Human and Veterinary Vaccinology

Level and demands

Vaccinology is a cross-disciplinary subject and the most exciting developments in vaccinology have occurred when people from diverse research, business and medical backgrounds have used their skills to collectively tackle problems in vaccine design, manufacture and distribution.

Our course participants will therefore reflect the diversity of the subject and will come from business, academic, clinical and veterinary backgrounds. The course will be of particular interest to research scientists, programme managers, clinical trial coordinators, nurses, physicians and veterinarians. The course will be accessible to people already working in the field or to those who wish to enter the field.

If you’re uncertain whether this course is suitable for your requirements, please contact us at vaccinology@conted.ox.ac.uk with any questions you may have.

Programme details

The below programme may be subject to revision.

Each day will start at 9am (unless otherwise stated) and finish no later than 6pm. The exact timings will be confirmed closer to the start date.

All timings are GMT (UTC). A world clock, and time zone converter can be found here: https://bit.ly/3bSPu6D

Day 1 – Monday 5 October

• Welcome, introductions and course overview
• Prelude to human and veterinary vaccinology: scientific, manufacturing and regulatory synergies
• Introduction to pre-clinical immunology and antigen selection
• Introduction to vaccine platforms and efficacy testing
• Protein expression vaccine technologies
• Viral vector vaccine technology

Day 2 – Tuesday 6 October

• Guided walking tour of Oxford (morning)
• RNA vaccines
• Fundamentals of structural vaccinology
• Nanoparticles and VLPs in vaccine development
• Immune defence mechanisms in animals
• A new horizon in AI-powered cancer vaccine development
• Meet-the-speakers Q&A at The Oxford Wine Café, Little Clarendon Street

Day 3  – Wednesday 7 October

Hosted at The Pirbright Institute, Surrey (depart Oxford 08:00)

• An overview of veterinary vaccines and rational development of foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccines
• New vaccine platforms for Nipah virus and natural infections of livestock and animals as models for human diseases
• Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing (CVIM)
• Developing a vaccine against African Swine Fever
• Developing novel multivalent vaccines for poultry viral diseases

Afternoon – Tour of The Pirbright Campus including Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation & Manufacturing (returning to Oxford ~ 19:15)

Day 4  – Thursday 8 October

• Immune defence mechanisms in humans & immunomonitoring in clinical trials
• The clinical vaccine development process
• HPV vaccines
• Malaria vaccines
• Case study: HIV vaccine prophylactic & therapeutic combination trial 
• Global progress in TB vaccine development

Day 5 – Friday 9 October

• Human challenge models in vaccine development
• Late-stage clinical development of a vaccine against Nipah Virus
• Vaccine delivery systems
• The vaccine manufacturing process

Attending the in-person course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date.  

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information 

Online course information:

The online version of the course will be broadcast live on Microsoft Teams. You will have audio and video access to all the live sessions as they are taught in the classroom.

You will be able to ask questions via the ‘Chat’ feature on Teams and we will also provide two-way video/audio so you can see the tutors teaching and ask questions directly (you will need to use a connected device with a microphone for this such as a laptop or smartphone).

If you are taking the course online, you will not be able to participate in:

1. The walking tour

2. Tour of The Pirbright Institute

3. Meet-the-speakers Q&A

In order to successfully attend this course online, your connected device should meet the following IT requirements – https://onlinesupport.conted.ox.ac.uk/system-requirements/

Accessing the online course

Details about accessing the private MS Teams course site will be emailed to you during the week prior to the course commencing.  

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within three working days of the course start date.

IT requirements

For those attending the course remotely, the course will be streamed using Microsoft Teams. You will be required to follow and implement the instructions we send you to fully access Microsoft Teams on the University of Oxford’s secure IT network.

To participate you must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.

It is advised to use headphones with working speakers and microphone.

Prof Adrian Hill

Director, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford

Principal areas of research: Malaria vaccines, vectored vaccine development, immunogenetics of infectious disease susceptibility

Adrian Hill trained in medicine at Trinity College Dublin and the University of Oxford, qualifying in 1982. He undertook a DPhil with Sir David Weatherall and John Clegg at the MRC Molecular Haematology unit on the molecular population genetics of thalassaemia in Pacific Islanders. Following further clinical posts in London he returned to the newly opened Institute of Molecular Medicine in 1988 to study genetic susceptibility to malaria as a Wellcome Trust Senior Fellow. In 1995 he was awarded a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowship and in 1996 the title of Professor of Human Genetics. He participated in the founding of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in 1994, and in 2003 co-founded the Oxford Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, which he now chairs. In 2004 he participated in the restructuring of the Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research and in 2005 was appointed director of the new Jenner Institute. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, of Magdalen College, Oxford, and of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences

Dr César López-Camacho

Dr. César López-Camacho is currently a Senior Researcher at the Jenner Institute where he works on genetic-vaccine development for arthropod-borne pathogens, with a special interest in tick-borne pathogens.

He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and has held four postdoctoral positions in molecular biology, fidelity of gene expression, and vaccinology at UMASS Medical School-USA, University of Vermont College of Medicine-USA and the Jenner Institute at University of Oxford, respectively.
His contribution encompasses the development of a Zika virus vaccine, a Chikungunya virus vaccine and other vaccines for infectious agents (HPV, T. cruzi and malaria).
He is interested in antigen design and optimisation of antigen expression in vivo.

During the coronavirus pandemic, his scientific activity encompassed the design and protein production of SARS-CoV-2 antigens to be utilised as diagnostic tools, for coronavirus research applications and for the exploration of the immune responses in COVID-19 convalescent individuals.

In terms of intellectual property activities, he is an inventor and collaborator in vaccine-related patents and he is an author in more than 30 scientific publications related to vaccinology.  

Dr Aadil El Turabi

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (vaccinologist), The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford

Principal areas of research: Preclinical vaccine development and vaccine production systems, Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), vaccines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Over 18 years of cumulative experience in both industry and academic settings. Previous roles include Lead Scientist and Head of Protein Production and Bioprocessing in specialist biopharma SME (iQur Ltd, UK). Research training in Oncology research at Novartis (CH) and contract research services at Covance (UK).

More recently, expertise in bioprocess and protein purification has combined with an interest in molecular and structural virology to adapt biological nanoparticle assemblies for translational biomedical uses (e.g., vaccines). Research has focused on developing virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccines for chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Where further exploring immunological principles to improve vaccine designs (i.e., immune kinetics, immunomodulation, isotype switching). Additional projects included addressing vaccine supply issues for established and innovative vaccines to improve compatibility/ engagement with developers in LMIC settings (Future Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub, Vax-Hub). Currently, Co-Investigator leading a pan-EU consortium studying biomarker species for applications towards personalised medicine approaches for neurodegenerative diseases (OligoFIT).

Recent projects within the groups of Prof Martin Bachmann and Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert (DBE) have been on preclinical vaccine development and vaccine production systems, respectively

Prof Jayne Hope

Senior Research Fellow, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh

Prof Hope obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Biological Sciences (Microbiology) from the University of Birmingham, UK in 1991, and a PhD degree from the University of Manchester, UK, in 1994. She then carried out postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester (1994-1996) and Kings College School of Medicine and Dentistry (1996-1997). Between 1997 and 2011 Dr Hope worked at the Institute for Animal Health carrying out research into bovine tuberculosis (TB) and immune mechanisms that lead to protective immunity. Dr Hope moved to The Roslin Institute in August 2011.

Dr Rebecca McLean

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher, The Pirbright Institute

Principal areas of research: Zoonotic infectious diseases, vaccine development, One Health, porcine immunology

Rebecca McLean completed her Bio-veterinary Science undergraduate degree at Harper Adams University, graduating in 2013. She then went on to complete a PhD with Dr David Griffiths, Prof Gary Entrican and Prof Jayne Hope at The University of Edinburgh on the development of a lentiviral based vaccine vector for the use in livestock. In 2018, Rebecca moved to The Pirbright Institute to focus on the development of porcine vaccines against Nipah virus to safeguard human health.

Dr Chris Netherton

Principal Investigator, African Swine Fever Vaccinology, The Pirbright Institute

Chris Netherton runs the African Swine Fever Vaccinology group and has been investigating different aspects of the life cycle of African swine fever virus (ASFV) for over twenty years.

His studies on ASFV have encompassed analysis of individual viral proteins right through to herd transmission experiments. Chris’ earlier work on ASFV focussed on intracellular virus-host interactions with a strong emphasis on cell-biology.

Prof Munir Iqbal

Group Leader, The Pirbright Institute

Professor Munir Iqbal is Head of the Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) group at The Pirbright Institute and visiting professor at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Munir obtained Veterinary Medicine and MPhil degrees in Pakistan and a PhD in Biotechnology at Imperial College London in 1991. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool and the University of St Andrews, before joining the Institute in 1996. Currently, he is leading a number of research projects aimed to define the impact of AIV genetic changes on the ability of the virus to evade immune responses, cause increased disease severity and allow cross-species transmission. He is also leading the development of new multivalent vaccines and diagnostics for better control of avian respiratory viruses like avian influenza, Newcastle disease, avian adenovirus and avian metapneumoviruses.

Dr Elizabeth Clutterbuck

Elizabeth is a BRC and James Martin School funded Post Doctoral Researcher in the OVG lab, mainly working on B cell studies based around the clinical trials.
Prior to working in OVG she completed an MSc in Immunology at Kings College London, followed by an 18 month post as a Guest Researcher in the Respiratory Diseases Branch at CDC in Atlanta.

Elizabeth’s main focus now is on B cell responses to vaccine antigens and has developed assays to identify antigen specific B cells by ELISpot and Flow Cytometry. This work has been applied to studies both in the UK and in Fiji where the data are being used to help optimise pneumococcal vaccine schedules.

Susanne Hodgson

Clinician Scientist, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford

Prof Rachel Tanner

Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford

Rachel obtained an MA in Biological Sciences (Wadham College) and a DPhil in Clinical Medicine (St Cross College) from the University of Oxford. She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Jenner Institute and a Lecturer in Human Sciences at Wadham College. Rachel’s research interests are the host immune response to tuberculosis vaccination and immune correlates of protection. Her DPhil focussed on the development of in vitro functional assays that may be applied in preclinical vaccine testing to reduce the number of animals used in challenge experiments, in line with the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement of the use of animals in scientific procedures). Following this, she led the development of a non-human primate mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA), and a work-package subgroup on assay harmonisation as part of the European Research Infrastructures for Poverty Related Diseases (EURIPRED). Rachel currently holds a UKRI-funded VALIDATE Fellowship to characterise the humoral immune response to BCG vaccination to inform the design of improved TB vaccines.

Prof Helen McShane

Professor of Vaccinology, Wellcome Senior Fellow, PI, Head of TB vaccines group, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford

Principal areas of research: MVA85A Tuberculosis Vaccine (BCG booster vaccine).

Helen McShane obtained an intercalated BSc in 1988, and then a degree in medicine in 1991; both from the University of London. After junior hospital posts during which she obtained MRCP in 1994, she worked as a registrar in Infectious Diseases and HIV/GU medicine for 3 years. She then began a PhD with Adrian Hill in 1997, and was awarded a PhD in 2001, also from the University of London.

In 2001 she was awarded a Wellcome Clinician Scientist Fellowship to establish a translational programme of vaccine research evaluating new TB vaccines in the clinic. This fellowship also allowed her to complete her clinical training and she was awarded a CCST in HIV and GU Medicine in 2003.

In 2005, she was awarded a Wellcome Senior Clinical Fellowship, which she took up in 2006. Her research team continues with the programme of translational vaccinology, and is involved in developing new assays for monitoring vaccination induced cellular immune responses, developing a BCG challenge model in humans and the aerosol delivery of vaccines.

Prof Anita Milicic

Jenner Investigator, Vaccine Formulation and Adjuvants, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford

Dr. Milicic studied Molecular Biology and Physiology at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, before completing an MSc in Genetics and DPhil in Immunology at the University of Oxford, UK. In 2009 Dr. Milicic joined the Jenner Institute in Oxford as the Head of the Adjuvant Facility.

Dr. Milicic now leads the Vaccine Formulation Group, focusing on vaccine adjuvant development in the context of malaria vaccines, with a key emphasis on the adjuvant mechanism of action. Additionally, in collaboration with the Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBME), is developing new microfluidics-based vaccine encapsulation technologies for controlled vaccine release. The aim is to achieve single-dose immunisation that could replace the standard prime-boost approach.

Dr. Milicic’s overall interest is in the mechanisms of immune activation, in particular the interplay between the innate and the adaptive immunity. Vaccine development, with a focus on vaccine adjuvants, provides the ideal base for such studies. Current research includes exploring the mechanism of action of adjuvanted vaccines using different vaccine platforms and clinically-compatible adjuvants developed by the Vaccine Formulation Institute in Geneva. In another adjuvant-focused project, with the support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, they are studying the initial events in adjuvant-induced inflammation ex vivo. Using adjuvant-stimulated human secondary lymphatic tissue, in combination with single cell transcriptomics and hyperplexed imaging, they aim to create a high-resolution map of the early innate immune responses to clinically relevant vaccine adjuvants.

Dr. Milicic is a Core Group member and Working Group leader in the EU COST Action Programme ENOVA (European Network of Vaccine Adjuvants), and is also the Jenner Institute lead for Public Engagement with Research.

Prof Sandy Douglas

Group Head / PI, University of Oxford

I am an academic clinician and hold a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship for Clinicians (i.e. Career Development fellowship). My main interests are the development of antibody-inducing vaccines against the sporozoite stage of malaria and the development of a novel thermostable rabies vaccine.

In earlier work, I identified the potential of PfRH5 as an antigen capable of inducing highly potent strain-transcending neutralising antibodies against the disease causing blood-stage of Plasmodium falciparum and demonstrated that PfRH5-based vaccines could achieve in vivo protection against a virulent P. falciparum challenge. These vaccines are now in clinical trials.

To be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate. 

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will also be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the “book now” button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or personal records, please contact the course administration team on vaccinology@conted.ox.ac.uk

Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer.

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.

Module code: O26C002C9Y

When applications are open, click the ”Book now” button at the top of this page.

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