Improving Global Health

VTC Researcher in Bangladesh holding baby with motherFaculty researchers at the Vaccine Testing Center (VTC) of the University of Vermont's Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, study human vaccines with the goal of understanding and preventing infectious diseases around the globe. Our team is particularly interested in new vaccines with the potential to prevent or control infectious diseases in developing countries. We are a diverse team of clinicians, study coordinators, scientists, and laboratory personnel. Volunteers are critical to our work and our human research studies are designed and performed with rigorous oversight and safety.

Vaccine Testing Center Director Beth Kirkpatrick, M.D. from UVM's "Move Mountains" Campaign

Volunteer

mosquito borne illness ad

Want to help your global community? 

We're looking for volunteers to help us fight mosquito-borne illnesses through vaccine studies.

To find out more about current studies and ongoing pre-study screenings: 

Email 

Call (802) 656-0013

Fill out our contact form 

and we'll get in touch

Research 

Lab Tech looking in microscope

The Vaccine Testing Center's team of scientists and researchers are committed to solving the world’s most pressing infectious disease challenges. Our research spans the translational spectrum from lab-based human immunology to domestic clinical trials to large-scale international field research. Together with national and international collaborators and local volunteers, we help develop vaccines to address global infectious diseases, including rotavirus, cholera, dengue and other flaviviruses. More VTC research.

News

Globe with stethescope

In conjunction with its Global Health Celebration to be held on April 17 & 18, 2018, The Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine recently called for nominations for their Global Health Awards. One of these, The Beth Kirkpatrick Citizen of the World Award, is presented in honor of the founder and Director of the Vaccine Testing Center in recognition of an outstanding leader and scholar who dedicates their work towards the advancement of humanitarian pursuits. Bryce Bludevich ’17 received the award in 2017. We're excited to see who will win this year!

Other news, publications and awards...

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VTC Showcase

Hannah Hatch Awardee

Hannah Hatch (’19) was recently awarded the Nicole J. Ferland Award by the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department (MMG) for her project, “Development of an assay to detect enhancement of flavivirus infection by non-neutralizing antibodies.” Hannah, a Vermont native, is a Junior majoring in Microbiology. She has been working with flavivirus researchers, including Dr. Sean Diehl, in the VTC labs since January 2017 and developed her award-winning project through that intensive research experience. Her project, which is focused on developing an assay that would detect the potential for antibody dependent enhancement, could lead to improved safety in vaccine trials and ultimately, an improved dengue vaccine. Hannah plans to go on to graduate school to further her research interests. Congratulations Hannah!

Dr. Kirkpatrick Appointed Chair of Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Beth D. Kirkpatrick, M.D., Director of the Vaccine Testing Center and Professor in Infectious Diseases, has been appointed as Chair of the UVM Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) at the Larner College of Medicine and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Learn more here.