Bridging Topic: Vaccines
Our goal is to support the development of vaccine candidates against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens and strengthen preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.
Vaccines have a long history dating back to the 18th century. Since their introduction, they have been instrumental in combating diseases such as smallpox, polio or diphtheria and have saved millions of lives. A particularly striking example is the use of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The development of new vaccines is of immense importance to meet the challenges of the modern world. Emerging pathogens and new viral variants pose additional challenges for vaccine development. International travel and trade can facilitate their spread, while climate change can alter the geographic distribution and transmission of certain pathogens. Multidrug-resistant bacteria also pose an ever-greater threat. The ongoing development and adaptation of vaccines to new challenges are thus of utmost importance to protect human health worldwide.
Researchers at DZIF and in initiatives that have emerged from DZIF projects are working on various prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, including candidates against the Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B, MERS and malaria.
Mission of the Bridging Topic "Vaccines"
As an advisory body within the DZIF, the Bridging Topic "Vaccines" group consolidates and strengthens vaccine activities. Its discussions address innovative ideas, technologies and platforms as well as the challenges faced by ongoing projects.
The group supports DZIF’s research areas and the Executive Board by providing advice on strategic questions in vaccine development and fostering collaboration among researchers.
To this end, it develops recommendations on vaccine development priorities and the further development of DZIF’s vaccine portfolio and strategy, and prepares proposals for the Executive Board. Its goal is to build a portfolio of high-quality vaccine development projects and promising candidates. Through these activities, the group aims to advance promising vaccine candidates toward clinical application.
Events
The following workshops on the Bridging Topic have been held so far:
- Information about the 1st workshop in March 2024 (Frankfurt am Main)
- Information about the 2nd workshop in December 2024 (online)
- Information about the first joint workshop with the Bridging Topic “Antibody-Based Therapies” in November 2025 (Cologne)
- Information about the 4th workshop in September 2026 (Frankfurt am Main)
