TRANSVAC Academy delivers EVI-led vaccinology, grant management and writing trainings in Accra
- EVI
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Updated: May 6
A dynamic series of training courses has taken place in Accra, Ghana, as part of TRANSVAC Academy. The courses were led by the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) and are designed to strengthen capacity in vaccine research and development (R&D), with a particular focus on supporting professionals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
April 2025
Organised under the TRANSVAC Academy framework, the programme offers highly practical and interactive training aimed at supporting vaccine researchers, developers, and managers in navigating the complex landscape of vaccine R&D and funding. The courses are tailored to equip participants with the essential skills to write, secure and manage research grants, as well as to understand key aspects of translational vaccinology—from early discovery to clinical development.
"In the past, we saw great demand for vaccine-related trainings from across Africa for TRANSVAC trainings events in Europe. Bringing the event to Accra made it not only more accessible for African trainees but also allowed the inclusion of experienced professionals from across Ghana as lecturers, leading to fuller discussions of local challenges and solutions. In my opinion, this was a considerable success and represents the first step of what we hope will become a long-term partnership between EVI and our African partners”, said William Martin, TRANSVAC Academy Coordinator, from EVI.
A cornerstone of the Academy’s mission is to make these high-quality trainings broadly accessible and inclusive. A select group of applicants from LMICs received travel and accommodation support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), ensuring equitable access to training opportunities.
Supporting Networks and Partnerships:
The trainings were organized by the EVI in partnership with the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC), with speakers from both institutes included in all 3 trainings. The trainings also featured speakers and trainees from the Ghana Food and Drug Authority’s Vaccine, Vigilance and Clinical Trials Directorate. Participants included fellows from numerous initiatives, including the AdvanceVac4PM and Malaria Vaccine Pilot Evaluation-Case Control (MVPE-CC) consortiums (coordinated by EVI and KHRC, respectively).
The Accra sessions mark another milestone in the TRANSVAC Academy’s ongoing efforts to build global vaccine R&D capacity and support the next generation of vaccinology professionals. Previous courses have been held across Europe and partner regions, contributing to a growing network of skilled researchers equipped to respond to infectious disease threats worldwide.
Looking ahead, EVI remains firmly committed to empowering researchers through equitable access to high-quality training to strength the global response to emerging infectious diseases and advancing the development of life-saving vaccines.
The registration and travel grants for LMIC applicants are generously sponsored by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
