Training the next generation of vaccine leaders
Dr. Anh Wartel is the Director of the office, overseeing its activities, research collaborations and projects, including capacity-building initiatives. Here, she explains what makes the course unique, how it contributes to global health security, and how it helps train the next generation of vaccine leaders.
Could you give a brief overview of the International Vaccinology Course?
– The international Vaccinology Course is the International Vaccine Institute’s flagship annual training program. Since 2000, over 5,000 vaccine professionals from around the world have been trained through the course. It is one of the longest-running training programs in Asia with a focus on vaccine science. In essence, it is an introductory five-day training program designed to equip the next generation of vaccine professionals with foundational knowledge in vaccinology.
Tell us about the course content.
– Every year, we select a theme for the course inspired by current trends and challenges in the vaccine field and global health. This year’s theme is: "Vaccines in a Changing World: Innovation and Access". We chose this theme, because it reflects the development of new innovative technologies including artificial intelligence, and ongoing and emerging challenges such climate change, and shifts in the global health funding landscape. This year’s course will explore how aligning vaccine innovation and access can help address today’s evolving global health challenges.
Where and when will the course take place this year?
– The course takes place on 8-12 September. For the second year in a row, it will be held at three locations, connected live: Stockholm (KI Campus Flemingsberg), Kigali (Rwanda) and the IVI Headquarters in Seoul (Republic of Korea). In Stockholm, we’re once again partnering with Karolinska Institutet - a collaboration that has grown significantly over the recent years. Each site brings unique value. For instance, Stockholm offers a special opportunity to connect with and learn from leading vaccine researchers from across Sweden and Europe, with Karolinska Institutet as a key academic partner.
How does it work with the different locations?
– Participants apply to attend in person at one of the three sites. Lectures and panel discussions are live-streamed and fully interactive across the three locations during the morning in Stockholm and Kigali and the afternoon in Seoul, creating a shared learning environment. At other times, each site runs a combination of its own group work sessions, poster presentations, breakout discussions, site visits or local networking events. Last year, we had 189 participants from around the world — including 18 at Karolinska Institutet — and the energy and engagement level were just incredible! This year we expect an increased interest to attend the course, so we recommend to apply as soon as possible to secure the spot – the deadline is until 1st of August for the general audience, who are not affiliated with the Swedish universities. Those who are affiliated with Swedish universities have an internal deadline of 30th of June and should ensure they register in time or contact the Karolinska Institutet course director.
Who should attend the course?
– We welcome researchers from around the world who are working or studying in fields related to vaccines, public health, epidemiology, biotechnology, or related disciplines, and with proficiency in English, to register for the course. The course will be especially valuable for early- to mid-career professionals who want to deepen their expertise and broaden their international network within vaccine R&D and global health.
What makes the course unique?
– The course offers access to world-renowned experts in the field, interdisciplinary learning and real-time global engagement. Our hybrid model means you are not just sitting in a lecture hall - you are part of a cross-continental classroom. This format blends global connectivity with local immersion, making this a powerful and unique learning experience.
What can participants expect from the course format – for example, lectures, workshops and field visits?
– The program includes expert-led lectures, panel discussions, two case studies, quizzes, and group work and collaborative learning. Participants also benefit from site-specific program - for example, in Stockholm we’re planning a site visit to KTH Royal Institute of Technology where we will visit the Competence Centre for Advanced BioProduction by Continuous Processing, AdBIOPRO and connect with scientists from KTH.
How are you collaborating with KI on this?
– Karolinska Institutet has been our trusted partner for organizing the course since 2022. Last year, the course was officially included in KI’s course catalogue for the first time, becoming a part of KI doctoral education. We view this as a testament to the academic value and relevance of the program. The course in Stockholm will be hosted by Karolinska Institutet’s Centre for Infection Medicine at KI Campus Flemingsberg.
How is this course intended to help strengthen global health security and support knowledge networks in Africa?
– The International Vaccinology Course is part of IVI’s broader mission to accelerate the development of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health. It is more than just a training program, it’s an investment in people and a platform for building a global network of skilled vaccine professionals.
– Africa presents great opportunities for innovation, investment and leadership in global health and vaccine development. With a growing population and expanding research capacity, the continent is moving toward vaccine self-sufficiency, guided by the African Union’s goal to produce 60% of its vaccine needs locally by 2040. Kigali in Rwanda is one of the three host sites for this year’s course, where we partner with the University of Rwanda for the course organization. Part of the sponsorship support we receive for organizing the course is fellowships for participants from across Africa to attend the course in Kigali. For instance, last year, 30 participants from African countries were sponsored by the East African Community Regional Center of Excellence to attend the Kigali site. We would like to continue sponsoring professionals in Africa to participate this year as well. This is essential for contributing to local capacity building and fostering strong knowledge networks across the African region and beyond.
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