The IDI recently launched a new cross‑cutting theme, the Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics Initiative (VII), at a kick‑off meeting held on January 14, 2026. The event featured keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Bakaletz and Dr. Steven Goodman, who presented “Background and Lessons Learned in Translating an Invention to Build a Startup.” Their talk highlighted the scientific, strategic, and entrepreneurial considerations involved in moving discoveries from the laboratory into commercial development.
Following the keynote, attendees participated in a robust roundtable discussion focused on identifying opportunities, challenges, and priority areas where a coordinated, campus‑wide effort can accelerate vaccine and immunotherapeutics discovery and translation.
The VII is designed to bring together faculty experts from across colleges and disciplines to drive innovation in vaccine development, novel immunotherapies, and global health strategies. Its goals include advancing foundational and applied research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and accelerating the translation of discoveries into impactful solutions for preventing and treating infectious diseases.
The initiative is led by Dr. Jianrong Li (Director), Dr. Purnima Dubey (Co‑Director), and Dr. Kai Xu (Co‑Director) within a collaborative, shared‑leadership model. Dr. Mark Peeples (Nationwide Children’s Hospital) serves as senior advisor.