Sessions and Tracks
Track 01: Vaccine Research and Development
Vaccine research and development is a critical process in preventing infectious diseases and protecting global health. It begins with identifying a harmful pathogen and studying its genetic structure, transmission mechanisms, and interaction with the human immune system. Scientists then determine which components of the pathogen, usually proteins or surface antigens, can be used to safely provoke an immune response without causing disease. This leads to the design of a vaccine candidate that undergoes rigorous testing. Before being tested in humans, the vaccine is studied in laboratory settings and animal models. These preclinical studies help assess whether the vaccine is safe and capable of triggering the desired immune response. If results are promising, the candidate enters clinical trials, which are conducted in several stages. The first phase tests safety in a small group of healthy volunteers. The second phase includes more participants and focuses on determining the right dosage and monitoring for side effects. The third phase involves large-scale testing to evaluate how well the vaccine prevents disease across different populations. If clinical trials show that the vaccine is both safe and effective, the developers submit their data to regulatory agencies for review. These agencies examine the results and determine whether the vaccine can be approved for public use. In urgent situations like pandemics, emergency use authorization may be granted to make the vaccine available more quickly, while still collecting safety data. After approval, the focus shifts to large-scale production and distribution. Manufacturing must meet strict quality standards, and vaccines must be stored and transported under controlled conditions. New technologies such as messenger RNA and viral vector platforms have greatly reduced development timelines and allowed rapid responses to emerging health threats. Once a vaccine is in use, continuous monitoring ensures long-term safety and effectiveness. Vaccine research and development is a constantly evolving field that combines scientific innovation with public health priorities, playing a vital role in disease prevention and global preparedness.
Track 02: Immunological Mechanisms of Protection
The protective effect of vaccines relies on the complex workings of the human immune system, which is designed to recognize and eliminate pathogens. When a vaccine is introduced into the body, it mimics a natural infection by presenting harmless parts of a virus or bacterium, such as proteins or inactivated pathogens. This stimulates the immune system to respond as if it were encountering the actual disease-causing organism. The innate immune system is activated first, providing an immediate but non-specific response. This early phase includes the release of cytokines and the activation of antigen-presenting cells, which process the vaccine components and display them to adaptive immune cells. The adaptive immune response is more specific and plays a central role in long-term protection. T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes are the main actors in this system. Helper T cells assist other immune cells, while cytotoxic T cells can directly kill infected cells. B cells, on the other hand, produce antibodies that recognize and neutralize pathogens. Vaccines help the body develop memory B cells and memory T cells that "remember" the specific pathogen, so if the real virus or bacterium is encountered later, the immune system can respond faster and more effectively. Over time, repeated exposure to an antigen, through booster shots or natural infection, can strengthen and refine this memory. The presence of neutralizing antibodies in the bloodstream serves as a first line of defense, preventing the pathogen from establishing an infection. T cell-mediated immunity provides additional layers of protection, particularly important for viruses that hide within cells. The combination of these mechanisms ensures that vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to herd immunity by reducing the spread of disease within a community.
Track 03: Novel Vaccine Delivery Technologies
Modern vaccine development has expanded beyond traditional injection-based methods to include a wide range of innovative delivery technologies aimed at enhancing immune response and improving ease of administration. One of the most promising advancements is the use of microneedle patches, which contain microscopic projections that deliver vaccine components directly into the skin, a tissue rich in immune cells. These patches are painless, easy to use, and do not require cold chain storage, making them particularly suitable for mass immunization efforts in remote or resource-limited areas. Another major breakthrough is the development of lipid nanoparticle systems, which are used to deliver messenger RNA vaccines. These tiny carriers protect the fragile RNA molecules and help them enter cells, where they prompt the body to produce specific viral proteins that trigger an immune response. This technology played a crucial role in the rapid and effective development of vaccines against COVID-19 and is now being adapted for other infectious diseases and even cancer. Intranasal and oral vaccines offer non-invasive alternatives to injections. These methods target mucosal immunity, which is essential for preventing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. By stimulating local immune defenses at the site of pathogen entry, these delivery routes can offer strong protection with fewer systemic side effects. Viral vectors, which are modified viruses used to deliver genetic instructions, are another powerful tool for vaccine delivery. They offer the ability to induce both antibody and T cell responses, providing comprehensive immunity against complex pathogens. Collectively, these advanced technologies are not only improving vaccine effectiveness but also addressing global challenges in vaccine accessibility, storage, and administration. Continued research in this area promises to transform the future of immunization across a wide range of diseases.
Track 04: Next-Generation Vaccines
Next-generation vaccines are reshaping the future of disease prevention by leveraging advanced technologies and new biological insights. These vaccines go beyond traditional approaches by using highly targeted, customizable platforms that allow for faster development, improved safety profiles, and greater adaptability to emerging threats. Among the most notable advancements are messenger RNA vaccines, which deliver genetic instructions to cells, prompting them to produce antigens that stimulate an immune response. This platform has shown remarkable success in preventing COVID-19 and is being explored for other viral infections and cancers. DNA vaccines are another innovation, using plasmid DNA to introduce antigen-encoding sequences into cells. Though still in development for many applications, they offer the advantages of stability, rapid production, and the ability to elicit both antibody and T cell responses. Protein subunit vaccines use purified fragments of pathogens to trigger immunity, often requiring adjuvants to boost their effectiveness. These vaccines have a long history of safety and are now being improved with advanced formulations and delivery systems. Synthetic biology and computational tools are playing a growing role in the design of next-generation vaccines. Researchers can now identify promising antigens through predictive modeling, simulate immune responses, and optimize vaccine formulations in silico before they reach the lab. This approach shortens development timelines and enhances precision. Additionally, self-amplifying RNA and nanoparticle-based platforms are under investigation to improve potency and reduce dosing requirements. Next-generation vaccines are not limited to infectious diseases. They are being developed to treat chronic illnesses, allergies, and even addiction by reprogramming the immune system. As scientific knowledge continues to evolve, these advanced vaccines offer the potential to prevent or manage a wide range of health conditions with greater effectiveness and fewer side effects, signaling a transformative shift in global healthcare.
Track 05: Pediatric and Maternal Immunization
Immunization during pregnancy and early childhood plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of mothers, newborns, and young children. Maternal immunization involves administering vaccines to pregnant individuals to protect both the mother and the unborn child. Antibodies produced in response to the vaccine cross the placenta, offering passive immunity to the infant during the critical first months of life, when the child’s immune system is still developing. Vaccines such as those for influenza, pertussis, and tetanus are commonly recommended during pregnancy to reduce the risk of severe illness in both the mother and the baby. For children, the early stages of life represent a period of high vulnerability to infectious diseases, making timely immunization essential. Pediatric vaccination schedules are carefully designed to provide protection against a wide range of illnesses, including measles, polio, rotavirus, diphtheria, and pneumococcal infections. These vaccines not only protect individual children but also contribute to community-level immunity by limiting the spread of contagious diseases. Recent innovations in pediatric immunization aim to improve vaccine tolerability, reduce the number of injections, and enhance immune response through combination vaccines. Research is also underway to develop pediatric formulations of newer platforms like messenger RNA and intranasal vaccines, which may offer gentler and more effective alternatives to traditional shots. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, remains a global priority. In maternal and pediatric immunization, building public trust and maintaining clear communication with parents and caregivers are essential. Educational campaigns and healthcare provider engagement help ensure high vaccination rates and protect future generations from preventable diseases. The integration of maternal and pediatric vaccine programs into primary healthcare systems supports lifelong immunity and strengthens public health resilience.
Track 06: Immunization Against Emerging Infectious Diseases
Emerging infectious diseases pose a persistent threat to global health due to their unpredictable nature, rapid spread, and potential for high mortality. Vaccines serve as the frontline defense in mitigating the impact of these outbreaks. Diseases caused by viruses such as Ebola, Zika, Lassa fever, Nipah virus, and novel coronaviruses have shown how quickly pathogens can disrupt societies and economies. Developing effective vaccines for such diseases requires urgent action, as outbreaks often escalate before traditional vaccine development timelines can be completed. To address this challenge, researchers are turning to flexible vaccine platforms like messenger RNA and viral vectors that can be rapidly adapted to new threats. These technologies allow for the quick insertion of genetic sequences from emerging pathogens, reducing the time from identification to clinical testing. Initiatives like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations are critical in advancing vaccines for high-risk but neglected pathogens, especially those for which commercial incentives are limited. They fund research, streamline regulatory pathways, and support global collaboration. Equally important is the establishment of global surveillance systems that can detect outbreaks early, enabling vaccine researchers to prioritize development targets. Equitable access to vaccines during global emergencies is another major concern. Ensuring that low- and middle-income countries receive timely supplies requires transparent procurement strategies, affordable pricing models, and regional manufacturing capacity. Animal reservoirs and zoonotic spillovers are common sources of emerging diseases, highlighting the importance of a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. As the world continues to face the dual challenges of pathogen evolution and climate change, proactive immunization strategies that anticipate and respond to emerging threats are essential. Investing in research, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering global cooperation are vital steps in building a more resilient vaccine ecosystem for the future.
Track 07: Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Cancer
Cancer immunotherapy aims to harness the power of the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. Among the most promising strategies in this field are cancer vaccines, which differ from traditional preventive vaccines by targeting tumors that have already developed. These therapeutic vaccines are designed to activate immune responses against specific antigens expressed on cancer cells, helping the body detect and destroy them more effectively. Dendritic cell vaccines are one such approach, where a patient’s immune cells are extracted, exposed to tumor antigens in the lab, and then reintroduced to stimulate a targeted immune attack. Personalized cancer vaccines that incorporate tumor-specific mutations, known as neoantigens, are also being developed using advanced sequencing and bioinformatics technologies. Another promising method involves targeting tumor-associated antigens that are overexpressed in certain cancers. These vaccines may be composed of peptides, proteins, or genetic material that instruct the immune system to focus on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Combining cancer vaccines with other therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors or cytokine therapies, can enhance their effectiveness by overcoming immune resistance mechanisms that tumors often develop. Clinical trials have shown encouraging results in melanoma, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers, although broad clinical success requires further optimization of delivery methods, adjuvants, and antigen selection. The use of messenger RNA and viral vectors is expanding in cancer immunotherapy, enabling rapid design and production of personalized vaccines. Additionally, novel delivery platforms are being explored to improve antigen presentation and boost immune memory. Cancer immunotherapy represents a transformative shift in oncology, offering hope for long-term remission and improved survival. As research progresses, integrating vaccines into multimodal cancer treatment strategies may redefine how we manage malignancies and improve patient outcomes across various cancer types.
Track 08: Vaccine Safety and Surveillance
Ensuring the safety of vaccines is a cornerstone of public health and essential to maintaining public trust in immunization programs. Safety monitoring begins long before a vaccine is licensed, with rigorous testing during preclinical and clinical phases. However, the process does not end at approval. Once a vaccine is in widespread use, ongoing surveillance is critical to detect rare or unexpected adverse events. This post-marketing monitoring is conducted through systems such as the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and the Vaccine Safety Datalink in the United States, along with similar platforms in other countries. Active and passive surveillance systems collect data from healthcare providers, patients, and manufacturers to identify potential safety signals. Statistical analyses help determine whether reported events are causally related to vaccination or are coincidental occurrences. When safety concerns arise, regulatory agencies may initiate in-depth investigations, adjust recommendations, or, in rare cases, withdraw a product from the market. Risk mitigation strategies play a key role in vaccine development and deployment. These include careful antigen selection, the use of safe adjuvants, rigorous clinical trial design, and transparent communication of risks and benefits to the public. New technologies like electronic health records and data mining tools have greatly enhanced the ability to monitor vaccine safety in real time. Additionally, standardized global frameworks allow regulatory authorities to share information and respond quickly to potential issues. Public confidence in vaccines depends not only on scientific evidence but also on how that information is communicated. Clear, consistent messaging from trusted sources is essential for addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Transparent safety monitoring and responsive healthcare systems help reinforce the integrity of immunization programs. Continued investment in surveillance infrastructure ensures that vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools in modern medicine.
Track 09: Immunoinformatics and Vaccine Design
Immunoinformatics combines computational science with immunology to accelerate the discovery and optimization of vaccines. By leveraging bioinformatics tools, researchers can analyze vast amounts of genomic and proteomic data to identify potential vaccine targets more efficiently than traditional experimental methods. One of the key applications is epitope prediction, where algorithms forecast which portions of a pathogen are most likely to elicit a strong immune response. These predicted epitopes can then be synthesized and tested, significantly reducing the time and resources needed in the early stages of vaccine development. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have further enhanced the ability to model host-pathogen interactions, predict population-wide immune responses, and optimize antigen structures for improved immunogenicity. These technologies allow the design of multi-epitope and chimeric vaccines that target multiple strains or variants of a pathogen simultaneously. In addition, immunoinformatics facilitates the personalization of vaccines by analyzing host genetic data, including human leukocyte antigen types, to tailor immunization strategies to specific individuals or populations. Database integration and visualization tools also support collaborative vaccine research across institutions, enabling real-time data sharing and accelerating the development pipeline. Synthetic biology complements this approach by allowing the rapid construction of vaccine candidates based on computational designs. This synergy between data science and immunology is especially valuable for addressing emerging infectious diseases, where time is critical. As immunoinformatics continues to evolve, it is expected to play an increasingly central role in designing safe, effective, and broadly protective vaccines. By reducing trial-and-error approaches and streamlining candidate selection, computational tools are helping scientists create more precise and adaptable immunization solutions for the future.
Track 10. Autoimmune Disorders and Vaccine Considerations
Vaccinating individuals with autoimmune disorders presents unique challenges that require careful assessment and tailored strategies. In these individuals, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, and any immune stimulation such as that caused by a vaccine must be approached with caution. The key concern is whether vaccination could trigger a flare-up of the autoimmune condition or contribute to the development of new autoimmune responses. However, extensive research shows that most vaccines are safe and beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases, especially since many of these individuals are at higher risk of complications from infections. Understanding the underlying immunological mechanisms of autoimmunity helps in designing safer vaccines for this population. Vaccine formulations that avoid strong adjuvants or unnecessary components may reduce the risk of overstimulating the immune system. Inactivated and subunit vaccines are generally preferred over live-attenuated vaccines, particularly in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, where the risk of live vaccines outweighs the benefits. Timing of immunization is also important. Administering vaccines during periods of disease remission and adjusting the dose or schedule in coordination with the patient’s treatment regimen can help improve safety and effectiveness. Ongoing clinical monitoring and post-vaccination surveillance are essential for identifying rare adverse events in individuals with autoimmune conditions. Medical providers play a vital role in assessing risks and benefits, addressing concerns, and ensuring that patients understand the importance of protection against infections. Educational outreach and evidence-based guidance help prevent misinformation from discouraging vaccination in this vulnerable population. As new vaccines continue to emerge, further research into autoimmune responses and personalized immunization strategies will support safer, more inclusive approaches. The goal is to ensure that individuals with autoimmune diseases receive the full benefits of immunization while minimizing risks, thereby contributing to broader public health goals.
Track 11: Global Vaccine Policy and Public Health
Vaccine policy plays a central role in shaping the global health landscape, ensuring that immunization programs are efficient, equitable, and responsive to population needs. Public health authorities around the world rely on scientific evidence, disease surveillance, and demographic data to formulate policies that define who should receive vaccines, when they should be administered, and how they should be delivered. Global organizations such as the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, support these efforts by providing technical guidance, funding, and coordination for low- and middle-income countries. These collaborations help countries build strong immunization systems and increase access to life-saving vaccines. Policy decisions must address a wide range of issues including procurement, pricing, licensing, and distribution logistics. In recent years, attention has turned to achieving vaccine equity ensuring that vulnerable populations, particularly in remote or underserved areas, are not left behind. During public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, international cooperation becomes even more critical. Initiatives like COVAX were created to promote fair distribution of vaccines across nations, regardless of income level. However, challenges such as vaccine nationalism and supply chain disruptions have highlighted the importance of transparency and preparedness. Effective vaccine policies also depend on public trust and acceptance. Policymakers must balance the need for broad immunization coverage with respect for individual rights and cultural differences. Education campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based communication strategies are key to overcoming misinformation and hesitancy. In addition, policies must be flexible to accommodate new scientific findings, emerging pathogens, and changes in population dynamics. As global health threats evolve, the integration of vaccine policy into broader health systems is essential. Strengthening health infrastructure, investing in workforce training, and improving data systems contribute to more resilient immunization programs. Ongoing international collaboration ensures that vaccine policy continues to advance public health goals, reduce disease burden, and promote health equity worldwide.
Track 12: Vaccines in Veterinary and Zoonotic Disease Control
Animal vaccination plays a vital role in both animal health and human disease prevention, especially in the context of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Veterinary vaccines are used to control a range of infections in livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. These include diseases like rabies, foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and brucellosis, all of which have significant economic and public health impacts. Controlling these diseases at the animal level helps prevent outbreaks in human populations and reduces the need for medical interventions. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, has become increasingly important in guiding vaccine strategies for zoonotic diseases. By vaccinating animals, especially those that serve as disease reservoirs or vectors, transmission chains can be interrupted before pathogens reach humans. This approach is particularly critical for preventing pandemics caused by novel viruses originating in animal populations. Vaccine development for animals follows a similar path to human vaccines, involving preclinical and field testing to ensure safety and efficacy. However, veterinary vaccines often require unique delivery methods and formulations suited to the species and context in which they are used. Oral vaccines, for example, are frequently used in wildlife and poultry populations. In addition, new technologies such as recombinant vaccines, DNA-based platforms, and live vector vaccines are enhancing the quality and durability of protection. The economic and logistical challenges of large-scale animal vaccination, particularly in developing regions, remain a barrier to widespread implementation. Government support, international partnerships, and public awareness are essential to maintaining effective veterinary immunization programs. Investments in animal health infrastructure and surveillance systems are also critical for early detection and response to zoonotic threats. Overall, integrating animal vaccination into global health strategies offers a powerful and cost-effective way to prevent disease outbreaks, protect food security, and safeguard both animal and human populations from emerging infectious threats.
Track 13. Immunosenescence and Vaccination in Aging Populations
Aging brings about profound changes in the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence. This gradual decline in immune function affects the body’s ability to mount effective responses to infections and respond robustly to vaccination. Older adults are more susceptible to diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19, and are at higher risk of complications and mortality. Therefore, enhancing vaccine effectiveness in aging populations is an important goal of public health. The immune response in older adults is often characterized by reduced production of new immune cells, a decline in the function of existing lymphocytes, and a diminished ability to develop long-term immune memory. As a result, traditional vaccines may generate weaker and shorter-lasting protection in this age group. To address this, researchers are developing specialized vaccines for older adults that use higher antigen doses, stronger adjuvants, or alternative delivery methods to boost the immune response. Examples include the high-dose influenza vaccine and the use of adjuvanted shingles vaccines, both of which have shown improved efficacy in elderly populations. In addition, research is exploring new approaches such as personalized immunization schedules, intradermal delivery, and the use of messenger RNA platforms tailored to overcome the limitations of aging immune systems. Public health strategies for older adults must also consider barriers to access, including mobility, comorbidities, and limited healthcare access. Outreach efforts, caregiver involvement, and integration with routine care for chronic conditions can improve vaccination rates. As global populations continue to age, it is vital that immunization programs adapt to ensure that older adults are not left vulnerable to preventable diseases. Promoting lifelong immunity and healthy aging requires a concerted focus on vaccine research, delivery, and education tailored to the unique needs of older individuals. With targeted strategies, vaccination can remain a powerful tool in improving quality of life and reducing disease burden in this growing population group.
Track 14: Personalized Vaccinology
Personalized vaccinology represents a new frontier in immunization science, aiming to tailor vaccine strategies to the genetic, immunological, and environmental characteristics of each individual. Traditional vaccines are designed for broad application across large populations, but responses to vaccination can vary greatly from person to person. Factors such as age, sex, genetics, microbiome composition, prior exposure to pathogens, and preexisting health conditions influence how well a vaccine works in each individual. Advances in genomics and systems biology now allow researchers to analyze these variables in greater depth. By examining genetic markers, such as variations in human leukocyte antigen genes, scientists can predict immune responsiveness and identify individuals who may need alternative formulations or booster schedules. Additionally, integrating microbiome data and immune profiling helps refine vaccine development to align with individual immune landscapes. Personalized vaccinology also holds promise in optimizing vaccine dosing, timing, and delivery methods. For example, immunocompromised patients or those with autoimmune disorders may benefit from customized schedules and non-traditional vaccine platforms that minimize side effects while maintaining efficacy. In pediatric and geriatric populations, individual risk assessments can improve immunization outcomes by ensuring timely and appropriate protection. Artificial intelligence and machine learning further enhance this field by processing complex data sets to predict vaccine performance across diverse populations. The ability to stratify patients by risk and immune potential will allow healthcare providers to offer more precise and effective immunization strategies. As personalized medicine becomes more widespread, personalized vaccinology will likely become an integral part of routine healthcare. This approach not only improves individual protection but also contributes to more efficient public health planning by maximizing the impact of immunization programs while reducing unnecessary interventions.
Track 15. Immunity to Respiratory Viruses
Respiratory viruses are among the most common and contagious pathogens, responsible for widespread illness and significant mortality, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions. Vaccines play a key role in preventing diseases caused by respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, and pneumococcus. Achieving effective immunity against these pathogens is challenging due to their ability to mutate rapidly and evade immune detection. Protective immunity to respiratory viruses involves both humoral and cellular immune responses. Antibodies neutralize the virus and prevent it from entering cells, while T cells eliminate infected cells and support long-term immunity. However, for viruses that mutate frequently, such as influenza, immunity from vaccination or natural infection may wane over time. This necessitates periodic updates to vaccine formulations and the administration of booster doses. Recent advancements in vaccine technology have improved the ability to respond to respiratory pathogens more quickly. Messenger RNA and viral vector platforms enable the rapid development of vaccines in response to emerging variants. Intranasal vaccines are also being studied for their potential to enhance mucosal immunity at the primary site of infection—the respiratory tract—offering an added layer of defense. Seasonal vaccination campaigns and global surveillance systems help anticipate outbreaks and support timely immunization efforts. Universal vaccine development is an ongoing area of research, aiming to produce broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of a virus. Public health measures, including education and access to vaccination, are critical to ensuring high coverage rates and minimizing community transmission. With respiratory viruses continuing to pose public health threats, maintaining and advancing vaccination strategies remains essential to reducing disease burden, hospitalizations, and mortality across all age groups.
Track 16: Vaccine Manufacturing and Bioprocessing
The production of vaccines is a highly complex and regulated process that involves multiple stages of development, testing, and scale-up to ensure quality, consistency, and safety. Vaccine manufacturing begins with the generation of the antigen—the component that triggers an immune response. Depending on the type of vaccine, this may involve growing viruses or bacteria in bioreactors, synthesizing proteins, or producing genetic material such as DNA or messenger RNA. Each of these approaches requires specialized infrastructure and stringent biosafety standards. Once the antigen is produced, it undergoes purification and is formulated with stabilizers, preservatives, and sometimes adjuvants to enhance immune response. Scaling up production from laboratory batches to industrial quantities poses numerous technical and logistical challenges. Maintaining uniformity across batches is critical, as even small deviations can impact vaccine efficacy or safety. Quality control and quality assurance are integrated into every phase of the process, including raw material inspection, in-process testing, and final product validation. Regulatory agencies such as the World Health Organization and national bodies enforce rigorous standards to ensure that vaccines meet international safety requirements before approval and distribution. Cold chain logistics are another essential aspect of vaccine manufacturing and distribution. Many vaccines must be stored at specific temperatures to remain effective, and any break in the cold chain can render doses unusable. This necessitates robust storage, transportation, and monitoring systems, particularly in remote or resource-limited regions. Advances in formulation science are addressing these limitations by developing thermostable vaccines that can be stored at room temperature. In response to global demand, manufacturers are investing in modular and flexible production platforms that allow faster response to emerging threats. The use of single-use bioreactors, automation, and real-time analytics is transforming vaccine bioprocessing into a more agile and efficient operation. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of decentralized manufacturing to improve supply chain resilience and equitable access. Building sustainable and responsive manufacturing ecosystems will be essential to meeting future public health challenges and ensuring the timely delivery of life-saving vaccines around the world.
Track 17: Mucosal Immunity and Intranasal Vaccines
Mucosal immunity represents the first line of defense against many infectious agents, particularly those that enter the body through the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts. Unlike traditional systemic immunity, which relies on circulating antibodies and immune cells, mucosal immunity focuses on localized immune responses at the site of pathogen entry. Secretory immunoglobulin A plays a central role in neutralizing viruses and bacteria before they can penetrate deeper tissues. Stimulating this type of immunity can provide rapid and robust protection, especially for diseases transmitted via the airways or digestive system. Intranasal vaccines are an effective way to harness mucosal immunity by delivering antigens directly to the nasal mucosa. This delivery route is non-invasive, needle-free, and suitable for mass administration, which is particularly beneficial for pediatric and elderly populations. By mimicking natural infection pathways, intranasal vaccines can stimulate both local and systemic immune responses. For respiratory pathogens like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2, this approach may offer enhanced protection at the very point of initial contact. Developing effective mucosal vaccines requires overcoming several challenges, such as ensuring antigen stability in the mucosal environment and achieving sufficient uptake by immune cells. Innovative delivery platforms, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and viral vectors, are being explored to improve antigen presentation and immune activation. Additionally, mucosal adjuvants are under development to enhance the potency and duration of immune responses without causing excessive inflammation. Oral vaccines targeting gastrointestinal pathogens also rely on mucosal immunity, with successful examples including rotavirus and cholera vaccines. These formulations must survive the harsh conditions of the digestive tract while still delivering the antigen to gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Mucosal immunology continues to be an area of active research, with the potential to revolutionize vaccine delivery, especially in the fight against rapidly spreading respiratory and enteric diseases.
Track 18: Adjuvants and Immune Modulators
Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response to the presented antigen. While some vaccines, like live-attenuated ones, are naturally immunogenic, others—such as protein subunit or inactivated vaccines—require additional stimulation to elicit a strong and lasting protective effect. Adjuvants work by activating innate immune receptors, promoting antigen uptake by dendritic cells, and modulating the immune environment to favor the desired type of response, whether it be antibody production, T cell activation, or memory formation. Aluminum salts, the most traditional adjuvants, have been used safely for decades in many childhood and adult vaccines. However, the growing complexity of vaccine targets has led to the development of more advanced adjuvants such as MF59, AS03, and CpG oligonucleotides. These new formulations offer enhanced potency and can be tailored to different immune profiles and disease contexts. They are especially valuable in populations with weaker immune responses, such as infants, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Immune modulators represent a newer class of substances that can direct the immune response more precisely. These may include toll-like receptor agonists, cytokines, or synthetic molecules designed to activate specific immune pathways. By combining antigens with targeted immune modulators, researchers can design vaccines that elicit stronger, longer-lasting protection with fewer doses. The selection and optimization of adjuvants and immune modulators is a critical part of vaccine development. Factors such as safety, compatibility with the antigen, and potential for side effects must be carefully evaluated. Continued research in immunology and formulation science is expanding the range of available tools for enhancing vaccine performance. As vaccines are developed for more complex diseases—including cancer, chronic infections, and emerging pathogens—adjuvants and immune modulators will play an increasingly vital role in achieving effective and durable immunity.
Track 19: Vaccine Hesitancy and Communication Strategies
Vaccine hesitancy, defined as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability, has become a significant public health concern in both high- and low-income countries. It stems from a complex mix of factors, including mistrust in healthcare systems, misinformation, cultural beliefs, religious concerns, and fear of side effects. Social media and digital platforms have amplified the spread of vaccine-related misinformation, making it more difficult for individuals to distinguish credible sources from harmful narratives. To address vaccine hesitancy, clear and consistent communication strategies are essential. Public health campaigns must be transparent about both the benefits and potential risks of vaccination, using evidence-based messaging that resonates with different audiences. Tailoring communication to the cultural, linguistic, and emotional contexts of specific communities is vital for building trust. Healthcare providers play a critical role in this process, as they are often the most trusted sources of information. Empowering them with up-to-date data and communication tools can improve vaccine uptake. Engaging community leaders, religious figures, and local influencers can also help overcome resistance by providing validation from within the community itself. Educational interventions targeting schools, parent groups, and workplaces can further support informed decision-making. Listening to concerns without judgment and providing respectful, scientifically sound responses is key to fostering a supportive environment. Behavioral science offers additional insights into promoting vaccination. Strategies such as reminder systems, default appointments, and social norm messaging have been shown to increase compliance. Transparency in vaccine safety monitoring and open reporting of adverse events also help reinforce public confidence. Combating vaccine hesitancy requires a sustained, multidisciplinary effort that includes healthcare professionals, scientists, educators, policy makers, and community members. By addressing the roots of hesitancy and strengthening communication, public health systems can ensure broader participation in immunization programs and protect communities from preventable diseases.
Track 20: Artificial Intelligence in Vaccine Research
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing vaccine research by accelerating discovery, optimizing design, and improving decision-making throughout the development pipeline. Machine learning algorithms can analyze massive datasets from genomics, proteomics, and immunological studies to identify potential antigens that are most likely to elicit protective immune responses. These algorithms can predict epitopes—the specific parts of an antigen recognized by immune cells—with a high degree of accuracy, allowing researchers to design more targeted and effective vaccine candidates. Artificial intelligence also plays a role in modeling how different populations might respond to vaccines, based on genetic diversity, age, or pre-existing health conditions. This information can be used to tailor vaccine strategies for specific demographic groups and improve overall efficacy. In the clinical development phase, artificial intelligence supports trial design by identifying optimal dosing, predicting adverse events, and monitoring real-time data for early signs of safety or efficacy issues. In vaccine manufacturing, artificial intelligence enhances process control, quality assurance, and supply chain logistics. Predictive models help optimize yields and minimize production delays. When integrated into surveillance systems, artificial intelligence enables rapid detection of disease outbreaks and emerging variants, allowing for quicker updates to vaccine formulations. This capability was particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where machine learning tools helped forecast the spread of the virus and supported rapid vaccine rollout strategies. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its integration with synthetic biology, immunoinformatics, and epidemiology will unlock new possibilities in preventive medicine. While ethical considerations and data privacy must be addressed, the potential for artificial intelligence to streamline research, reduce costs, and expand global access to vaccines is undeniable. This powerful technology is poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation vaccine development, transforming how we respond to current and future public health threats.