Human Infection Challenge Network (HIC-Vac)

HIC-Vac is a collaborative MRC/BBSRC-funded network led by Professor Peter Openshaw from Imperial College London. It was established in 2017, building on the UK's expertise in human challenge and has been remarkably successful in its aims of building a strong global team and funding seed projects in the UK and elsewhere (especially in LMICs). We now seek funding to be able to extend this success over the next 12 months, focused on work that aligns with Wellcome Trust's current aims and goals while we look to secure a more permanent future for our very productive coalition. Our key goals in this period are to enhance the engagement and utility of the network for LMIC-based researchers, report on the establishment of an intra-pandemic challenge study (SARS-CoV-2) with a view to preparing for future pandemics, set up the management of the Smart Practises document, liaise with the EU IMI INNO4VAC human challenge initiative, hold an Annual General Meeting, support early career researchers with a mentorship scheme and to continue our very active public engagement and communication activities.