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Courage Chandipwisa is invested in advancing vaccine efficacy, particularly for infectious diseases that impact both animals and humans. Courage holds a MSc in Vaccine Production and Quality Control, he is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and a researcher in infectious disease. He is passionate about discovering how immune responses can be optimized for long-term protection, particularly in addressing zoonotic diseases and high-burden infections like tuberculosis and HIV. His research is fueled by a desire to contribute to global health solutions that protect populations at risk and improve vaccine outcomes across various environments.
We would love to hear more about your ongoing research. What projects are you currently working on and how do they impact the field?
Currently, I am conducting a study titled ‘A Comparative Evaluation of the Immunogenicity, Safety, and Potency of Cell Culture-Adapted Fowl Pox Vaccines.’ This project explores immune responses and the potential for enhanced vaccine performance, particularly for animal health, with insights that could be valuable for human vaccines as well. Additionally, I’m involved in developing and testing adjuvant-enhanced vaccines targeting resistant respiratory pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. These projects aim to tackle vaccine effectiveness against resistant pathogens, addressing a crucial need in global infectious disease management.
There are many areas of science and immunology is quite broad and complex. What inspired you to choose this branch of science over others?
Immunology has always intrigued me because of its direct impact on both human and animal health. During my veterinary training, I saw firsthand how zoonotic diseases could disrupt communities and realized that immunology held the potential to change that. Immunology bridges human and animal health, providing tools that can be used across species. This versatility and the power of immune responses to shape health outcomes across ecosystems were what drove me to pursue this field. It’s a branch of science that allows us to connect public health, research, and real-world solutions.
What specifically stood out about Immunopaedia that made you want to be an ambassador?
Immunopaedia stood out to me for its dedication to making complex immunology concepts accessible to researchers globally. My interest in becoming an ambassador was sparked after attending the One Health course on Comparative Immunology and Zoonoses in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2024. This course not only emphasized the importance of a global approach to immunology but also highlighted the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration for tackling zoonotic diseases that impact both human and animal health. The course included highly engaging sessions and collaborative discussions with experts in the field, which broadened my perspective and underscored how crucial it is to connect diverse insights in immunology. I was also intrigued by the practical applications shared, from antimicrobial resistance to immune responses, which highlighted the real-world relevance of Immunopaedia’s mission. Becoming an ambassador allows me to support this network, fostering connections and sharing knowledge that bridge research and global health solutions.
Based on your own experience, what one piece of advice would you give someone who wants to study/research immunology?
I would say, let your curiosity guide you. Immunology is broad and challenging, but each answer you find builds toward a deeper understanding. Start with the foundations, but don’t hesitate to explore connections to other fields. Immunology doesn’t work in isolation; the immune system interacts with every other part of biology, so drawing from various disciplines can enrich your perspective. Also, be resilient—research isn’t always smooth, but those setbacks often lead to the greatest discoveries.
What has been a moment of unexpected joy or surprise in your scientific career that has stayed with you?
One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the positive immune response results from a fowl pox vaccine I had worked on and tested. After many rounds of adjustments, seeing promising efficacy data was incredibly fulfilling. It was not only validation for the project but a reminder of the real-world impact that our research can have. Each step brought a new sense of discovery, and the success felt like a celebration of everyone’s hard work. That experience reinforced my commitment to developing vaccines and advancing health solutions through science.
