Dr Laura Oliveira, MSc, PhD, is based at the Microbiology Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and she has been working in microbiology and infectious diseases fields since the beginning of her academic path. Dr Oliveira's major research interest and expertise are focused on the study of the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence potential of clinically relevant Streptococcus species, especially S. agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), isolated from human and animal hosts to improve surveillance and diagnosis of associated infectious diseases and to inform control strategies and vaccine design. Dr Oliveira has been awarded with national and international awards, and she has published scientific articles in renowned international journals. Dr Oliveira is also a member of the ASM Microbe Programme Committee and the ISID Emerging Leaders in Infectious Diseases Program.