GLYCOVAX

A training network for the rational design of the next generation of well-defined glycoconjugate vaccines

INTRODUCTION

GLYCOVAX is a European Training Network (ETN) funded in the framework of H2020 Marie Skłodowska- Curie ITN programme. The GLYCOVAX network aims at the education of promising young scientists who will learn how to rationally design well-defined and innovative glycoconjugate vaccines to improve current preventive therapies and tackle unmet medical needs. GLYCOVAX is based on a profound interaction between the academic and industrial sectors, involving 9 academic groups and 2 industrial partners with complementary expertise in chemical/enzymatic synthesis of carbohydrates, conjugation techniques, high throughput screening technology, structural glycobiology, vaccinology and immunology. In this highly multidisciplinary environment 14 ESRs will be trained in the growing field of glycoscience and vaccinology, enriching their skills and combining different state-of-the-art methodologies for the rational design of innovative glycoconjugates.

TRAINING PROGRAMME

All the selected students will be involved in a highly stimulating training programme, both at the local and at the network-wide level. The training programme comprises:

1. The implementation of the individual research project at the host institution. The research project will involve collaborations with other GLYCOVAX institutions, to be implemented through secondments.
2. Each researcher will be involved in local training sessions.
3. Joint scientific courses and workshops will be organised by the GLYCOVAX consortium, together with short courses for transferable skills training, including a course on ethics.
4. The GLYCOVAX consortium will encourage the researchers to actively participate at international congresses in the glycoscience.
5. Visits at industrial sites or research centers will be performed in conjunction with the six workshops to put the students in direct contact with top levels scientific laboratories or manufacturing sites.