23–26 March 2026 | Stora Brännbo, Sigtuna, Sweden 

The 2026 Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance course brought together PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from all major universities in Sweden for four days of intensive learning and scientific exchange. Participants represented SLU, Karolinska Institutet, Lund University, Linköping University, Malmö University, Umeå University, the University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University, creating a strong national platform for interdisciplinary discussions and networking opportunities.

We were particularly pleased to welcome five Norwegian students through our collaboration with the Norwegian research school Microbiology Matters (MiMa | UiT). Their participation added valuable perspectives and contributed to fostering Nordic networking and scientific exchange.

This course offered a broad, interconnected perspective on antibiotic resistance, spanning from fundamental microbial mechanisms to clinical, diagnostic, and societal challenges. With a strong One Health focus, the program explored how antibiotics function, how resistance arises and spreads, and how modern diagnostics and alternative therapies can be used to combat this global threat.

Group photo of the participants attending the Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance course in March 2026. Photo by staff at Stora Brännbo.

Lectures were delivered by national and international experts in the field, giving participants up-to-date insights on the specific topics. By keeping the course relatively small in size, we aim to create an interactive learning environment that encourages close engagement between participants and lecturers. During the course, students found it easy to ask questions, participate in meaningful discussions, and receive constructive input on their own research projects.

Lecture on “Antibiotics targeting the ribosome” given by Nora Vazquez-Laslop, Center for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA. Photo by Annasara Lenman.

Lecture on “AI in drug design” given by Andreas Luttens, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. Photo by Annasara Lenman.

One of the course highlights was the workshop on “Making sense of antibiotic resistance: Communicate for change”. Many participants found this element both new and eye-opening, sparking an interest in science communication more generally, especially the idea of communicating not just to inform, but to create change.

The poster walk sessions provided a platform for participants to present and discuss their own research with peers, lecturers, and the course organizers, further emphasizing interaction and scientific dialogue.

Students presented their research during interactive poster walks that stimulated discussion and encouraged peer-to-peer learning. Photo by Annasara Lenman.

Group discussions during the “Communicate for change” workshop led by Eva Garmendia, Uppsala University, Sweden. Photo by Annasara Lenman.

To view the full course program, please visit: Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Course 2026 | NDPIA 

Special thanks to the organizing committee:
Annasara Lenman, NDPIA National Director, Umeå University, Sweden
Helen Wang, NDPIA, Uppsala Antibiotic Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
Diarmaid Hughes, Uppsala Antibiotic Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
Eva Garmendia, Uppsala Antibiotic Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
Edmund Loh, NDPIA, Karolinska Institutet
Louise Lindbäck, NDPIA Project Coordinator, Umeå University, Sweden

22–24 October 2025 | Aronsborg Konferenshotell, Bålsta, Sweden

The 2025 Vaccine Development course brought together doctoral students and early-career researchers from across Sweden for three intensive days of learning and exchange. Held at Aronsborg Konferenshotell in Bålsta, this was the first course jointly organized by NDPIA and its sister school NDP-VIP, marking a successful collaboration that attracted participants from SLU, Karolinska Institutet, Lund University, Umeå University, the University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University.

Group photo of the participants attending the Vaccine Development course in October 2025. Photo by staff at Aronsborg Konferenshotell.

The course program spanned the full spectrum of modern vaccinology from the fundamentals of immune protection and classical vaccine platforms to next-generation technologies, GMP manufacturing, and regulatory pathways for vaccine approval. Participants also explored the scientific and practical challenges of developing vaccines against viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, as well as specific topics such as travel and oral vaccines, cancer immunization, and determinants of vaccine effectiveness.

Lecture on “Challenges in vaccine development against parasitic diseases” given by Simon Draper, University of Oxford, UK. Photo by Louise Lindbäck.

Lecture on “Determinants of vaccine effectiveness: vaccine mechanisms, host factors and the epidemiological impact of herd immunity” given by Margaret Liu, University of California San Francisco, USA. Photo by Louise Lindbäck.

Beyond the lectures delivered by leading Swedish and international experts, the course emphasized interaction and collaboration. Poster sessions provided a platform for students to present their research, while informal networking and discussion sessions fostered scientific exchange and community building across disciplines and institutions.

Students presented their research through engaging poster walks, fostering discussions and peer learning. Photo by Louise Lindbäck.

The Vaccine Development course not only deepened participants’ understanding of the science and strategy behind vaccine innovation but also strengthened the national research network dedicated to advancing immunology and infectious disease research.

To view the full course program, please visit: Vaccine Development 2025 | NDPIA

Special thanks to the organizing committee:
Ali Mirazimi, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Annasara Lenman, NDPIA and NDP-VIP Director, Umeå University, Sweden
Louise Lindbäck, NDPIA and NDP-VIP Project Coordinator, Umeå University, Sweden