Translational Vaccinology

6 ECTS / Annual / Portuguese

Intended learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students):

The course's objectives are to provide students with a set of skills for scientific research work in vaccinology.  

The aim is to prepare scientists with knowledge and understanding of the main topics in vaccine development, including immunological principles, vaccine design, production methods, preclinical testing/ validating proof of concept and progress towards clinical evaluation. Lessons will also touch on ethical issues associated with the equitable distribution of vaccines and topics on trust and hesitancy in vaccination. Recent lessons and challenges from the COVID-19 global pandemic and similar relevant examples will be used to highlight real-world experiences. 

Theoretical practicals will see students conduct in silico vaccine design, considering the appropriateness of specific platforms for a particular target. (Elements may include database mining sequences, using available bioinformatics tools to identify regions of interest, and selecting the right vaccine type to deliver an adequate protective response.)    

The student should develop: 

  • knowledge of the historical evolution of vaccinology and development of types of vaccines; 
  • knowledge of the advances in production approaches for various vaccines; 
  • knowledge of skills for vaccine testing and evaluation at pre-clinical and clinical levels; 
  • knowledge of the basic principles of vaccination and applications for preventing diseases;  
  • knowledge of the ethical issues and associated barriers to equitable distribution of vaccines  
  • Knowledge of the issues affecting trust and contributing to vaccine hesitancy. 

Syllabus:

Half of the seminars will be synchronous remotely due to the speaker's inability to attend in person (8 h).   

Theoretical-practical

  • In silico vaccine design, using bioinformatics tools  
  • Group project presenting an article on aspects of vaccine development from the literature 

Seminars

  • External professors or researchers will be invited to present their work and practical applications in vaccine development. 
  • Virtual seminars for guest speakers unable to attend in person.  

Programs: