The global vaccine networks will continue their vital work for a further two years with funding granted by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), from the International Science Partnerships Fund.
The global vaccine networks are supporting research to change the way we tackle infections around the world. Five vaccine networks were established in 2017 to help UK and international researchers share knowledge and experience. The aim was to accelerate the development of new or improved vaccines through pump-priming projects, training fellowships and events for network members.
The networks have grown substantially since their establishment, in close partnership with low and middle-income country (LMIC) researchers and supporting exciting new science and collaborations. Their crucial work will now be supported for a further two years with £6.3 million of funding granted by UKRI, from the government’s International Science Partnerships Fund.
The vital collaborations initiated by the networks are already addressing significant illnesses and causes of death in humans and animals with high economic and social effects, particularly in LMICs. The development of vaccines to tackle infectious diseases reduces the need for antibiotics and therefore also helps tackle the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Mark Palmer, Director of International Strategy at the Medical Research Council said: “The UK’s research and innovation system thrives through international partnerships so I’m delighted these networks are able to continue their incredible work tackling infectious diseases that pose threats to people, livestock, crops and natural resources.
“Investing in collaborations like these will better prepare us for future disease epidemics and to more effectively tackle the slow-moving pandemic of antimicrobial resistance. These global networks are integral to ensuring the UK harnesses the extraordinary potential of research and innovation to enrich and improve the lives of people living in the UK and around the world.”
The five global vaccine networks are:
Bacterial Vaccines Network (BactiVac)
Hosted at the University of Birmingham, BactiVac is advancing the development of vaccines against bacterial pathogens and advocating for their use in combatting the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. It is focusing on a One Health perspective, which encompasses both human and veterinary vaccines with a particular focus on benefit for LMICs.
International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN)
Based at The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh and is a joint initiative with The Pirbright Institute. IVVN is addressing critical bottlenecks in the development of vaccines against animal diseases that threaten livelihoods, public health and animal welfare in LMICs.
Human Infection Challenge Network (HIC-Vac)
Hosted at Imperial College London, HIC-Vac is working to accelerate the development of vaccines against pathogens of high global impact by supporting and developing human infection studies.
IMPRINT
Led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, IMPRINT is focusing on biological and implementation challenges for maternal and neonatal immunisation, an effective tool to improve maternal and infant health across the globe including LMICs.
Vaccine Development for Complex Intracellular Neglected Pathogens (VALIDATE)
Led by the University of Oxford and Stellenbosch University, South Africa, VALIDATE is accelerating vaccine development for three neglected pathogen groups primarily affecting people living in poverty: mycobacteria (causing tuberculosis, leprosy and other diseases); leishmania (causing leishmaniasis); burkholderia (causing melioidosis).
