Scholarships for MSc programme in vaccinology in Siena, Italy

19 November 2012

The University of Siena Medical School, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health (NVGH), and the ADITEC (Advanced Immunization Technologies) programme invite applications for the Master Programme in Vaccinology and Pharmaceutical Clinical Development commencing in May 2013. Scholarships will be offered to selected applicants, including physicians involved in vaccine development projects funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).

The programme offers a one-year course at the University of Siena in Italy followed by a six-month Novartis internship. The MSc course will provide physicians interested in public health and infectious diseases the opportunity to learn about vaccine preventable diseases, immunisation impact, vaccine development and the roles of various stakeholders in vaccine policy setting and immunisation programmes, with a focus on developing countries. It comprises practical training at the University Hospital of Siena and other academic institutions. This is followed by a six-month internship within different departments of the Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics or NVGH Development. Field training at various investigational sites involved in vaccine trials is also included.The objective of the Masters programme is to build capacity in vaccinology and vaccine development in developing countries. The programme prepares students for a career in academia, public health or Research & Development in public and private vaccine institutes.Entry requirementsThe scholarships are offered through Novartis and the EU FP7 ADITEC programme. Eligibility has been extended to applicants working in EDCTP-funded vaccine development projects. As scholarships are limited, applications will go through a competitive selection process. An 18-month grant will be provided to accepted applicants. Entry requirements are:

  • University degree in Human Medicine
  • Minimum 2 years, maximum 5 years post-graduation or residency in clinical medicine
  • Excellent command of English, written and spoken.

 Candidates must send the official application form to the University of Siena by 5 February 2013. For further information contact Novartis Vaccines Academy - Master Program Coordination at vaccines_master.nvdit[at]novartis.com by 20 November 2012.BackgroundThis collaboration is part of a broader EDCTP effort to foster cooperation of public and private partners for clinical research on poverty-related diseases and neglected infectious diseases. At the EDCTP Pharmaceutical Industry Workshop held in The Hague, The Netherlands, on 26 June 2012, one of the main topics was to engage industry in improving Africa’s capacity to conduct clinical trials.More information