Esther-Maria Antao is a trained microbiologist. Her previous research interests focused in particular on antibiotic resistance and communication. During her time at the National Public Health Institute of Germany, she continued to concentrate on public health and science communication, and contributed to the public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Hasso Plattner-Institute, she is now committed to exploring digital public health communication to reduce disease burden and antimicrobial resistance. In addition, she will focus on the ethical principles that govern global health practice, particularly the use of AI for global health. She is determined to advocate for a balanced approach that is guided by strong ethical principles, while responsibly harnessing the advances in innovation and technology for the common good.

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Disease prevention
• Ethics
• Public Health Communication

Bridge Modules:

1) Healthcare Fundamentals and Digital Health Trends

2) Health and Disease Core Competencies

Topics covered include:

• Global Health Principles
• Infectious diseases
• Public Health Ethics
• Health Promotion and Public Health Communication
• Health inequities
• Global Health Crises

• Scientific Lead, Digital Global Public Health    Apr 2023 — Present
  Hasso Plattner Institute — Potsdam
• Strategic Advisor to the President    Jun 2021 — Apr 2023
  Robert Koch Institute — Berlin
• Head of Museum and Public Health Visitor Centre    Jun 2021 — Present
  Robert Koch Institute — Berlin
• Head of Museum and Public Health Visitor Center    Jun 2020 — Jun 2021
  Science Communication Unit, Robert Koch Institute — Berlin
• Museum Scientific Coordinator    Feb 2019 — May 2020
  Research Data Management Unit, Robert Koch Institute — Berlin
• Guest Scientist    Mar 2018 — Jan 2019
  Microbial Genomics Unit/ Press & Public Relations Unit, Robert Koch Institute — Berlin
• Project Scientist    Sep 2016 — Jan 2019
  Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie University — Berlin
• Scientific Assistant    Oct 2008 — Mar 2015
  Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie University — Berlin
• Doctoral Researcher    Apr 2005 — Jan 2010
  Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie University — Berlin
• Graduate Student Intern    Dec 2004 — Mar 2005
  Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie University — Berlin

• Certificate: Museum Management for Curators/Heads of Museums, Museology/Museum Studies    2019 — 2020
  Freie University — Berlin
• Dr. rer. Nat (Biology/Microbiology)    2005 — 2010
  Humboldt University — Berlin
  Grade: Magna cum laude
  Award: Lohmann Promotionspreis    2011 (2. place)
• Master of Science in Microbiology    Jun 2002 — Apr 2004
  Goa University — Goa, India
  Grade: A
  Award: Prof. Nigam Memorial Gold Medal for highest marks in Microbiology in Master of Science examination
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology    Jun 1999 — Apr 2002
  St. Xavier's College of Arts and Science, Goa University — Goa, India
  Grade: Distinction

• English (Native or Bilingual)
• German (Full Professional)
• Polish (Limited Working)