NRF Women's Month 2026: Dr Monique Bignoux

Every research journey starts with a question. This Women’s Month, the NRF celebrates women driven by curiosity — researchers whose questions, ideas and determination are expanding our understanding of the world around us. From exploring the unknown to deepening our existing knowledge, curiosity remains at the heart of discovery. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Dr Monique Bignoux is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Agricultural Biosecurity, Aquaculture and Health Research Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). She received support from the NRF for her Master’s and Doctoral studies, and currently as a Postdoctoral Fellow. She is helping develop messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines for diseases affecting livestock and farmed fish.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

The NRF has supported my research journey at every stage of my postgraduate career. I received an NRF Freestanding Scholarship during my MSc studies, an Innovation Doctoral Scholarship during my PhD studies, and I am currently an NRF Professional Development Programme Postdoctoral Fellow at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

This continued investment has enabled me to develop new research skills, establish collaborations, undertake specialised international training, supervise postgraduate students and contribute to the development of innovative biotechnology platforms.

The NRF’s support has played a pivotal role in my growth from a postgraduate student into an emerging independent researcher working to develop practical solutions for animal health and food security.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

Imagine being able to develop a new vaccine faster when a disease threatens our food supply.

My research focuses on developing the technologies that can make this possible.

I am helping to develop messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines for diseases affecting livestock and farmed fish, using the same type of technology that became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am also establishing new research facilities at the CSIR, which will help scientists do preclinical testing on future vaccines more efficiently.

Ultimately, my goal is to develop practical solutions that support healthier animals, more sustainable food production and stronger agricultural systems.

I am also passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists. Alongside my research, I enjoy mentoring students and early-career researchers and helping to build new scientific capabilities at the CSIR. I believe that scientific progress is driven not only by discovery but also by collaboration, knowledge sharing and investing in people.

What sparked your curiosity about your field of research, and what continues to keep you curious?

I have always been curious about how science can be used to solve real-world problems.

During my studies, I realised that understanding biology at the molecular level could lead to practical solutions that ultimately benefit society. That realisation shaped the direction of my career.

What continues to drive my curiosity is the opportunity to translate scientific discoveries into technologies that make a tangible difference. Whether developing new vaccines or establishing research platforms that enable future innovation, I am motivated by the knowledge that today’s research can become tomorrow’s solution.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about your field of research?

I wish more people understood that animal health, environmental health and human health are deeply connected. This is the foundation of the One Health approach.

By developing better vaccines and biotechnology solutions for livestock and aquaculture, we are not only protecting animals but also strengthening food security, supporting farmers and improving livelihoods. Healthy animals contribute to healthy communities, and that is why I find this field so meaningful.

My research is driven by the opportunity to develop solutions that ultimately improve people’s lives.

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