With the global landscape continually evolving, the significance of vaccines and immunotherapy in combating infectious diseases and advancing medical treatment has never been more pronounced.
Immunity for Health 2024, organized by Flanders Vaccine, aims to gather leading experts, researchers, industry professionals and government organisations to explore the latest advancements in the vaccine field, share insights, and foster collaborations to advance the development of vaccines for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
The Immunity for Health programme consists of Pre-conference workshops on vaccine clinical trials and Plenary sessions to learn from renowned experts in the field, a Pitch session, showcasing innovative breakthroughs, and plenty of networking opportunities during the breaks, networking reception or via our B2Match networking application, ensuring that you can easily engage with the participants before, during and after the event. The platform allows you to pre-book 1-1 meetings that will take place onsite during the event. Companies are encouraged to exhibit their technologies and products in the exhibition area.
Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your company’s visibility, engage with top leaders in the vaccine field and forge valuable partnerships to shape the future of immunological health solutions and vaccine development.
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Immunity for Health 2024 Supporting Partners
Confirmed Speakers
PROGRAMME
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Pre-conference workshops: Evolving Needs in Clinical Trials (14:00-17:30)
Workshop 1: Recruitment for vaccine trials
Moderator: Prof. Isabel Leroux-Roels, CEVAC, Ghent University/UZ Ghent
14:00 Welcome by Fran Van Heuverswyn, Flanders Vaccine
14:05 Recruitability of healthy participant clinical trials | Jelle Klein, Director CPU, SGS
14:20 Recruitment of healthy volunteers in vaccine research and its challenges | Fien De Boever, CEVAC, Ghent University
14:40 Benefits & Challenges in Recruitment for Human ChallengeTrials | Joren Raymenants, Vaccinopolis
15:00 Discussion Panel with the speakers
15:30 Coffee Break
Workshop 2: Impact of the European Clinical Trial Regulation
Moderator: Prof. Pierre Van Damme, Center for Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), University of Antwerp
16:00 Welcome by Fran Van Heuverswyn, Flanders Vaccine
16:05 First learnings from the European clinical trial regulation and its impact on research in Belgium | Jessica Van den Broeck, IQVIA
16:30 Perspective from a clinical investigator | Isabel Leroux-Roels CEVAC, Ghent University/UZ Ghent
16:45 Perspective from the Belgium National Competent Authority / FAMHP | Nele Steens, FAMHP
17:00 Discussion Panel with the speakers
17:30 Closing
Thursday 17 October 2024
Morning session: AI in vaccine development
09.30 Welcome
09.40 Transforming vaccinology in the era of artificial intelligence – Prof. Rino Rappuoli, Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena, Italy
10.10 The use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) in the development of mRNA vaccines – Fernando Ulloa Montoya, Sanofi
10.35 Revealing vaccine-induced T-cell responses using Artificial Intelligence – Pieter Meysman, Antwerp University
11.00 Coffee Break
11.30 Pitch Session: Innovation pitches
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Using high resolution data to explain inequities in vaccination coverage among children: An example from The Philippines, Sumbul Hashmi – EPCON
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Clinical translation of an mRNA cancer vaccine adjuvanted with alpha-galactosylceramide, Rein Verbeke – Ghent University
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Measuring the vaccine success index: a framework for long-term evaluation and monitoring of rotavirus vaccination, Baudouin Standaert – UHasselt
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Broad filovirus protection via NK cell activation and neutrophil phagocytosis in mice induced by a YF17D-vectored Sudan virus vaccine, Lara Kelchtermans – KU Leuven
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Enhanced self-amplifying mRNA enables protein production up to five months while reducing cytotoxicity, Pieter Vervaeke – Ghent University
- Vial transfer in closed system, Michael Jeanty – BECARV SA
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12.30 Lunch & Networking (1-1 meetings by B2Match platform)
Afternoon session: Immune Ageing & Adult Immunization
14.00 Immune Aging in Health and Disease – Prof. Leen Slaets, Hasselt University
14.20 Biomarkers of vaccine response to improve vaccination strategies in vulnerable groups – Prof. Debbie van Baarle, UMC, Groningen
14:45 Health Economics of Vaccines; conventional approaches and broader impacts illustrated with respiratory infections – Prof. Maarten Postma, University of Groningen
15:10 Adult Immunization Board: A platform to provide multidisciplinary guidelines for the implementation and optimization of adult immunization in Europe – Jade Pattyn, Antwerp University
15.30 Coffee Break
16.00 Panel discussion: The future of Immunotherapy & Vaccine R&D: Insights from the experts
16.40 Pitch Award & Closing Word
17.00 Reception & Networking
PITCH YOUR INNOVATIVE IDEAS
Scientists and young entrepreneurs, active in domains relevant to the theme of Immunity for Health, are invited to pitch their promising project results or innovative technologies.
The scientific committee will review all applications and select the pitches to present their project at Immunity for Health in Ghent, Belgium (only on-site presentations).
On the day of the event, a prize will be awarded for the best pitch.
JOIN THE CONFERENCE AS A SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR!
Yo
u can be part of Immunity for Health by applying for one of our Sponsorships.
Gain prominent exposure and recognition as PLATINUM SPONSOR of the conference, book your spot on the exhibitor market (spots are limited) or check out our Sponsorship brochure, outlining the various benefits available for your reference.
Flanders Vaccine members will receive a 15% discount on all our sponsorship packages.
Early deadline Sponsorship Application: 15 August 2024
NEW! Pre-Conference Sessions on October 16 !
Take advantage of this opportunity to host a session within your expertise field. This sponsorship will not only provide you with an increased visibility, but also offers you a seat at the pre-conference dinner, where you can join speakers, board members and strategic partners for an exclusive networking experience.
More information here !
Pitch Award Sponsor
Support innovation by sponsoring talented researchers, young entrepreneurs, or start-ups in the fields of immunotherapy and vaccine development. As Pitch Award Sponsor, you have the honor of presenting the award to the chosen best pitch during the closing remarks!
Check out our Sponsorship brochure to explore all our sponsorship opportunities.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Please note that we offer both early bird and regular tickets. The early bird rate is available until midnight on September 6th.
The ticket also includes access to the pre-conference workshops on October 16. Stay tuned for more upcoming information!
Early Bird fee (Deadline Sep 06):
- Academia/Public Institutions – Flanders Vaccine Member: 170 EUR
- Academia/Public Institutions – Flanders Vaccine Non-Member: 250 EUR
- Industry – Flanders Vaccine Member: 290 EUR
- Industry – Flanders Vaccine Non-Member: 390 EUR
- Students (bachelor/master, PhD students): 65 EUR
Standard fee (Deadline Oct 7):
- Academia/Public Institutions – Flanders Vaccine Member: 240 EUR
- Academia/Public Institutions – Flanders Vaccine Non-Member: 350 EUR
- Industry – Flanders Vaccine Member: 400 EUR
- Industry – Flanders Vaccine Non-Member: 550 EUR
- Students (bachelor/master, PhD students): 90 EUR
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Location: RodeBol Events
Address: CommunicationCampus, Sint-Denijslaan 485 – 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Parking: There is a parking available at the venue or in the nearby area, such as at the Snepkaai (download plan)
Accessibility: by car: TIP -> use WAZE (direct exit R4 is permanently closed)
Hotel Suggestions
Near the Venue:
In the City Center of Ghent:
We recommend booking early to secure your accommodation.