GCRF Networks Vaccinology Course Scholars

The five GCRF networks supported 38 scholars from 14 countries to attend the GCRF Networks Vaccinology Course:

BactiVac

Luis Alberto Ontiveros-Padilla, Mexican Social Security Institute
Daniel Tapia, University of Texas Medical Branch
Justin Tirimba Nyasinga, Technical University of Kenya
Alice Halliday, Imperial College/University of Bristol
Elita Jauneikaite, Imperial College
  
HIC-Vac

Birendra Gupta, Tribhuvan University
Achut Barakoti, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital
Lam Ha, Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit (OCRU)
Rupal Ojha, Central University of Rajasthan
Rajan Kumar Pandey, Central University of Rajasthan
  
IMPRINT  
  
Shona Moore, University of Liverpool
Lok Bahadur Shrestha, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Nasamon Wanlapakorn, University of Liverpool
  
IVVN
  
Natalia Bednarska, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine/Imperial College
Jossie Intan Cahyani, Gaja Mada University/Centre for Veterinary Biologics
Panjaporn Chaichana, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU)
Hai Hoang, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City
Challika Kaewborisuth, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) 
Rebecca McLean, Pirbright Institute
Sean Monaghan, University of Stirling
Mitzi Luisa Morales, Bureau of Animal Industry
Teerawut Nedumpum, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Hao Quang Pham, National Veterinary Joint Stock Company (Navetco)
Thi-Nhan Phan, Nghe An, General Friendship Hospital
Ronalie Rafael, Central Luzon State University
Mohammed Jajere Saleh Fakulti Veterinar, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Eleanor Senior, University of Liverpool
Melboune Talactac, Cavite State University
Navapon Techakriengkrai, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Siriwattana Thaisonthi, Green Innovative Biotechnology Company, Ltd.
Xinyu Toh, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore
Louise Vince, Royal Veterinary College
Thi Thu Hang Vu, Korea University 

VALIDATE

Gobena Ameni, Addis Ababa Univeristy
Raph Hamers, Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit (OCRU)
Van Le, Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit (OCRU)
Farah Isse, Mumin Red Sea University
Erni Juwita, Nelwan Universitas Indonesia

Scholar Reports from IVVN-funded scholars

Panjaporn Chaichana, Postdoctoral Immunologist, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand

My research interest is understanding antibody responses to Burkholderia pseudomallei infection for antibody-based vaccine development. I was awarded the VALIDATE pump-priming grant to establish functional antibody assays for measuring correlates of protection against death in melioidosis patients. Recently, I was just awarded the Internal Research England GCRF support fund to develop monoclonal antibodies as therapy for acute melioidosis.

I was funded by IVVN to attend the GCRF networks vaccinology course in Bangkok during 3rd – 7th December 2018. The course was very useful for everyone working in vaccine development pipeline. The course provided not only basic knowledge in vaccine development, but also up to date data/information about on-going vaccine development for important diseases in both human and animal. All speakers are experts in their field, but their talks were easy to understand. The course also encouraged us to discuss and network with speakers and classmates in the helpful and friendly atmosphere. This is the best course I ever attended, and I highly recommend it.  

Natalia Bednarska Postdoctoral researcher, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

First, I would like to thank the funding bodies and course organizers for the opportunity to join the GCRF Networks Vaccinology course held in Bangkok. Starting from the organization; the travel arrangements, hotel choice and transport were faultless.

Talks were grouped very well into themes, with each day dedicated to a particular topic. With a smart organization of speeches (starting with general introduction followed by more specialized lectures) both expert attendees and non-specialists in the field could benefit equally and raise many important discussion points prompting excellent exchange of ideas. There was enough time for questions, networking and discussions. 

I found the entire course exceptionally motivating from the first day until the last one because I’m interested in the whole process of vaccine production from early discovery to regulatory affairs. By joining this course, I expanded my knowledge about current vaccine targets, vaccine technologies and I have gained stronger insight into vaccine availability, safety and regulation in developing countries. With an outstanding line-up of speakers (ranging from academic background, industry and regulatory affairs specialist) I was able to discuss many nurturing questions relating to vaccine ethics, regulation and accessibility in developing countries. Overall the course wasn’t only an inspiring education opportunity for young researchers but also remarkable time to socialize and meet amazing people from all over the world.

Rebecca McLean, Postdoctoral researcher, Pirbright Institute

I am an early career researcher in my first post-doctoral position working on an international, One Health project aiming to develop a vaccine to protect pigs, and in turn humans, against Nipah virus infection. I am fascinated by vaccinology and zoonotic diseases and therefore the GCRF networks vaccinology course seemed perfect for me. The scholarship from the IVVN was invaluable and allowed me to go participate in this course - I honestly think I will never forget this opportunity. It has been the most relevant course I have ever been on. Not only did I get the chance to meet some incredible delegates at the same stage of their careers as myself but I was also able to meet some amazing speakers throughout the entire week. Each day of the course brought new topics and thought provoking discussions. The interaction between human and veterinary vaccinologists was something I had never had the opportunity to witness or take part in before now, and I really enjoyed it! This course not only allowed me to learn about unknown areas of vaccinology to me but also build on my current knowledge to help me progress in my current position. The course was brilliantly organised. A massive thank you and congratulations must go to all the organisers!

Challika Kaewborisuth, Postdoctoral researcher, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand 

It was a great pleasure for me to get a scholarship to attend a GCRF Networks Vaccinology Course which was held in Bangkok, Thailand. I have learnt many new things and gain better understanding about human and animal vaccine development, from basic knowledge to the development process, that were extremely informative and useful for me. The course also provided the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with students and researcher from similar and different fields for future collaboration. It was very inspiring to listen to the speaker sharing the success in developing vaccine against infectious diseases. I feel optimistic that, with hard work and keep on track, it would be one day my research could be implemented to the field. 

The organization of the course was excellent and impressive, the hotel with wonderful sceneries, delicious catering, lunch and dinner. I would like to thanks for everyone who participated in arranging this course. This is one of excellent courses I have ever attended. Finally, as a Thailander, I was very happy to hear that all of attendees were enjoyable, cheerful and having a great time in Bangkok. And, I am looking forward to attending the next meeting outside Thailand.