London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

By Edward Parker 

The Vaccines and Immunity Theme (VIT) is one of three research themes at the MRC Unit The Gambia, and the first morning of the retreat offered an overview of the theme’s current research portfolio. My notebook now has page after page of examples, and I will certainly fail to do them justice here. A few highlights included: the clinical trials of microneedle patches to deliver measles and rubella vaccine; the ongoing efforts to set up electronic pregnancy registries as a platform for studying maternal and newborn health; myriad projects focusing on the diagnosis, burden, and immunology of tuberculosis; and work to map hotspots of low vaccination coverage in the hope of tailoring vaccine delivery more effectively. These projects have the potential to significantly impact public health in The Gambia and further afield. I particularly look forward to seeing what comes of ongoing work using drones as an efficient (and low carbon) methods to transfer clinical samples and supplies.
A recurring theme throughout the morning was the community sensitisation work done ahead of new trials. The MRC Unit has been active since 1947, and maintaining a close collaborative relationship with communities is clearly key to this longevity. 

Following the research showcase, there were several interactive sessions. Joanna Busza ran a lively workshop on evaluation, asking teams to critique a hypothetical rabies prevention programme. By the time we were done, the study had been picked apart from every angle (I would be reluctant to subject my next research idea to the same level of scrutiny!). The ability to embed research questions within a broader pathway to impact can be challenging, but the workshop offered a helpful introduction to this vital process.

Friday morning saw a debate between Kondwani Jambo and Thushan Da Silva (with plenty of audience input!) on the role of controlled human infection models for vaccines and immunity research in sub-Saharan Africa. This is clearly an area with significant opportunities but many practical and ethical complexities to consider. The debate format also offers an interesting opportunity to scrutinise contentious areas from different angles, and I hope the Vaccine Centre can make use of it in upcoming events.

There were also several sessions with a more reflective focus. Under the banner “Life in the scientific jungle”, a panel of mid-career researchers (Brenda Kwambana, Leopold Tientcheu, Penda Johm, and Neneh Sallah) reflected on their varied career paths, and the challenges associated with grant writing, transitioning towards independence, and seizing opportunities while attempting to maintain some semblance of work/life balance. There were many other highlights: interactive ice breaker sessions using Menti that were expertly run by Esin Nkereuwem; a quiz featuring a ChatGPT poems; and lively festivities at the Family Fun Day.

As I sit writing this on the plane home, I am struck by the value of collecting with our peers to discuss work, life, and how we balance the two to deliver impactful research. I return feeling inspired by the work being done by the VIT team, and I look forward to showcasing this through the Vaccine Centre at every opportunity.