This course is intended for PhD students and post‑docs working in immunology or vaccine‑related projects. It provides an introduction to the history of vaccines, vaccine development, immunological mechanisms of protection, clinical trials, adjuvants and modes of action of different types of vaccines. It will be delivered as a combination of lectures and student assignments. There will be focused discussions in smaller groups on ethical and strategic issues.

Physical attendance is mandatory for the entire course. Prereading material will be provided in advance, and each participant is required to prepare and deliver a 15‑minute presentation on a selected topic during the course.

There will be a guided group visit to the Leprosy Museum (Lepramuseet). Lunch is provided each course day, and there will be a course dinner on one of the evenings.

Registration

• Application deadline: September 1, 2026
• Register here: https://nettskjema.no/a/635237
• If demand is high, applicants may need to be selected. Applicants will receive confirmation of course participation after the application deadline. Please register as early as possible.

Course venue and times

• Venue: UiB (details will come later)
• Course times: Starts around 09:00 on Monday October 19, ends around 15:00 on Thursday October 22

Travel and accommodation

• MiMa PhD and research‑track students may have travel and accommodation costs covered by MiMa if needed, up to a certain amount. This does not apply to students residing in Bergen.
• We recommend booking travel early to obtain the lowest fares, but please wait to purchase non‑refundable tickets until you have received confirmation of course participation. Confirmations are sent after the application deadline.

Contact

• Kurt Hanevik (course organizer, Bergen): kurt.hanevik@uib.no
• Runa Wolden (MiMa coordinator): runa.wolden@uit.no