VALIDATE Directors' Fund Update #2
Taking place 27 January 2027, 09:00 GMT
Online Via Zoom
VALIDATE Members Only
About the Seminar
VALIDATE Directors’ Fund Update #2
27 January 2027, 09:00–10:00 GMT | Online
Join Dr Stephen Muhi and Dr Andy Tran to hear about their exciting VALIDATE-funded projects supporting human challenge studies for Buruli ulcer and the development of affordable laboratory equipment.
In 2025, VALIDATE launched the Directors’ Fund, offering grants of up to £5,000 for innovative activities supporting research, career development, capacity building and public engagement within VALIDATE’s remit.
Our Directors’ Fund seminar series gives awardees an opportunity to share progress, discuss challenges and explore the potential outcomes and benefits of their work.
Dr Stephen Muhi, University of Melbourne & Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
M. ulcerans challenge agent clinical-grade manufacture
This project supports the development of a human challenge model for Buruli ulcer through the manufacture of a clinical-grade Mycobacterium ulcerans challenge agent. Producing a frozen bacterial stock suitable for clinical use is a foundational step towards studies that could enable the evaluation of Buruli ulcer vaccines in humans.
Dr Andy Tran, City St George’s, University of London, UK
Design and development of an open-source ELISpot reader enabled by 3D printing
This project aims to make laboratory equipment more accessible by developing two affordable, open-source ELISpot readers using computer-aided design and 3D printing. The readers will be offered to VALIDATE members through an application process. The project also aims to produce an openly available manufacturing guide, enabling other researchers to reproduce and adapt the equipment.
There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentations.