Vaccine development

Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München:  Research at the Institute of Virology is geared toward pathogenic human viruses such as hepatitis viruses, HIV, poxviruses or SARS virus.  Their study focuses on molecular details of the viral replication cycle, host-pathogen interactions and the role of immunity in viral diseases. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and an immune monitoring unit.  In spring 2013, the Global Virus Network met in Munich to discuss the topics of control of chronic and emerging viral infections. The workshop highlighted the Durability of Vaccine-induced Immune Response, and was led by GVN Co-Founder and International Scientific Advisor, Dr. Robert Gallo and Ulrike Protzer, among other speakers at the event.

The Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre (AIDRC) is a multidisciplinary research centre linking research groups with expertise in virology, bacteriology, parasitology and clinical research at the University of Queensland (UQ) and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMRB). AID’s mission is to utilize leading technologies to identify, understand and prevent infectious diseases. The primary strength of the Virology discipline at the AID is in arbovirology, primarily flaviviruses and alphaviruses. AID also has internationally recognised expertise in HPV, HIV, MERS, Ebola and RSV.

The Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA) is the animal health research program of the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), a public company of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia (Spain). CReSA is located at the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), working in a new and technologically advanced building with conventional laboratories as well as biocontainment with level-3 biosecurity (BSL3) laboratories and animal facilities. The mission of CReSA is to contribute to the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge on animal health by means of research, knowledge transfer and services to public and private bodies. The long term objective is to globally improve all aspects of animal health that influence the agri-food sector and public health. CReSA researchers’ expertise includes pathology, immunology, bacteriology, virology, entomology, epidemiology and molecular biology, as well as disease animal models. Viral research is focused on endemic and exotic viruses affecting mainly livestock (swine, ruminants and poultry) and occasionally wildlife. Zoonotic viruses including animal influenza viruses, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever virus and MERS-coronavirus are nowadays significant poles of research.

The Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology (MIP) Department is comprised of over 400 individuals who share a common passion for solving some of the most important human and animal health problems today. Research programs include those related to mycobacteria, retroviruses, prions, and arthropod-borne infectious diseases, as well as the diagnostic investigation of naturally-occurring animal diseases. A leader in education, MIP provides the only microbiology undergraduate degree program in Colorado, a graduate program that provides training in a number of cutting-edge disciplines, and several specialized veterinary residency training programs.

Karolinska Institute (KI) is one of the world’s leading medical universities. Their mission is centered toward research and education, to help improve people’s health. In Sweden, Karolinska Institute accounts for over 40 per cent of the medical academic research and has the largest collection of medical education. Since 1901 the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and several alumni have won the prestigious award.

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) represents the UK’s largest grouping of human and veterinary virologists. More than 20 principal investigators and their associated teams make up the research core of the CVR creating a critical mass of researchers dedicated to the study of human and animal viral diseases. We carry out multidisciplinary research on viruses and viral diseases, translating the knowledge gained for the improvement of health and benefit of society. Research at the CVR spans molecular, structural and cellular levels through to the individual host and affected population, thus integrating molecular and structural virology, cell biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and mathematical modelling. Our research covers emerging viruses including arboviruses, innate and intrinsic immunity to virus infection, hepatitis C virus, viruses and cancer, structural virology, viral genomics and bioinformatics.

Originally founded in 1892, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases aims at carrying out extensive and original research projects on a variety of contagious diseases from the standpoint of preventive medicine, improving human health and welfare by suppressing infectious diseases, and clarifying and supporting the scientific background of health and medical administration of the government. These functions may be summarized into 1) research activities, 2) reference services for infectious diseases, 3) surveillance of infectious diseases, 4) national control tests and other tests, 5) international cooperation, and 6) training activities.

Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system requires innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why the University of Melbourne – a world leader in education, teaching and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital – an internationally renowned institution providing outstanding care, research and learning –partnered to create the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute); a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and is composed of ten academic departments. As the first independent, degree-granting institution for research and training in public health, and the largest public health training facility in the United States, the Bloomberg School is a leading international authority on the improvement of health and prevention of disease and disability. The school’s mission is to protect populations from illness and injury by pioneering new research, deploying its knowledge and expertise in the field, and educating scientists and practitioners in the global defense of human life. The school is ranked first in public health in the U.S. News and World Report rankings and has held that ranking since 1994.

The Pirbright Institute is a world leading centre of excellence in research and surveillance of virus diseases of farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. We receive strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and work to enhance capability to contain, control and eliminate these economically and medically important diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience. The Institute employs around 450 staff plus research students and visiting scientists. and has recently moved to one campus in Pirbright, Surrey, where investment by BBSRC has resulted in a redevelopment of the site and the construction of a high level biosecurity facility – the BBSRC National Virology Centre: The Plowright Building and a containment level two facility, The Jenner Building.
The Pirbright Institute provides the UK with capacity to predict, detect, understand and respond to the threat and potential attack of serious viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans. These viral diseases may not be present in the UK (endemic) and only circulating abroad (exotic).The Institute’s science strategy is delivered through three strategic programmes: Avian Viral Diseases; Livestock Viral diseases and Vector-borne Viral Diseases.