The network provides a series of activities, events and opportunities through the academic year. Information on upcoming events and past events can be found below.
Upcoming events
Join us for the New Horizons in Vaccine Research joint seminar between 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the University of Ghana on 8th June 2026, 13:00–15:00 BST, organised by the Vaccine Student Research Network.
This cross-institutional event brings together four speakers from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the University of Ghana to share interdisciplinary perspectives on vaccine research, spanning immunology, development and manufacturing, health systems, and global health policy.
The event is open to both students and staff. Please , and feel free to share it with colleagues.
About the speakers
Professor Faith Osier – Faculty of Medicine, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø London
Prof. Osier is an internationally recognised immunologist whose research focuses on naturally acquired immunity to malaria and the development of effective vaccines. Her work integrates fundamental immunology with translational studies to identify immune mechanisms that protect against infection. Prof. Osier has led multidisciplinary research programmes across Africa and the UK, contributing to global efforts in vaccine development and capacity building in immunology research.
Professor Nilay Shah – Faculty of Engineering, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø London
Prof. Shah is a leading expert in systems engineering, whose research applies mathematical modelling, optimisation and digital technologies to complex industrial and healthcare challenges. His work spans sustainable manufacturing, energy systems, and data-driven decision-making in health and bioprocessing. Prof. Shah has led numerous cross-sector collaborations and has been recognised for his contributions to engineering innovation and policy.
Dr Richmond Owusu – School of Public Health, University of Ghana
Dr Owusu is a Senior Lecturer in Health Policy, Planning and Management, with research interests in health systems strengthening, immunisation policy and economic evaluation. His work focuses on improving the efficiency and equity of vaccination programmes, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Dr Owusu contributes to policy-relevant research aimed at informing national and global immunisation strategies.
Abdul Karim Ibrahim – UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health
Abdul Karim Ibrahim is a Senior Communications and Policy Advisor with extensive experience in global health advocacy and public policy. His work focuses on engaging parliamentarians and stakeholders to strengthen political commitment to health equity, including immunisation and pandemic preparedness. He has contributed to strategic initiatives aimed at shaping health policy and advancing international cooperation on global health challenges.
Past events
- Ai in science and vaccines workshop | Online workshop | 20 May, 14:30 - 16:00
- Transition from Academia to Industry | Online Workshop | 26 April, 15:00 - 16:00
- New horizons in vaccine research (online) | 25 January 2025 | 13:00 - 15:00
- Bioscience Vaccine Seminar (online) | 15th January | 14:00 - 16:30
- Vaccine Student Research Network Conference 2025 | 9 September, 9:00 - 17:00
- Vaccine Student Research Network Conference 2024 | 10 September, 9:00 - 17:00
Are you a postgraduate student interested in Artifical Intelligence (AI) tools?
Have questions regarding pros and cons of AI in science, education and research?
Join us for our online workshop to learn more about the effective use of generative AI in your studies and daily life, precision prompts, bias identification, machine learning in research and much more. We will hear from three experts who will share their insights and experience with AI tools in science, education and vaccine research, followed by an interactive Q&A session!
Are you a postgraduate student exploring career options beyond academia?
Have questions regarding Industry Research, Culture, work-life balance?
Join us for our online workshop to hear about the career path of two speakers who will discuss their perspectives on moving from academia to industry, pros and cons, career tips and much more, followed by a Q&A session.
Speakers
Dr Ann-Sophie Gautron
Director of Translational Sciences
Allison Maher
51³Ô¹ÏÍø PhD Student
Are you a postgraduate student interested in the latest advances in vaccine science?
Have questions regarding innovations, strategies and incentives in vaccinology?
Join us for a cutting-edge online seminar diving into the latest breakthroughs in vaccine development and implementation. Leading experts from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and The University of Ghana will share insights into novel vaccine platforms, emerging technologies, vaccine economics and promising clinical advances followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Join us for the cross-faculty online Bioscience Vaccine Seminar on the 15th January 2024, 14:00-16:30 organised by the Vaccine Student Research Network. Four excellent speakers from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College and beyond, with a keynote talk from Professor Robin Shattock, will present the current advancements in the field of vaccines with interdisciplinary perspectives: from business to manufacturing and clinical trials.Open to both students and staff attendants. Please refer to the below seminar advert for more information and feel free to share it with other colleagues.
Seminar speakers:
- Dr. Ferdinando Insalata (51³Ô¹ÏÍø, FoE) - From Physics to COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness: connecting the random dots of a stochastic journey
- Dr. Zoltán Kis (University of Sheffield) - Innovating and digitalising mRNA vaccine and therapeutics production processes
- Dr. Simon Barton (NHS England) - HIV - can we eliminate transmission without a vaccine?
- Professor Robin Shattock (51³Ô¹ÏÍø, FoM) - Self-amplifying RNA vaccines - current advancements [Keynote presentation]
The Student Research Network (SRN) — comprising the Drug, Vaccine, and Food SRNs — is excited to invite you to its in-person annual conference on 9th September 2025 at the Sir Alexander Fleming Building (SAF), South Kensington Campus, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Reconnect with peers and meet students and staff from across 51³Ô¹ÏÍø,
- Stay informed on the latest research developments across all three SRNs,
- Present your work to academics, industry professionals, and fellow postgraduates,
- And most importantly, enhance your CV through formal presentation experience, academic recognition, and networking exposure.
Presenting at a conference shows initiative, communication skills, and academic engagement — qualities that are highly valued by employers, PhD programmes, and funding bodies alike.
We welcome contributions from postgraduate students across all 4 faculties, and you can present either a poster or an oral presentation.
Spaces are limited, so please complete the short form below to express your interest as soon as possible.
The annual Vaccine Student Research Network conference is a multidisciplinary event, being hosted on the 10th of September 2024 in Lecture Theatre G34, SAF building, in South Kensington. This conference is a great opportunity to showcase your work no matter how it considers vaccines or vaccine-related subjects. This conference is a great opportunity to meet fellow scientists working and learn about the cutting-edge research happening across 51³Ô¹ÏÍø!
All MRes and PhD students from across the college are invited to register for the conference and will be expected to submit an abstract for a 10-minute oral presentation and/or research poster. Students in year 2+ of their PhDs are highly encouraged to apply for an oral presentation. All abstracts will be published in conference proceedings. The conference will be attended by students from a range of disciplines and scientific background related to vaccines across the college therefore it is important to consider the audience in your abstract and presentations (maximum word count 350 words)
Deadline for abstract submission is 31st August 2024
The network brings together students from across ICL working in fields relevant to vaccines and provides opportunities for networking, collaboration, community, and cross-disciplinary learning. The Vaccine Student Network is led by students with each faculty having a student network manager representative. Further information about the network can be found on our webpages.
Conference details:
Date: Tuesday, 10th September 2024 (9:30 – 17:00)
Location: Lecture Theatre G34, Sir Alexander Fleming Building (SAF), South Kensington Campus, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
The conference is a student-focused 1-day event. Participants are invited to showcase their research and are given an opportunity to network and develop professionally. This event will be attended by students from a range of disciplines related to vaccines across the college. The conference programme will be circulated in due course. The conference will be attended by academic staff and external partners.
We are delighted to confirm that Professor Chris Chiu (Head of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Network for Vaccine Research) will be the keynote speaker at our conference.
General enquiries
Dr Maggie Trela
Director of Vaccine Student Research Network
Commonwealth Building,
Hammersmith Campus
Email: m.trela@imperial.ac.uk