MSc Sandra Gewehr presents at the Career Panel “From Traps to Tenure” at the 9th International Congress of the Society for Vector Ecology (SOVE 2025) in Chania, Crete
From October 12–17, 2025, the 9th International Congress of the Society for Vector Ecology (SOVE) took place in Chania, Crete, bringing together experts from around the world to exchange knowledge on vector ecology, surveillance and control. This year’s congress highlighted the importance of international collaboration and innovative approaches for managing vector-borne diseases in a changing world. The program featured plenary keynotes, technical symposia, project updates, and poster sessions covering topics from artificial intelligence in vector identification to integrated vector management and One Health solutions.
ECODEVELOPMENT SA actively supported the congress as a Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable mosquito control and public health protection through scientific exchange and international collaboration.
A special highlight was the career development panel for early-career professionals, designed to inspire and connect the next generation of scientists and practitioners in the field.
Career Panel: “From Traps to Tenure – Navigating Career Pathways in Vector Ecology”
Among the special sessions, MSc Sandra Gewehr, Director of R&D at ECODEVELOPMENT SA and Past President of the European Mosquito Control Association (EMCA), participated as a panelist in the Career Panel “From Traps to Tenure”, sharing her personal and professional journey in mosquito control. In her talk, she reflected on how an unexpected turn from botany to vector ecology evolved into a lifelong commitment to public health and vector-borne disease prevention.
The panel brought together a distinguished group of experts representing academia, government, industry, and global non-profits, including:
- Dr. Ary Faraji, Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District (USA)
- Dr. Marieta Braks, RIVM (Netherlands)
- Dr. William Wint, Environmental Research Group Oxford (UK)
- MSc Sandra Gewehr, Ecodevelopment SA (Greece)
- Dr. David Malone, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (UK)
- Dr. Eva Veronesi, SUPSI (Switzerland)
- Prof. Mary Cameron, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK)
Moderated by Dr. Androniki Christaki (University of Crete, Greece) and Dr. Giulia Ferrari (Edmund Mach Foundation, Italy), the session was an engaging and emotional exchange. Panelists shared personal insights, lessons learned, and advice for young scientists navigating diverse career paths — from fieldwork to research leadership. The discussion emphasized curiosity, passion for specific topics, adaptability and collaboration as the driving forces behind long and impactful careers in vector ecology.
A Meaningful Exchange
The career panel proved to be one of the most touching and inspiring moments of the congress. Through open storytelling and dialogue, participants highlighted the human side of scientific careers — the challenges, turning points, and passion that connect professionals across continents and disciplines.
For ECODEVELOPMENT SA, Sandra Gewehr’s participation in SOVE 2025 underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to integrating science, innovation, and operational experience to advance sustainable mosquito control and public health protection in Greece and beyond.