The VALIDATE Network has reached a significant milestone, welcoming its 1000th member. This achievement is a testament to the growing global commitment to developing vaccines for neglected diseases that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Launched in 2017 with just 32 members across eight countries, VALIDATE (VAccine deveLopment for complex Intracellular neglecteD pAThogEns) has grown into one of the leading international research networks dedicated to accelerating vaccine development. The organisation focuses on three groups of neglected yet significant pathogens: Mycobacteria (causing diseases such as TB and leprosy), Leishmania spp. (leishmaniasis), and Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis).

This international research network, based at the University of Oxford and Stellenbosch University, is directed by Stellenbosch University Professor of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Samantha Sampson. It now connects researchers from more than 80 countries who are working to combat diseases that cause considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in LMICs.

"When VALIDATE began, we set out to build a truly global, collaborative community linking researchers across disciplines, diseases, and regions. Reaching 1000 members from 80 countries clearly reflects how strong and globally connected this community has become," Sampson said.

Impact and achievements

Since its establishment, VALIDATE has awarded more than R65 million (£3.5 million) in Fellowship and Pump-priming grants, resulting in 86 novel, peer-reviewed publications to date. The network’s activities have stimulated around R480 million (£25.5 million) in follow-on funding to members and to VALIDATE from top global funders.

Through its dedicated career development network, VALIDATE has supported early career researchers as well as LMIC scientists through mentoring, training, and travel grants. It has also run a range of online seminars and workshops annually focusing on global research and other key topics, and organised annual meetings and in-person scientific workshops on three continents, where researchers collaborate and share findings.

Voices from the network

Dr Zimvo Obasa, a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University, said being awarded a VALIDATE fellowship created an opportunity "to play a key role in advancing TB vaccine discovery."

Obasa’s research focuses on assessing various nanoparticle formulations as potential vaccine carriers and therapeutic agents against all forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. "This work also serves to accelerate nanomedicine while collaborating with a seasoned global community of researchers."

Paula Niewold, a postdoctoral student at the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Infectious Diseases research group, whose research focuses primarily on identifying immune cell interactions that determine or contribute to tuberculosis disease outcomes, said VALIDATE has allowed her to expand her global network while stimulating her career development through access to resources.

Millicent Lamptey, a research assistant at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), works in a team focusing on mycobacterial diseases, particularly host-pathogen interactions in TB. She said VALIDATE has "given me access to resources and a global TB network that continues to shape my work by providing valuable feedback."

"Vaccines save lives, and my long-term goal is to help stop TB by turning research into effective vaccines. It's about time those bugs were stopped," she added.

On what excites her about the future of VALIDATE, she said: "We will grow bigger and better, connecting tens of thousands of scientists worldwide, and through concerted efforts, effective vaccines will be developed against VALIDATE pathogens."

Nastassja Kriel, a TB researcher at Stellenbosch University whose work focuses on the prevention of persister bacteria*, said the VALIDATE network has transformed her research career. "As a VALIDATE fellow, I managed my first independent grant. In addition to funding my research, this fellowship allowed me to further develop my project management skills.

"I have developed fantastic friendships with other VALIDATE members. We support each other with advice and encouragement."

She said what excites her most about the future of VALIDATE is: "Expanding my collaborative network with researchers from around the globe."

*Viable but non-replicating and antibiotic-tolerant bacteria which prevent effective sterilization of TB infections. These dormant bacteria have the potential to reactivate and cause disease following completion of TB treatment.