IVI names Prof. Faith Osier inaugural Director of its new Kenya Country Office
19 August 2026 — The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) announces that Prof. Faith Osier has been appointed inaugural Director to launch its newly established Kenya Country and AVEC Africa Project Office. She will oversee the international organization’s operations in Kenya in close partnership with the IVI Africa Regional Office, key Kenyan government authorities, and external partners to support Africa-wide initiatives on end-to-end vaccine research and development.
Prof. Osier is an internationally recognized immunologist and vaccinologist with extensive experience in vaccine research and scientific leadership. She is Chair of Immunology and Vaccinology at Imperial College London and previously served as Executive Director of the Human Immunology Laboratory at IAVI. Earlier in her career, she led research teams in Kenya and Germany focused on developing highly effective malaria vaccines.
Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, said, “Prof. Osier brings exceptional scientific leadership, deep experience in vaccine research, and a strong commitment to building sustainable capacity in Africa. We are delighted that she will take on this new leadership role and look forward to working with her to expand partnerships and strengthen end-to-end vaccine capabilities in Kenya and across the continent.”
Prof. Osier said, “I am delighted to take on this role at an important time for vaccine research and development in Africa. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners in Kenya and across the continent to strengthen locally led research, development, and manufacturing and improve access to vaccines where they are needed most.”
The Kenya Country and AVEC Africa Project Office supports the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities in Africa (AVEC Africa) project, which focuses on strengthening the African vaccine ecosystem by connecting and enhancing institutions and expertise across the vaccine value chain.
IVI looks forward to Prof. Osier’s leadership in advancing vaccine research and development, partnerships, and capacity in Kenya, across Africa, and beyond.
