Supporting the Next Generation of Veterinary Vaccine Leaders: Meet the 2025 IVVN ECR Fellowship Cohort
The International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN) is pleased to introduce our 2025 cohort of Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellows. Over the next 18 months, these researchers will receive tailored support through the IVVN ECR Career Development Fellowship - a scheme designed to accelerate their growth as future leaders in veterinary vaccinology.
The fellowship supports researchers working across the veterinary vaccinology landscape, offering structured professional development focused on advanced scientific, leadership, and project management skills. The programme includes one-to-one mentoring with senior researchers, monthly peer and group mentoring sessions, journal clubs, and a mix of in-person and online training workshops.
This year’s cohort includes 11 fellows from across the globe, working on innovative veterinary vaccinology solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in animal health. Each fellow brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to improving animal health worldwide.
Read on to meet the fellows and learn more about their work:
1. Dr Charlie Frank Amoia
Research Associate, SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Tanzania
Dr Amoia’s research focuses on developing a genotype-matched DNA vaccine for Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) for use in backyard poultry farms in Tanzania. His work aims to bridge the gap between novel vaccine technologies and the practical needs of livestock-reliant communities.
“I aim to protect poultry health, reduce economic losses for smallholder farmers, and enhance food security, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”
2. Dr Fangfeng Yuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
Dr Yuan works on mRNA vaccine development for African Swine Fever (ASF) using rational antigen design, and immune profiling to enhance vaccine efficacy.
“I hope my work will help reduce ASF outbreaks and bring economic relief to swine producers, making pork more affordable globally.”
3. Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Lam
Associate Professor, Can Tho University, Vietnam
Prof. Lam’s research focuses on the surveillance, epidemiology, and bioinformatics of infectious diseases in animals, with particular attention to African Swine Fever, avian influenza, PRRS, zoonotic pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance. As Vice President for Asia in the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance, he works closely with stakeholders to translate research into real-world solutions.
“My research seeks to safeguard animal and human health through improved disease control and surveillance, while mentoring the next generation of scientists.”
4. Dr Thu Thao Mai
Postdoctoral Researcher, Moredun Research Institute, Scotland, UK
Dr Mai’s work in aquaculture vaccinology focuses on antigen discovery and understanding host-pathogen interactions in fish, with the aim of improving vaccine development for aquatic diseases.
“I hope to contribute discoveries that support fish health and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.”
5. Prof. Laura Maria Andrade de Oliveira
Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Prof. Oliveira’s research investigates antimicrobial resistance and virulence in Gram-positive bacteria affecting both humans and animals. Her work supports surveillance and vaccine development for dairy health in Brazil.
“I hope my work leads to a vaccine that benefits LMICs and contributes to national surveillance efforts and farmer engagement.”
6. Dr Priscilla Tng
BBSRC Discovery Fellow, The Pirbright Institute, UK
Dr Tng’s research centres on African swine fever virus (ASFV) and understanding pig immune responses to aid in the development of effective vaccines for ASF, a disease with no current cure.
“My goal is to support ASF control and food security while engaging young people through science outreach initiatives.”
7. Dr Pinpunya Riangrungroj
Researcher, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Thailand
Dr Riangrungroj is developing innovative, orally administered, non-GM vaccine delivery systems for shrimp aquaculture, contributing to food system sustainability.
“Connecting with others in the field and applying science to practical problems is what drives my passion for this work.”
8. Dr Jeong Byoung Chae
Postdoctoral Researcher, Iowa State University, USA
Dr Chae investigates immune mechanisms and novel vaccine platforms to improve vaccines against respiratory diseases in ruminants, particularly bovine respiratory syncytial virus.
“I want to show that veterinary science can directly improve animal health and rural livelihoods while reducing zoonotic disease risk.”
9. Dr Mohamad Aslah Bin Mohamad
Postdoctoral Researcher, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Dr Aslah is developing aquatic vaccines for major bacterial diseases in cultured fish, with a vision of improving fish health and supporting aquaculture productivity.
“My aim is to improve food security by increasing vaccine coverage in aquaculture systems that sustain many communities.”
10. Dr Bharti Mittal
Senior Postdoctoral Scientist – Bioinformatics, The Pirbright Institute, UK
Dr Mittal leads research focused on advanced bioinformatics, immunogenomics, and antibody discovery across livestock species. Her work integrates NGS, mass spectrometry, and computational tools to support vaccine research.
“By enabling better vaccines through antibody data analysis, I hope to improve animal welfare, reduce antibiotic use, and contribute to global food security.”
11. Dr Tshifhiwa Nefefe
Senior Researcher, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
Dr Nefefe’s research focuses on immune responses to viral pathogens and vaccine development for transboundary animal diseases, including FMD, ASF, RVF, and lumpy skin disease. His work aims to enhance animal health and support food security in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Developing vaccines that keep animals healthy directly supports food security and rural livelihoods. Healthy livestock means better productivity, income, and ultimately healthier people and environments.”
The IVVN ECR Career Development Fellowship Scheme is designed to equip emerging researchers with the skills, networks, and experiences needed to thrive in an evolving global research landscape.
This year’s fellows reflect the diversity, talent, and ambition driving veterinary vaccinology forward.
We congratulate the 2025 cohort and look forward to supporting their work over the next 18 months - and to sharing their stories, progress, and impact with our community.
To learn more about the IVVN Early Career Researcher Fellowship Scheme, visit: https://www.intvetvaccnet.co.uk/catalyst-funding/ivvn-ecr-career-development-fellowship-scheme