2026May 13-14, 2026ROCKVILLE, MDwww.idcrc.orgANNUALMEETING
May 13, 2026We welcome you to the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Infectious DiseasesClinical Research Consortium (IDCRC). In our final year of the grant, wevalue taking the time to come together to recognize, celebrate, and honorthe values that IDCRC and the Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units(VTEUs) bring to the scientific research community.Whether you are joining the meeting in-person or virtually, we lookforward to sharing updates from across the Leadership Group (LG), VTEUs,and NIAID Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID). Thisyear’s meeting agenda aims to highlight the achievements of the VTEUsand the IDCRC network over the past six years. We will also have guestpresentations by Dr. Jacques Ravel (University of Maryland) on thereproductive tract microbiome and Dr. Peter Wright (Dartmouth) onmucosal immune responses to vaccines. Finally, we are looking forward tothe planned mentee panel discussion, highlighting the mentoring programexperience and future directions.For our in-person attendees, we hope you also take the time to visit ourposter session, hosted on the Garden level on Wednesday, May 13th, from11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m.Welcome again to the IDCRC Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeingand hearing from each of you as we come together over the next twodays.Best Wishes,WELCOME David S, Stephens, MD IDCRC Leadership Group ChairJames D. Campbell, MD, MS IDCRC Leadership Group Vice Chair
Meeting Information 1Agenda - Day 1 2Poster List 3Agenda - Day 2 4Spotlight: IDCRC Mentorship Program 5-6Spotlight: IDCRC Pilot Award Recipients 7-8Spotlight: CID Supplement 9VTEU Highlights 10-19Notes 20Please share any pictures of theannual meeting eventsby [email protected] MEETING SURVEYhttps://tinyurl.com/IDCRC-2026PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS
Main Meeting Room: Grand Hall (1D13)Overflow Room: Terrace (1D06)Food & BeverageReception & Awards CeremonyMay 13, 20266:00 PM - 7:30 PMOutlook BallroomCanopy by Hilton Washington DC/Bethesda North940 Rose AvenueNorth Bethesda, MD, 20852Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the reception.Groups are encouraged to independently coordinatedinners following the reception.Individual lunch orders may be placed for group delivery.Wednesday, May 13, 2026Check-In: 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM*Main Meeting: 9:00 AM - 3:45 PMBreakout Sessions: 3:45 PM - 5:00 PMThursday, May 14, 2026Check-In: 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM*Main Meeting: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PMORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY 9:30AM EACH DAY.The Coffee Zone7:30 AM - 2:30 PMOn-site coffee bar offering coffee and espresso drinks, snacks,and a selection of grab & go salads, sandwiches, and wraps.MEETING INFORMATION1*Please allow extra time to get through security
9:00 AM – 9:10 AMWelcome and Opening RemarksDr. Jodie Dionne 9:10 AM – 9:40 AMIDCRC State of the NetworkDr. James Campbell and Dr. David Stephens 9:40 AM – 9:55 AMCID Supplement & History of the NetworkDr. Nadine RouphaelSee p9 for CID Supplement article links 9:55 AM – 10:30 AMNIAID UpdatesDr. John H Powers 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM VTEU Spotlight: University of MarylandAntibody-mediated transport of Shigella antigensand immune priming in the human gutDr. Jose Lemme 11:00 AM – 11:15 AMGroup Photos11:15 AM – 12:15 PMPoster SessionGarden LevelSee p3 for Poster List 12:15 PM – 1:15 PMLUNCHEarly Stage Investigator Lunch BreakoutCoordinator Lunch Breakout1:15 PM – 1:20 PMIntroduction to next segment1:20 PM – 1:50 PMVTEU Spotlight: VanderbiltFrom Critical Illness to C. difficile: Tools forTranslational ResearchDr. C. Buddy Creech 1:50 PM – 2:20 PMVTEU Spotlight: Cincinnati Children’sDissecting the Immunologic Drivers of Rejection:Infection vs. Immunosuppression FailureDr. Hilary Miller-Handley2:20 PM – 2:35 PMBREAK2:35 PM – 3:05 PMVTEU Spotlight: Baylor College of MedicinePandemic Threat Technology Center (PTTC):Infrastructure development of diagnostic tools andsurveillance systemsDr. Erin Nicholson3:05 PM – 3:35 PMSpecial Presentation: Translating our Understanding of the VaginalMicrobiome to Innovate for Women’s HealthDr. Jacques Ravel3:35 PM - 3:40 PMDay 1 Closing Remarks3:45 PM – 5:00 PMBreakout Sessions (by invitation only):CoordinatorsRespiratory EWG Concept WorkshopSTI EWG Concept WorkshopAGENDA: DAY 12
1 A Zika blockade-of-binding assay exemplifies astrategic serological approach for arboviruspreventionMatthew Collins, Emory University2 Phase 1, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebocontrolled Study to Evaluate the Safety andTolerability of an Enterovirus D68-specific MonoclonalAntibody in Healthy AdultsC. Buddy Creech, Vanderbilt University3 Safety and Immunogenicity of a Campylobacter jejunicapsule polysaccharide conjugate vaccine deliveredwith and without Army Liposome Formulationadjuvant containing QS-21 in a Randomized, Doubleblind, Dose-escalating, Outpatient Phase 1 TrialRobert Frenck, Cincinnati Children’s4 Vaccination with a live attenuated tetravalent denguevaccine (DMID 09-0055) induces durable dengue typespecific memory T cells, neutralizing antibodies, andanti-NS1 antibodies in flavi-naïve volunteers in a nonendemic areaSarah George, Saint Louis University5 Strengthening Vaccine Trial Engagement ThroughCommunity Partnerships and Early-Career Training: APublic Health ApproachLuis Gonzalez Corro, New York University6 Evaluating Predictors and Patterns of ScreeningLaboratory Abnormalities among University ofWashington Phase 1 Clinical Trial ParticipantsJessica Heimonen & Tara Babu, University ofWashington7 Rabies Vaccination to Assess Vaccine Immunogenicityto a Neoantigen After B cell Depleting ChimericAntigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell TherapyLauren Jatt, University of Washington8 Respiratory and Nonrespiratory Complications inChildren Hospitalized with Influenza in the Post-2009H1N1 Pandemic EraSatoshi Kamidani, Emory UniversityPOSTER LIST9 Exposure-Response Evaluation of IV Artesunate inChildren with Severe Malaria in Tororo, UgandaMatthew B. Laurens, University of Maryland10 Respiratory Infection Diagnostics: What PhysiciansWant.Kelly Mazumdar, University of Rochester11 A Phase 1 Study of Inactivated Rotavirus VaccineCDC-9 in Healthy AdultsLauren Nolan, Emory University12 Hantavirus vaccine-derived antibody from Phase 1clinical trial is sufficient to protect against lethaldisease in model of hantavirus pulmonary syndromeGrant Paulsen, Cincinnati Children’s13 Long-Term Maternal Neutralizing AntibodyResponses After RSVpreF Vaccination in Pregnancy: ALongitudinal Cohort Study Anne-Marie Rick, University of Pittsburgh14 ‘Tis the Season: Epidemiologic Factors for aCombination Vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus,Human Metapneumovirus, and Parainfluenza VirusChristina Rostad, Emory University15 Measuring Measles Binding IgG via Multiplex BeadAssayMarie Samanovic-Golden, New York University16 Early Trends in Quality Metrics Across NYU LangoneVaccine Center StudiesShruthy Shankar, New York University17 Comparative Analysis of CardiovascularComplications in Hospitalized Adults with RSV andOther Respiratory VirusesPaulina Sudnik, University of Rochester3
9:00 AM – 9:05 AMWelcome, Outline Day 2 AgendaDr. Jodie Dionne 9:05 AM – 9:35 AMPanel: Early Career Investigator ProgramModerator: Dr. Zanthia WileyDrs. Brett Jagger, Erin Nicholson, Anne-Marie Rick 9:35 AM – 10:05 AMVTEU Spotlight: New York UniversityVaccination Under Fire: When InflammationCompromises Vaccine ImmunityDr. Ramin Herati 10:05 AM – 10:35 AMSpecial Presentation:Lagniappe in Clinical ResearchDr. Peter Wright 10:35 AM – 10:45 AMBREAK 10:45 AM - 11:15 AMVTEU Spotlight: University of WashingtonLARC2 Updates and Using Challenge Trials to IdentifyCellular Correlates of Protection for MalariaDr. Lauren Jatt 11:15 AM – 11:45 AMVTEU Spotlight: Kaiser PermanenteEvaluation of qualified ELISA and neutralization assaysfor RSV endpointsDr. Sasha Larsen Akins 11:45 AM – 12:15 PMVTEU Spotlight: University of RochesterHuman metapneumovirus neutralizing antibodyresponse following vaccination of older adults withprefusion F Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccinesDr. Paulina Sudnik12:15 PM – 1:15 PMLUNCHRespiratory EWG Concept Workshop (continued)STI EWG Concept Workshop (continued)1:15 PM – 1:20 PMIntroduction to next segment1:20 PM – 1:50 PMVTEU Spotlight: Saint Louis UniversityA Pilot Controlled Human Infection Study of ImmuneCorrelates of Protection after Intranasal Challengewith Influenza A/Texas/71/2017 (H3N2)Dr. Brett Jagger 1:50 PM – 2:20 PMVTEU Spotlight: Emory UniversityDMID 24-0003 PROMISE Study: Interim AnalysisDr. Christina Rostad2:20 PM – 2:30 PMClosing Remarks & Wrap-upDr. David Stephens4AGENDA: DAY 2
SumanthCherukumilli, MDCohort 3DanielleFayad, MDCohort 3NinaPrasanphanich,MDCohort 3Felicia ScaggsHuang, MD, MSCCohort 1ZheyiTeoh, MDCohort 1HannahBahakel, MDCohort 2AndyCox, MD, PhDCohort 2AndrewFleming, MDCohort 3RobertPitts, MDCohort 3Angelica CifuentesKottkamp, MDCohort 1MartinBacker, MD, FAAPCohort 1LalithaParameswaran,MD, MPHCohort 2DanielGraciaa, MD,MPH, MSCCohort 3CassieGrimsleyAckerley, MDCohort 3ZanthiaWiley, MDCohort 1ChristinaRostad, MDCohort 1ErinScherer, PhD, DPhilCohort 1SatoshiKamidani, MDCohort 2PaulinaRebolledo,MD, MSCCohort 2SabihaHussain, MDCohort 3JenniferWhitaker, MD, MSCohort 1ChristineAkamine, MDCohort 1ErinNicholson, MDCohort 2JillWeatherhead,MD, PhDCohort 2SPOTLIGHT: IDCRC Mentorship ProgramThe support and training of young clinical investigators within theVaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU) infrastructure has been a major focus of the IDCRCwith a goal of supporting a diverse range of investigators engaged in vaccine-focused research. Innovations in Career Development ThroughMentoring in the VTEU/IDCRC ProgramsDanziger-Isakov L, Ofotokun I, Johnstone K, Edwards KMClin Infect Dis. 2025 Oct 10;81(Supplement_2)Where are they now? links tomentee biographieshttps://idcrc.org/trainingBaylor College of MedicineCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterEmory UniversityNYU Grossman School of Medicine5
NatalyaBeneschott, MDCohort 3Stephanie Rolsma,MD, PhDCohort 2ShannonWalker, MDCohort 2E. ChandlerChurch, MD, MSCCohort 3LaurenJatt, MDCohort 3Helen StankiewiczKarita, MDCohort 1Tara BrinckReid, MD, PhDCohort 1TaraBabu, MDCohort 2ChaseCannon, MDCohort 2PaulinaSudnik, MDCohort 3ThinzarWai, MBBS, MHA, MSCohort 3Maryrose RoblesLaguio-Vila, MDCohort 1Karen LorenaCarvajalVasquez, MDCohort 1DanielCroft, MD, MPHCohort 2ChristopherPalma, MDCohort 2Anne-MarieRick, MD, MPH, PhDCohort 3Cristina TomatisSouverbielle, MDCohort 3KatiaBruxvoort, PhDCohort 2MauricioKahn, MDCohort 2MeaganDeming, MD, PhDCohort 1MonicaMcArthur, MD, PhDCohort 1ElizabethHammershaimb, MDCohort 2University of MarylandUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterThe University of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of WashingtonVanderbilt University Medical Center University of PittsburghNationwide Children’sSaint Louis UniversityJaredFrisby, DOCohort 1BrettJagger, MD, PhDCohort 2ZacharoulaOikonomopoulou, MDCohort 26
SPOTLIGHT: IDCRC Pilot Award RecipientsThe IDCRC has supported a total of 15 Early Career Investigator Pilot Awards.See below for more information about their research.Meagan Deming, MD, PhDUniversity of MarylandSeasonal coronavirus immunity andeffects on SARS-CoV-2 immuneresponseErin Scherer, PhD, DPhilEmory UniversityAnti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Fcglycosylation and its role in COVID19 immunopathologyJayaum Booth, PhDUniversity of MarylandHuman intestinal TRM: Distinct crossreactive responses against entericpathogensStephanie Rolsma, MDVanderbilt University Medical CenterPopulation PK/PD of Beta-Lactams inCritically Ill Children and AdultsFei Gao, PhDFred Hutch Cancer CenterStatistical methods for evaluatingvaccine efficacy against asymptomaticand symptomatic infections usinginfrequent diagnostic testing dataDaniel Graciaa, MD, MSc, MPHEmory UniversityEpigenetic immune changes afterBCG vaccination in adultsVanessa Raabe, MD, MScNew York UniversityCross-reactive IgG antibodies to MiddleEast respiratory syndrome coronavirusfollowing SARS-CoV-2 vaccination orinfectionTara Reid, MD, PhDUniversity of WashingtonSingle cell analysis of human secondarysyphilis skin lesions to measure innateand pathogen-specific immuneresponsesCycle 1 - 2021-2022Cycle 2 - 2021-2022Cycle 3 - 2022-2023Where are they now? links to Pilot Awardeebiographieshttps://tinyurl.com/IDCRCpilot7
Cycle 5 - 2024-2025Cycle 6 - 2025-2026Cycle 4 - 2023-2024Andrew Cox, MD, PhDCincinnati Children's Hospital MedicalCenterDeciphering the spatial relationships ofnatural killer cell immunoregulationJuan Calix, MD, PhDUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamLinking multidrug resistantAcinetobacter infections to extendedsubclinical carriageJose Lemme, PhDUniversity of MarylandAntibody-mediated immunity to Shigellain the human gut to inform vaccine effortsStephanie McLaughlin, MD, MPHUniversity of WashingtonCervical Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infectionand Host Vaginal Risk Factors: VaginalMicrobial Dysbiosis and pHLaura Matrajt, PhDFred Hutch Cancer CenterMathematical simulations based on populationmodels of SARS-CoV-2 dynamics to evaluate theimpact of study design for vaccine effects onSARS-CoV-2 transmissionTara (Tia) Babu MD, MSCIUniversity of WashingtonEvaluating Recruitment and Enrollment ofHeterogenous Study CohortsDaniel Gromer MD, MScEmory UniversityThe Immunogenicity-ReactogenicityRelationship Among PandemicInfluenza Vaccines8Jennifer Clinton, PhDBaylor College of MedicineHarnessing host immunomodulation:CXCR3 antagonism as a novel flavivirustherapeuticBrett Jagger, MD, PhDSaint Louis UniversityCross-clade Humoral Immune Responseselicited by H5N1 Highly Pathogenic AvianInfluenza VaccinesHannah Bahakel, MDCincinnati Children's Hospital MedicalCenterImmunogenicity of PCV20 in PediatricSolid Organ Transplant RecipientsLauren Jatt, MDUniversity of WashingtonAntibody-mediated immunity to Shigellain the human gut to inform vaccineeffortsEsther Ndungo, PhDUniversity of MarylandContribution of the breast milkmicrobiome to Shigella incidence inyoung children
SUPPLEMENT ARTICLES:Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Units: Why Support a “Ready Base” of Clinical Trial Sites?Emily J. Erbelding and Jeanne M. MarrazzoVaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units: A Historical PerspectiveRobert B. Belshe, David I. Bernstein, Kathryn M. Edwards, Sharon E. Frey, Wendy A. Keitel, Myron M. Levine, John J. Treanor, and Peter F. WrightInclusion of Women, Children, the Elderly, and Individuals With Underlying Medical Conditions: Prioritizing Vulnerable Populations inClinical ResearchKatia J. Bruxvoort, Hannah Bahakel, Judith M. Martin, Jennifer L. Nayak, Stephanie L. Rolsma, C. Mary Healy, and C. Buddy CreechEmerging and Pandemic Pathogens: Lessons Learned From a Clinical Research NetworkRobert L. Atmar, Getahun Abate, Meagan E. Deming, Sarah L. George, Andrew Fleming, Sharon E. Frey, Kirsten E. Lyke, David S. Stephens,Carlos Del Rio, and Hana M. El SahlyInnovations in Career Development Through Mentoring in the VTEU/IDCRC ProgramsLara Danziger-Isakov, Igho Ofotokun, Kellei Johnstone, and Kathyrn M. EdwardsBaptism in a Pandemic: Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Consortium Network Design for Readiness and ResponseJodie A. Dionne, James D. Campbell, Jodi Salim, Robert L. Atmar, C. Mary Healy, Christine M. Posavad, Britta Flach, Elizabeth R. Brown, MonicaM. Farley, and David S. StephensHistorical Advances in Clinical Trial Design and Expanding Representation as the New Frontier for InnovationKathryn Jano, Tara M. Babu, Angelica C. Kottkamp, Paulina A. Rebolledo, Lalitha Parameswaran, Zanthia Wiley, Angela R. Branche, and KarenKotloffFrom Yesterday to Tomorrow: How Vaccine Platforms Have Shaped the Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation UnitsDavid M. Dobrzynski, Daniel S. Graciaa, Tara M. Babu, Rhea N. Coler, Grant C. Paulsen, Daniel F. Hoft, Sharon E. Frey, Kathryn M. Edwards, LisaA. Jackson, and Wilbur H. ChenFuture Goals and Long-term Vision of the Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Consortium/Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation UnitNetworkJennifer A. Whitaker, Matthew H. Collins, Paulina A. Rebolledo, David Dobrzynski, Marie I. Samanovic, Daniel Hoft, David S. Stephens, andChristina A. RostadSPOTLIGHT: Clinical Infectious Diseases SupplementInfectious Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (IDCRC) andVaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEUs): A Review15 October 2025 Volume 81 Supplement 2https://academic.oup.com/cid/issue/81/Supplement_2This supplement, guest-edited by Nadine Rouphael, MSc, MD, chair of the Publications Key Function Committee and EmoryVTEU principal investigator, features a range of articles that explore key aspects of the network’s history, structure,achievements, innovations, and lessons learned. It highlights the value and impact of the collaborative partnerships amongthe National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the IDCRC Leadership Group, and the IDCRC VTEUs, as well asthe global network of partner sites, all working together to improve the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases andto respond effectively to public health emergencies.The supplement also outlines the network's long-term vision to continue leading advancements in vaccine science,therapeutics, and mentoring the next generation of clinical and translational researchers to combat infectious diseases andenhance health and well-being for all.We invite you to explore these important discussions that shape the future of clinical research and public health responses.Congratulations to the more than 50 authors who contributed to the manuscripts, and special thanks to Dr. Rouphael.9
The 2019-2026 VTEU cycle launch was a baptism by fire. At a time when ourcolleagues went remote and into telehealth, we moved to the frontlines anddelivered on the many decades of training and experience in developingvaccines and therapeutics against Covid-19. It was an exhilarating time: newcollaborations, cutting edge science with less red tape, and a sense ofpurpose. The years that followed could not capture the “research high” thatsustained us in the early years of the VTEU cycle, despite some moments ofbrilliance. Nonetheless the latter years planted important seeds: researchconcepts that aimed to tackle novel approaches to influenza vaccination,controlled human infection models, population immunity, and neurosyphilismanagement, to name a few. If the VTEU storied past is an indicator, theseseeds will be some of the next public health advances the network couldachieve beyond 2026 under the steady and visionary leadership of NIAID.Leadership Reflections Leadership ReflectionsBaylor College of Medicine VTEU Highlights10Key StatsHana M. El Sahly, MDThe BCM VTEU led the development of the COVE Phase 3 clinical trialwhich set the harmonization standards across Operation Warp Speed,and was at the forefront of Covid-19 pandemic response in Houston,with efforts leading to the licensing of two therapeutics and two vaccinesin the US.The BCM VTEU developed 15 study concepts, co-developed a pathogenagnostic pandemic response protocol, and participated in all IDCRCcommitteesOver the course of 6 years, we mentored and engaged 5 younginvestigators in clinical research, most of whom are now independentphysician scientists.Key Accomplishments Key Accomplishments 4127,239>100ID AdvisoryCommitteeService RolesInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsID AdvisoryCommitteeService RolesInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsDMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0020DMID 24-00032025-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3004COVPN 5002Pathogen XDMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0020DMID 24-00032025-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3004COVPN 5002Pathogen XIDCRC Studies IDCRC Studies
The Vaccine Research Center moved into its new state of the art buildingwith 10 outpatient rooms, 16 extended stay rooms along with aninvestigational pharmacy and lab processing areaUsing a Controlled Human Challenge Model, we demonstrated that a liveattenuated Shigella vaccine had a 91% efficacy in preventing shigellosisWe have transitioned to a fully electronic, part 11 compliant system forthe conduct of clinical researchIt was January 2020 and the IDCRC was having its inaugural meeting at theNIH. Early in the meeting, Dr Fauci dropped by to welcome us, thank us forwhat we had done in the past and told us to be ready for the future. He thentalked about this “virus” that is circulating in Wuhan, China and how it maykeep us busy. Was that ever prophetic! Those next 2 years were a blur, and tothis day, I date things “pre” and “post” COVID. But what amazing things theIDCRC was able to achieve during that time. We were instrumental in testingcandidate COVID vaccines which resulted in the availability of 3 highlyeffective vaccines that helped end the pandemic and re-open society. Theimpact provided by our 10 sites is almost incomprehensible! The pandemic forced us to re-look at how we conducted clinical trials andresulted in numerous improvements at our site. Among the top achievementswere our site becoming “fully electronic” from recruitment throughconsenting, order writing to follow-up post vaccination. Before COVID, we hadrows of file cabinets full of study binders. After COVID, our cabinets wereempty! The electronic system has been a major improvement for our site aswell as sponsors as they now can monitor remotely in near “real-time”. Theold saying, “necessity is the mother of invention” definitely spurred ourtransformation to an electronic environment! But, now that we have made thechange, we never want to go back! As the pandemic decreased in intensity, we were able to pivot back to thework we had planned to initiate early in the grant. Despite the 2 year delaycaused by COVID, our site has successfully tested vaccines againstCampylobacter, enterotoxigenic E coli and Shigella while remaining active inthe multi-site studies evaluating prevention of RSV in neonates and NextGenCOVID vaccines. The last 7 years has been quite a ride. However, the experience was lifechanging and only possible due to the support from the IDCRC and DMID. Leadership ReflectionsCincinnati Children’sDMID 19-0003DMID 20-0035DMID 21-0002DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0020DMID 23-0006DMID 24-0003DMID 24-0037KidCOVECOVPN 3002DMID 19-0003DMID 20-0035DMID 21-0002DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0020DMID 23-0006DMID 24-0003DMID 24-0037KidCOVECOVPN 3002Key Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsVTEU HighlightsIDCRC StudiesKey Stats11VTEU Principal InvestigatorRobert W. Frenck, Jr., MD15>10k30#2894Participant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsInvestigators InvestigatorsRecruitment RecruitmentDatabaseParticipants ParticipantsPublications PublicationsIn IDCRCbaseball baseballleague! league!ParticipantEnrollmentsInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsIn IDCRCbaseballleague!
DMID 20-0003DMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0002DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 19-0015DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0019DMID 22-0020DMID 24-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3003DMID 20-0003DMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0002DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 19-0015DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0019DMID 22-0020DMID 24-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 300318442438,50060Across the seven years of IDCRC, our VTEU has sought to lead withscientific rigor, collaboration, and a sustained commitment topublic health impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our teamshelped lead and conduct vaccine and therapeutic trials across thelifespan, from maternal and pediatric protocols to adult outpatientand inpatient studies, with strong enrollment and high-qualityexecution. We also helped shape the network’s science throughprotocol leadership in COVAIL, KidCOVE, PROMISE, VAT0008, andSTI-focused investigations, while contributing steadily to IDCRCworking groups and key function committees. At the same time, weremained committed to mechanistic research, using translationalimmunology and multi-tissue sampling to deepen understanding ofvaccine responses. Most importantly, we have invested in people—participants, staff, and early-career investigators—buildingrelationships, expertise, and infrastructure that will sustaindiscovery, preparedness, and collaboration for years to come.Leadership Reflections Leadership ReflectionsServed as a leading VTEU for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutictrials across all ages, with strong enrollment, retention, andoperational excellence during the pandemic response.Provided national leadership in IDCRC multicenter studies,including serving as protocol co-chair for KidCOVE, PROMISE andCOVAIL.Lead mechanistic vaccine study with multicompartment samplingKey Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsEmory University VTEU HighlightsIDCRC Studies IDCRC StudiesKey StatsParticipantEnrollmentsInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsParticipantEnrollmentsInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublications12VTEU Principal InvestigatorsNadine Rouphael, MDCarlos del Rio, MDEmory Children’s Center- Vaccine Research Clinic Team receives Emory Children’s Center- Vaccine Research Clinic Team receives2025 Research Team Excellence Award from Emory School of MedicineEmory Children’s Center- Vaccine Research Clinic Team receives
10316077>2k &>3kInitiation of the first COVID vaccine trial (20-0003), with first vaccinationon March 20, 2020 and publication of preliminary results from Kaiser andEmory in July 2020 that supported progression to later stage trials.The Coler lab has developed qualified SARS-CoV-2 variant specificendpoint assays and humoral endpoint assays for IDCRC trials, includingthe 21-0004 MOMIVAX trial, and members of the lab co-authored twoMOMIVAX study publications in 2024.Completion of the first-in-human Schistoshield trial, which demonstratedsafety and immunogenicity that supported initiation of a Phase 1b trial inhealthy adults in Madagascar and Burkina Faso in November 2023.Laboratory Support Provided by Seattle Children’s Clinical ImmunologyProgram. PBMC and plasma processing in support of numerous IDCRCvaccine trials at Kaiser WA. Qualified serum/plasma, nasal swab, andbreast milk endpoint ELISAs.Our IDCRC network experience started with a bang with initiation of the firstCOVID-19 vaccine trial in early 2020. As with the other network sites,evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines continued over the next few years, withgradual initiation of trials of non-COVID investigational vaccines, such asSchistoShield, the results of which supported initiation of further trials inendemic areas of Africa, and evaluation of an MPOX vaccine. As part of theNextGen trials initiative we have the opportunity to evaluate the safety andimmunogenicity of novel formulations and alternate routes of administrationof COVID vaccines, which could lead to the development of more efficaciousand durable vaccines.Leadership ReflectionsKaiser Permanente VTEU Highlights13DMID 18-0018DMID 20-0003DMID 21-0002DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0020DMID 24-1104DMID 25-1106COVPN 3001COVPN 3003DMID 18-0018DMID 20-0003DMID 21-0002DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0020DMID 24-1104DMID 25-1106COVPN 3001COVPN 3003IDCRC StudiesKey StatsVTEU Principal InvestigatorLisa Jackson, MD, MPHKey Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsParticipant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsVTEU Studies VTEU StudiesPublications PublicationsQualifiedEndpoint Assays Endpoint AssaysPBMC & plasmaaliquots aliquotsprocessedannually, annually,respectivelyParticipantEnrollmentsVTEU StudiesPublicationsQualifiedEndpoint AssaysPBMC & plasmaaliquotsprocessedannually,respectively
1212>30%90%189246Since its founding in 2018 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Mark Mulligan,the NYU Langone Vaccine Center has grown from a bold concept into anationally recognized engine for vaccine innovation and pandemicresponsiveness. A testament to Dr. Mulligan’s legacy is the talented group ofinvestigators he trained, mentored, and elevated to leadership in vaccinologyand infectious diseases.Following several years of mentorship and groundbreaking work by Dr.Mulligan, Dr. Ramin Herati assumed the role of Vaccine Center Director. SinceOctober 2025, Dr. Kottkamp and Dr. Nellore have also taken on leadership ofthe NYU VTEU. We are enhancing our partnership with the Department ofMicrobiology, fostering tighter alignment between scientific discovery andclinical research. These efforts will support high-priority clinical trials andtranslational studies, with renewed emphasis on aligning clinical trialinfrastructure with the Center’s scientific mission to improve human healthoutcomes from infectious diseases.Leadership Reflections Leadership ReflectionsNew York University VTEU Highlights14IDCRC Studies IDCRC StudiesKey StatsVTEU Principal Investigators VTEU Principal InvestigatorsAngelica Kottkamp, MDAnoma Nellore, MDRapidly mobilized during COVID-19—opening multiple clinics acrossNYC, leading pivotal mRNA and viral vector vaccine trials, rapidlyenrolling diverse and representative populations, leveraging largeEMR systems and novel recruitment strategies, and contributing keydata that shaped national and global vaccination policy.Mentored the next generation of vaccine clinical trialists in NYU,training 14 junior investigators, 6 completing the IDCRC MentoringProgram, advancing investigator-initiated research by submitting 8IDCRC concepts and subsequently serving as PIs of clinical trials.Built a robust community engagement and research network acrossNYC and Long Island, partnering with over 15 community-basedorganizations and sustaining an active Community Advisory Board.Key Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsParticipantEnrollmentsEnrollmentsfrom Racial/Ethnic MinorityGroupsParticipantRetentionRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsParticipantEnrollmentsEnrollmentsfrom Racial/Ethnic MinorityGroupsParticipantRetentionRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsDMID 20-0006DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 24-00032025-0003COVPN 3002DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 24-00032025-0003COVPN 3002
12>1217,462455090It has been a privilege to serve in the inaugural IDCRC/VTEU network. Since1989, the SLU VTEU has led first in human through Phase IV trials of vaccinesand treatments against diverse pathogens, including urgent countermeasurestudies for national and global threats. We advanced correlates of protectionand pioneered Controlled Human Infection Models (CHIM) to test newinterventions. The COVID 19 response showcased our capacity to evaluatecountermeasures within a year—preventing countless deaths and societaldisruption—and remains a defining professional milestone. After the COVID19 emergency, we strengthened the network, completing trials for mpox,Yellow Fever, West Nile virus and NextGen COVID-19 countermeasures, andpreparing for BCG and mpox CHIM studies. IDCRC also invested in trainingnext generation investigators and qualifying/validating trial endpoint assays.SLU investigators are developing TB, universal influenza, and HCVcountermeasures for future testing. We are deeply grateful to ourIDCRC/VTEU partners and look forward to many more years of collaboration.Leadership ReflectionsSaint Louis University VTEU Highlights15DMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0004DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0020DMID 24-0008DMID 25-1106COVPN 3001COVPN 3003COVPN 3004COVPN 5002DMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0004DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0020DMID 24-0008DMID 25-1106COVPN 3001COVPN 3003COVPN 3004COVPN 5002IDCRC StudiesKey StatsVTEU Principal InvestigatorDaniel Hoft, MD, PhDCOVID-19: third highest enroller Moderna mRNA phase III; significantcontributors to J&J rAd phase III, ACTT1-4 (remdesivir licensure), andNextGen COVID-19 trials (Gritstone/Boost).Flavivirus vaccines: phase I/II of vaccines for West Nile, Yellow Fever, Zikaand Dengue, as well as parallel VA Merit Review and other translationalscience awards.Developed FDA- and IRB-approved BCG CHIM protocol and obtainedIDCRC approval for conducting a qualified MGIT TTP BCG sheddingendpoint and developed IFN-ELISPOT assayKey Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsParticipant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsInvestigators InvestigatorsClinical/labCollaborators CollaboratorsRecruitment RecruitmentDatabaseParticipants ParticipantsPublications PublicationsParticipantEnrollmentsInvestigatorsClinical/labCollaboratorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublications
295218615,41268CVD goes viral CVD goes viralNearly 4 decades as an investigator and leader of the UMB VTEU has beentransformational both personally and professionally, for which I am deeplygrateful. Highlights include:Innovation: Integrating state-of-the-art scientific and clinical knowledge toidentify novel vaccines and delivery strategies, creative trial designs, andinformative safety and efficacy endpoint measurements and analytic tools;Public health and equity: Building a field site in Mali, West Africa to developvaccines and novel interventions as a tool for promoting health equity through‘data-to-action’ research and implementation programs;Advancing community engagement: Exploring novel recruitment strategiesto promote inclusive enrollment (e.g., decentralized trial designs, homesampling);Mentorship: Assembling investigator “families” to ensure propagation of theknowledge and expertise necessary to foster new generations of innovativevaccinologists;Vaccine acceptance: Implementing proactive strategies to enhance publicunderstanding of the vaccine development paradigm to promote vaccine trust.Leadership Reflections Leadership ReflectionsUniversity of Maryland VTEU Highlights16DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0012DMID 21-0004DMID 20-0011DMID 22-0020DMID 19-0007DMID 20-0024DMID 22-0020DMID 23-0005DMID 23-0006DMID 23-0021DMID 24-0003DMID 24-0034ECP 2025-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3004DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0012DMID 21-0004DMID 20-0011DMID 22-0020DMID 19-0007DMID 20-0024DMID 22-0020DMID 23-0005DMID 23-0006DMID 23-0021DMID 24-0003DMID 24-0034ECP 2025-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3004IDCRC Studies IDCRC StudiesVTEU Principal InvestigatorKaren Kotloff, MDResults documenting safety and immunogenicity of maternal RSV preFvaccination and/or infant nirsevimab accepted for publication in Pediatrics.The CVD Applied Immunology Lab developed novel immunological assaysand analyzed clinical samples providing a platform to study maternalinfant interactions for multiple VTEU studies.Successful vaccinology career advancement accelerators: CVD VaccinologyT32 grant for 26 years, a 4th IDCRC Mentored Pilot Research Award, 5mentored K awards, and a FIRST award.Key Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsKey StatsParticipantEnrollmentsVTEU StudiesEarly CareerInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublicationsParticipantEnrollmentsVTEU StudiesEarly CareerInvestigatorsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublications2025 CVD Frontiers in Vaccinologywith Trevor Mundel
Key Stats1187819,71841We were recently asked by the University of Rochester to summarize ouraccomplishments from 2020-2025. We settled on the slightly tongue-in-cheekbut no less true title of “We Saved the World from COVID.” While beingrecognized as COVID scientists has lost some of its initial luster, we arenevertheless proud to have worked alongside thousands of scientists aroundworld to curb the devastating loss of life that characterized much of our firstfew years as a newly awarded VTEU site. In our post-pandemic life, we’vereturned to business as usual as respiratory virologists with notableadvancements to RSV prevention in adults after 40 years of scientificcontributions by Drs. Walsh and Falsey, while adding to our scientific acumenthrough the work of junior and mid-career clinician-scientists who bringexpertise in bioinformatics (Sudnik), pediatric vaccinology (Nayak), globalhealth (Dobrzynski) and disease burden of sexually transmitted infections(Dimarco) and immunocompromised populations (Mazumdar). We’re alsothankful for enduring relationships with investigators from other IDCRCinstitutions and experience gained in conducting large multisite studies, bothof which now underpin many of our non-IDCRC research initiatives. Lastly, weset out to build a robust infrastructure of multi-generational (senior, midcareer and early-career) and scientifically heterogenous investigatorssupported by highly skilled and dedicated coordinators, nurses and laboratorytechnicians that can advance science in future years and we succeeded.Leadership Reflections University of Rochester Medical Center VTEU Highlights17DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0019DMID 22-0020DMID 24-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3002DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0004DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0019DMID 22-0020DMID 24-0003KidCOVECOVPN 3002IDCRC StudiesVTEU Principal Investigators VTEU Principal InvestigatorsAngela R. Branche, MDAnn R. Falsey, MDTen investigators have brought scientific knowledge and expertise to 4EWGs including serving as chairs for two EWGs throughout the life of theIDCRC, 4 key function committees and one member was appointed tothe scientific committee for the IDCRC Laboratory Operations Unit.Eight junior investigators were mentored through the UR VTEU andIDCRC mentoring committee leading to successful grant applications,promotion to faculty positions and transition to independent clinicalinvestigators within the UR VTEU.The UR VTEU conducted 15 DMID studies over 6 years including 13clinical trials, 2 of which were co-chaired by a UR VTEU PI and 3 led byjunior investigators mentored by the VTEU PIs.Key Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsParticipant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsUR VTEU Pilot UR VTEU PilotAwardsRecruitment RecruitmentDatabaseParticipants ParticipantsPublications PublicationsParticipantEnrollmentsUR VTEU PilotAwardsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublications
774808642276As we reflect on the past seven years, we celebrate six early-stage investigatorsfrom the University of Washington who participated in the IDCRC MentoringProgram, achieving academic advancement, securing research funding, andlaunching new initiatives at other institutions. Our Early Career Pilot Awardrecipients conducted impactful studies on cellular correlates of protectionfrom malaria vaccine trials, recruitment of representative study cohorts,vaginal dysbiosis and gonorrhea, and immune responses in secondary syphilis.The UW VTEU also led development and implementation of two clinical trialprotocols concluding in 2026. The LARC2 trial (DMID 23-0010) demonstratedour capability for complex phase 1 malaria human challenge studies, while theDoxy Short trial (DMID 22-0019) highlighted the capacity of our domestic andinternational sites to enroll and retain 353 participants with STIs—66% of totaltrial enrollment. As this grant cycle concludes, we look forward to the nextphase of this DMID-supported clinical trials network.Leadership Reflections Leadership ReflectionsUniversity of Washington VTEU Highlights18VTEU Principal Investigators VTEU Principal InvestigatorsAnna Wald, MD, MPHR. Scott McClelland, MD, MPHWe successfully enrolled 22 participants into the LARC2 MalariaChallenge Trial. With a team of 38 staff, we conducted over 900 studyvisits, gave 88 DVI injections (66 vaccine & 22 challenge) and collected16,450 ml of blood.We were proud to partner with the Lummi Tribal Nation located inBellingham, WA on the CoVPN Novavax Phase 3 vaccine trial early in theCOVID-19 pandemic. We celebrate the accomplishments of our early-stage investigators(Helen Stankiewicz-Karita, Tara Reid, Chase Cannon, Tia Babu, LaurenJatt and Chandler Church) and their successful careers after thementorship program.Key Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsNovavax Jeopardy! Novavax Jeopardy!LARC2 LN2 TeamDMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0019DMID 23-0010DMID 24-0020DMID 24-1104COVPN 3004COVPN 3005DMID 20-0006DMID 20-0034DMID 21-0012DMID 22-0004DMID 22-0019DMID 23-0010DMID 24-0020DMID 24-1104COVPN 3004COVPN 3005IDCRC Studies IDCRC StudiesDomestic DomesticParticipant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsInternational InternationalParticipant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsIDCRC Mentees IDCRC MenteesPilot Awards Pilot AwardsRecruitment RecruitmentDatabaseParticipants ParticipantsDomesticParticipantEnrollmentsInternationalParticipantEnrollmentsIDCRC MenteesPilot AwardsRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsKey Stats
96>10>5,000>70067As we complete the final grant year of the Vanderbilt VTEU UM1, we areproud of what we have accomplished in the past 6 years. Our goals were tobuild a collaborative team that conducts high-quality clinical andtranslational research and trains a new generation of vaccinologists andclinical trialists. By bringing together sites in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, St.Louis, and Lima, Peru to conduct studies across the lifespan, we haveexpanded our ability to conduct research in geographically distinct areas. Wecontinue to train students, fellows, and junior faculty and we have increasedadvocacy efforts to ensure access to vaccines for everyone. As a result ofthese activities, the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program is a foundationalpillar for the Vanderbilt Pediatric Research Institute, a cross-disciplinary childhealth research initiative.Leadership Reflections Vanderbilt University Medical Center VTEU Highlights19DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0002DMID 22-0020DMID 23-0005DMID 24-0003DMID 25-1106KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3003DMID 20-0006DMID 21-0002DMID 22-0020DMID 23-0005DMID 24-0003DMID 25-1106KidCOVECOVPN 3001COVPN 3003IDCRC StudiesKey StatsVTEU Principal InvestigatorC. Buddy Creech, MD, MPHDr. Stephanie Rolsma, Associate Director of the VVRP, received theVanderbilt Katie Dodd Scholars Award for her research in therapeuticdrug monitoring of beta-lactams. She was also selected to attend theAdvanced Vaccinology Course (ADVAC) in Annecy, France in May 2026.Publication of the DoSES study, comparing two fractional intradermalregimens of MVA-BN (mpox vaccine) to standard dose vaccination (Freyet al, 2026)Published two manuscripts in NPJ Vaccines describing the infantimmune response to whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccine usingtranscriptomics and ribosome profiling.Continued engagement with the International Network of SpecialImmunization Service (INSIS), which seeks to address knowledge gapsin our understanding of the pathogenesis of adverse events followingimmunization (Dr. Creech serves on the Steering Committee).Key Accomplishments Key AccomplishmentsMadeline Guy, an undergraduate at VanderbiltUniversity who worked with our team during theCOVID-19 pandemic, completed medical school in 2025and joined the Pediatric Housestaff at Monroe Carell Jr.Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.Participant ParticipantEnrollments EnrollmentsInvestigators InvestigatorsEarly StageInvestigators InvestigatorsStudents andFellows TrainedRecruitment RecruitmentDatabaseParticipants ParticipantsPublications PublicationsParticipantEnrollmentsInvestigatorsEarly StageInvestigatorsStudents andFellows TrainedRecruitmentDatabaseParticipantsPublications
Please share any pictures of theannual meeting eventsby [email protected] MEETING SURVEYhttps://tinyurl.com/IDCRC-2026NOTES20
https://[email protected]