The Emory Vaccinology Training Program (VTP) was created in response to an urgent need to train a new generation of researchers in the field of vaccinology. Vaccines have made an unparalleled contribution to preventive medicine – their successful introduction and widespread use has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, the elimination of wild polio virus from most parts of the world, and a 95 percent or greater reduction in morbidity within the United States as compared to representative 20th century rates for at least six other vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. While vaccines do hold great promise for reducing disease burden, a new generation of scientists is needed to address difficulties that have plagued efforts to develop and deliver additional needed vaccines for infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis and for other disabling diseases such as cancer and dementia.
The training objectives and goals of the Emory VTP include:
- To inspire and attract outstanding postdoctoral trainees to pursue interdisciplinary training in preparation for a vaccinology research career
- To provide each trainee with a mentoring team for their training, collaborative research project experience, and vaccinology career preparation
This program is sustained through funding from the NIAID of NIH under grant 5T32AI074492.
Program Information
The Emory Vaccinology Training Program (VTP) was initiated in 2009 with NIAID funding through a T32 training grant. Our program is focused on postdoctoral fellows. Over time, the program has expanded due to generous add-on funding from additional sources, including the CDC and the AIDS Vaccine 200 Bike Ride. These resources have enabled us to train even more fellows each year.
Eight years into the program, we have trained 15 fellows (MD, PhD, and MD-PhD). We are currently training five fellows in vaccinology research, with more than 60 peer-reviewed publications. The breadth of training experiences reflects the broad array of disciplines comprising vaccinology research: behavior, immunology, microbiology, field research, clinical trials, translational research, vaccine safety, and policy. More information on our training content opportunities can be found throughout our website.
The VTP has a strong, dedicated faculty and an expert advisory committee that assists with trainee selection. Our trainees have gone on to fill important roles in vaccinology research and related fields.
Research Training Sections
- Pathogenesis and vaccine discovery
- Innate and adaptive immunity to antigens
- Translation, delivery, and clinical trials
- Vaccine epidemiology and health policy
- Vaccine safety
Training and Educational Opportunities
Responsible Conduct of Research (Ethics)
Course Description: N/A
Vaccines and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (GH 571)
This course will help fellows develop an in‐depth understanding of epidemiological, biological, and applied aspects of commonly used vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) of public health importance. The course content will be structured to review specific vaccines and VPDs (rather than overarching aspects of immunization programs covered in GH 566/EPI 566). Where relevant, the course lectures will use examples from both developed and developing countries.
Immunization Programs and Policies (EPI 566)
Provides an introduction to the entire spectrum of vaccines and immunization, including basic bench research through testing, licensure, and use; program design, implementation, and evaluation; and social, economic, and political factors affecting the use of vaccines. Primary emphasis will be on the international setting, but examples will also be taken from developed countries. Cross-listed with GH 566.