VALIDATE Annual Meeting 2026 brings global vaccine researchers together

From 23–25 June, more than 80 researchers from 26 countries gathered in Cartagena, Colombia, for the eighth VALIDATE Annual Meeting.

Across three days of presentations, posters, discussions and structured networking, delegates shared research spanning tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, melioidosis, Buruli ulcer and leprosy. The meeting showcased work supported through VALIDATE’s Fellowship and Pump-Priming Grant schemes, alongside keynote presentations, updates on funding opportunities and more than 35 research posters.

The event also created valuable opportunities for researchers at all career stages to form new international connections, with 82% of attendees reporting that they had identified a potential new collaboration.

Read the full Annual Meeting 2026 report, or visit the VALIDATE Hub to view photographs and videos from the event.