2025 Year in Review
In 2025, the International Vaccine Institute advanced its vision of a healthier world made possible by vaccination, turning years of collaboration into progress in vaccine innovation, equity, and access. Harnessing science, capacity building, and diplomacy, IVI expanded its infrastructure, strengthened partnerships, and engaged global leaders—all to fulfill our mission to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines. These highlights reflect the achievements and collaborations that defined IVI’s work in 2025.
Advancing action against neglected tropical diseases
Credit: IVI
IVI made strides in tackling neglected tropical diseases in 2025. A phase 1b schistosomiasis vaccine trial was completed in Burkina Faso, part of the IVI-led Vaccine Against Schistosomiasis in Africa project, advancing progress toward one of the leading vaccine candidates to tackle the disease. IVI co-led a global study mapping chikungunya risk to guide vaccine strategies. Together with the governments of Thailand and Sri Lanka, IVI convened a side event at the 78th World Health Assembly advocating for the inclusion of leptospirosis in the World Health Organization’s Neglected Tropical Diseases list.
Strengthening global health through an expanded international presence
Credit: IVI
IVI broadened its global reach with new infrastructure and partnerships advancing vaccine innovation and pandemic preparedness in 2025. The opening of IVI’s state-of-the-art Biorepository in Seoul created a vital hub for preserving up to 4 million biological samples to support vaccine and diagnostic development. IVI Collaborating Centers in Bhutan and Burkina Faso were inaugurated to expand regional research capacity in Asia and Africa. In Hong Kong, IVI launched the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute headquarters and lab together with the University of Hong Kong and University of Cambridge.
Accelerating research for emerging epidemic threats
Credit: Afrigen
IVI made strides in strengthening global readiness for future outbreaks through major collaborations this year. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, IVI kicked off a real-world study with consortium partners Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale and the Japan Institute for Health Security to provide data on an mpox vaccine. IVI also partnered with Afrigen Biologics to develop the world’s first human mRNA vaccine for Rift Valley fever. In Asia, IVI joined forces with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul National University, and ST Pharm to advance an mRNA vaccine against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Accelerating needle-free vaccination for measles and rubella
Credit: IVI/QuadMedicine
In partnership with QuadMedicine, IVI helped advance a microneedle patch designed to deliver measles-rubella vaccines without a traditional injection, as shown in the magnified images. The teams successfully developed and refined an innovative patch, coated with freeze-dried antigen, that produced strong immune responses in mice and performed as well as the standard vaccine which goes under the skin. While still in pre-clinical testing, these results mark an encouraging step toward future thermostable, needle-free measles-rubella vaccines.
Advancing global science through shared research and evidence
Credit: IVI
IVI scientists authored or co-authored at least 90 peer-reviewed publications in 2025—informing vaccine innovation worldwide. Among their peer-reviewed publications, a Lancet Global Health study mapped Africa’s evolving vaccine ecosystem, outlining pathways to regional vaccine self-reliance. Another IVI-led study demonstrated that a single dose of the Vi-DT typhoid conjugate vaccine delivers at least five years of lasting protection, while IVI’s study on antimicrobial resistance funding exposed global inequities and reaffirmed the vital role of vaccines in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Expanding cholera vaccine access through global partnerships
Credit: IVI
IVI’s long-standing cholera program and partnerships reached major milestones in 2025. Since transferring vaccine technology to EuBiologics in 2010, IVI’s partnership has helped deliver over 240 million doses of oral cholera vaccine to 52 countries—saving lives and expanding equitable access. Building on this legacy, IVI’s technology transfer to South Africa’s Biovac led to the launch of a clinical trial for a simplified oral cholera vaccine formulation, marking the first time an oral cholera vaccine is being manufactured end-to-end in Africa.
Building expertise for global vaccine self-reliance worldwide
Credit: IVI
IVI continued to deliver on its commitment to strengthen research and manufacturing capabilities in low- and middle-income countries this year. A new IVI-produced documentary showcased over a decade of capacity-building activities in Nepal, where partnerships with local hospitals and professionals have built sustainable clinical research capacity. Meanwhile, the Advancing Research Capacity in West Africa initiative with MRC The Gambia at LSHTM expands clinical research infrastructure, through training and enhancing regional preparedness for future epidemics.
Empowering the next generation of vaccine professionals
Credit: IVI
IVI empowered vaccine professionals through expanded hands-on learning and connections between early-career scientists and global mentors in 2025. IVI’s International Vaccinology Course, in partnership with Karolinska Institutet and the University of Rwanda, brought together over 275 participants from around the world, blending foundational science and pressing issues of the day. Through the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, with the World Health Organization and Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, IVI trained 375 participants and an additional 2,070 online. IVI launched advanced antimicrobial resistance training across Asia, combining practical data analysis with clinical leadership development. Regional programs like ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance training in Thailand, partnering with the National Vaccine Institute, and fellowships and visiting scholars from a variety of countries strengthened collaboration and local expertise.
Strengthening multilateral collaboration for global vaccine equity
Credit: IVI
In 2025, IVI’s Global Council continued to serve as a key platform for IVI’s international cooperation on vaccine research, development, and access. Council representatives convened for strategic dialogue and site visits to leading biomanufacturing facilities, deepening collaboration on research and development and pandemic preparedness. Later in the year, the Philippines was announced as the next Council President, signaling renewed regional leadership in advancing vaccine security, self-reliance, and equitable delivery worldwide.
Uniting health leaders to drive vaccine equity and resilience
Credit: IVI
In 2025, IVI brought together governments, researchers, and global health partners to accelerate progress toward equitable vaccine access and sustainable manufacturing. Through high-level side events at the African Union Summit, World Health Assembly, WHO Regional Committee for Africa, ASEAN, APEC, and the EDCTP Forum, and by co-hosting the Global Vaccine Forum, IVI convened cross-sector collaboration on priorities ranging from Africa’s vaccine self-sufficiency to group A Strep vaccine advocacy to novel vaccine development.
Building regional Nordic cooperation and resilience
Credit: IVI
IVI, in collaboration with CEPI and NIVI-D, helped unite partners from across the Nordic region to accelerate progress toward a more resilient future for global health in 2025. At the first Nordic Vaccine Conference, stakeholders identified shared strengths and new opportunities for cooperation in vaccine research, manufacturing, and preparedness. The gathering showcased the power of regional collaboration and set the stage for long-term action to strengthen pandemic readiness and vaccine equity.
Strengthening global coalitions for a resilient vaccine ecosystem
Credit: IVI
In 2025, IVI expanded its role in global collaboration networks that underpin equitable vaccine access. Joining WHO’s Coalition of Interested Parties Network and Global Clinical Trials Forum, IVI expanded its part in global efforts to strengthen regulatory and clinical trial capacity. Together with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, IVI joined CEPI’s Centralised Laboratory Network that is working on harmonizing vaccine evaluation standards to boost pandemic readiness.
Celebrating visionary leaders shaping the future of global vaccination
Credit: IVI
IVI honored outstanding contributors to vaccine innovation and global immunization in 2025. The IVI–SK bioscience Park MahnHoon Award recognized Prof. Pierre van Damme and Dr. Ananda Sankar Bandyopadhyay for leading global efforts to develop and roll out the novel oral polio vaccine type 2, and Ms. Luiza Helena Trajano and Ms. Svetha Janumpalli for pioneering nonprofit initiatives that strengthened immunization in Brazil and Nigeria. IVI also awarded its Founders Medal to Prof. John D. Clemens, celebrating his foundational leadership and impact on affordable oral vaccine development.
IVI extends its deep appreciation to the governments, foundations, partners, and collaborators whose support makes this work possible. Their shared purpose and commitment enable IVI to drive scientific advancement, strengthen local and regional capacity, and expand equitable access to life-saving vaccines. Together, we are helping build a healthier future for everyone, everywhere.
Published: 10 December 2025
