The VIC Fellows Program offers experienced professionals the opportunity to learn how to identify and evaluate high-potential innovations from around the world. We’re proud to showcase the members of the 2025–2026 Fellows class through a series of interviews, including this recent conversation with Kazima Saira, PhD.
Please tell us a little bit about your background.I am a virologist by training with over two decades of experience applying diverse technologies to vaccine and drug development. Alongside my scientific expertise, I bring extensive experience in project management and operations—capabilities that are critical to advancing programs from concept to approval. My background represents a rare combination of deep virology knowledge and the operational and leadership skills needed to translate scientific innovation into therapies that reach patients.
What first drew you to the field of virology and infectious disease research?
My undergraduate studies in Microbiology and Biochemistry sparked a deep interest in biochemical pathways. At the same time, I was drawn to the vast unknowns of the microbial world—especially viruses. Despite their simplicity and small size, viruses have evolved sophisticated ways to evade even our highly effective immune system. That paradox is what inspired me to pursue virology as a career.
You’ve worked across several major organizations; what common thread has defined your career path?
My goal has always been to contribute to work that ultimately helps patients, regardless of the condition they face. This purpose has guided my career choices, leading me to roles across both CROs and pharmaceutical organizations—environments where collaborative efforts are essential to advancing solutions for complex health challenges.What was it like leading the assay development that supported EUA approval during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Both exciting and challenging, validating a saliva-based diagnostic assay during the pandemic—and later contributing to securing EUA approval for a SARS-CoV-2–targeted drug—stand out as defining highlights of my career. These experiences brought together my scientific expertise and operational leadership in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment. Navigating technical hurdles, scaling testing, and delivering results under intense timelines made it one of the most demanding yet deeply rewarding periods of my professional journey.
You’ve managed budgets up to $6M; how do you ensure scientific priorities stay aligned with financial goals?
Scientific priorities are always my foundation. Thoughtful planning—along with well-defined contingency strategies—helps ensure alignment with financial goals. I also believe that strong scientific rigor ultimately drives financial success. That said, the relationship between science and financial objectives differs between CROs and pharma/biotech organizations. Effective leadership requires understanding that dynamic and adjusting priorities accordingly based on the context.
Having worked on over 20 pathogens, which area of infectious disease research do you find most promising today?
Advancing drug development for RNA viruses, particularly those driving emerging infectious diseases, is one of the most urgent global challenges today. Addressing it will require integrating knowledge and innovation across multiple disciplines to develop effective, scalable solutions.
Being based in Greater St. Louis, what do you enjoy most about the local scientific community?