Mahlaqua (Mila) Noor is an analyst at RAND Europe. An infectious disease scientist with expertise spanning virology, immunology, reproductive biology, and the convergence of AI and biological technologies, she channels her technical knowledge into research that shapes policy and systems to safeguard against pandemic threats, strengthen biosecurity frameworks, and mitigate catastrophic biological risks.
Her doctoral research at the University of Cambridge, conducted as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, investigated how DNA viruses evade immune detection and how immune cells can be primed to mount an effective response in an immunocompromised setting. As a postdoctoral Bye-Fellow at the University of Cambridge, she worked on congenital viral infections, utilising placental organoids, stem cell models, and large-scale genome sequencing to characterise maternal and fetal immune responses during pregnancy. Beyond research, Mila has worked in healthcare startups and life sciences consulting, translating scientific expertise into real-world impact.
Education
Ph.D. in immunology and infectious diseases, University of Cambridge