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VALIDATE is an international network of researchers developing vaccines against globally significant diseases caused by complex intracellular pathogens. We focus on three pathogen groups that cause substantial mortality and morbidity across the globe, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs): mycobacteria (causing tuberculosis (TB), leprosy and other diseases), the leishmanias (causing leishmaniasis), and Burkholderia pseudomallei (causing melioidosis). By working together, we will advance research more quickly and effectively.
Our Vision
VALIDATE’s vision is to accelerate vaccine R&D for our focus pathogens by creating an engaged and interactive community of researchers who form new cross-pathogen, cross-continent, cross-species and cross-discipline collaborations, generating new ideas, taking advantage of synergies and quickly disseminating lessons learned across the Network. We provide pump-priming grants for ground-breaking projects by members.
We also aim to facilitate continuing professional development (CPD) and career progression among our members, particularly Early Career and LMIC Researchers, by providing funding, training, a mentoring scheme, events, and other activities, as well as this central hub website highlighting job and training opportunities worldwide.
Becoming a member is free and easy – for details on how to join, click here.
Find out more:
VALIDATE's aims
The benefits of being a VALIDATE member
Our current members
Why vaccine R&D is important
"Without doubt, vaccines are among the most efficient tools
for promoting individual and public health"
- World Health Organization
- These three pathogen groups cause significant death and injury in populations most in need – those in LMICs. For example, TB kills 1.6million people every year; that's more than HIV or malaria (read more here)
- These diseases are linked to poverty and cause significant economic impact to sufferers in countries where there is no unemployment or sickness benefit and no free healthcare; people need to be able to work to afford to eat, and have to pay to be treated for their healthcare needs
- Because of these health and economic impacts, ending the epidemics of TB and other neglected tropical diseases, such as leishmaniasis, is UN Sustainable Development Goal #3
- Vaccines are one of the best public health strategies for combating infectious diseases – for example, smallpox, which killed 300-500 million people in the 20th century alone, is now extinct due to vaccination campaigns. Developing effective vaccines against TB, leprosy, leishmaniasis, or melioidosis could make a huge difference to people’s lives
