To help close the gap between malaria endemic country research and vector control product development

Vestergaard and Innovation to Impact (I2I), a global partnership based at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in the UK, have partnered to enhance the product development and evaluation landscape.  Within this partnership, Vestergaard is offering Development Associate positions within the newly launched Vector Control Professional Placement Programme (VCP³). The programme, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, invites researchers from African institutes to learn best practice skills while directly contributing to the development of global health interventions.

Following participation in the VCP³, Development Associates will return to their institutions to support knowledge transfer and help drive further African-led innovations to combat vector-borne diseases.

With a strong commitment to supporting research and innovation through public-private partnerships and initiatives, such as the IR Mapper, Tiny Targets and Vestergaard-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research Vector Labs, Vestergaard is proud to be a VCP³ Industry Partner alongside Envu and other product developers to . Envu has participated in the fight against vector-borne disease for more than 60 years, offering a unique portfolio of product solutions covering most of the currently important intervention techniques in the fight against malaria. Vestergaard and Envu will be offering Vector Product Development Associate placement positions to successful VCPP applicants.

“During their time as Vector Product Development Associates at Vestergaard, we will give researchers on the VCP³ an opportunity to learn first-hand from experts developing Vestergaard’s innovative vector control solutions. As well as providing a practical experience of all aspects of product development from design to launch, Vestergaard will also facilitate networking and exchange of knowledge with pioneering vector control innovators in the global malaria research community,” explains Rinki Deb, Lead Scientist at Vestergaard. 

Malaria-endemic country research is essential for identifying the most effective tools and safeguarding their continued effectiveness. The programme aims to promote relationships and information exchange between private and public institutions, which is essential for developing tailored and effective interventions, building local capacity, and ensuring the varied local contexts are taken into account during product development.

“The VCP³ is a new and exciting initiative with which we aim to strengthen links between malaria endemic country research and vector control product development. Each placement will offer a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer, and through this initiative, we hope to stimulate the next generation of African vector control innovators”, explains I2I Director, Angus Spiers.

The VCP³ will allow researchers from African research institutes to make a valuable mark on the development of global health interventions and operate under a mutually beneficial model for the public and private institutions and researchers involved.

Industrial partners wishing to join the initiative will receive full funding from the programme, home research institutes bear no costs associated with the programme and researchers will receive a fully funded placement that includes a locally competitive salary, accommodation, insurance, visas and support for accompanying dependants.

Applications for the VCP³ are now open and will close at 17:00 (BST) on Sunday, August 4, 2024. To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently be working in vector control at a reputable African research institute, hold a Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy, and have proven relevant work experience. For more information on the programme and the application process, please visit the VCP³ page on the I2I website and view the Vestergaard VCP³ brochure.

For queries, please get in touch at contact@innovation2impact.org.