inspiring new perspectives that will help to inform my work. Their belief in this project, and in early-career researchers like me, means more than words can express.
Then there was Helsinki itself, a stunning city to explore at the end of the conference. I was lucky enough to catch beautiful weather, wander past the Helsinki Cathedral and the Alexander II statue, and find a quiet moment at the Sibelius Monument. Combining serious science with a little exploration, made the whole trip feel special.
Grateful, inspired, and returning home with a renewed sense of purpose for the work ahead. Here’s to turning these conversations into the next chapter of this research!
