What’s new and what’s next for vaccines in 2026?

Trina Racine

Director of Vaccine Development at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Saskatoon, Canada

"Developing vaccines capable of delivering broader and more durable protection is an important aspect of my current work. I am involved in efforts to advance a broadly protective coronavirus vaccine, with the aim of achieving protection that can better withstand viral variation and support future pandemic preparedness."

Cleo Kontoravdi

Professor of Biological Systems Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, UK

"RNA-encoded antibodies for infectious diseases represent a central focus of my research. Alongside this, the establishment of Imperial College’s Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub has been an important development, enabling closer integration of research, process design, and formulation considerations"

Isis Kanevsky

Director Bacterial Vaccines, Pfizer, USA

"My current interests include the development of multivalency vaccines and novel carrier systems. These approaches have the potential to address a wider range of diseases within a single platform and to refine immune responses through improved antigen presentation."

Jeffrey Ulmer

President, TechImmune LLC, USA

"Beyond traditional prophylactic applications, my work extends to immunotherapy approaches for conditions such as long COVID. As our understanding of long-term viral sequelae continues to develop, vaccines and immune-based interventions may begin to play a broader role in disease management as well as prevention."

Tuck Seng Wong

Professor of Biomanufacturing, School of  Chemical, Materials, and Biological Engineering (CMBE),  University of Sheffield, UK

"I expect AI to become more routinely integrated into the design of highly effective and readily manufacturable vaccines, alongside broader availability of oral vaccines and feed-based vaccines for livestock. In parallel, increasing polarization around vaccine acceptance could present additional challenges, reinforcing the importance of trust and clear communication."

Christopher Ton

Principal Scientist, Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process Development, Merck & Co., USA

"AI will play a pivotal role in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, enabling the identification of novel antigens and targets more quickly and accurately. In addition, machine learning will expedite process optimization, maximize productivity, and streamline manufacturing processes."

Cleo Kontoravdi

"Key developments I anticipate include wider adoption of platform manufacturing processes, progress toward heat-stable RNA formulations, and greater use of mathematical models for process optimization. Digital twins and AI-enabled tools could also support real-time product release, provided they achieve broader validation and acceptance."

Rajender Jena

Head Malaria Vaccines (Quality Control), Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd, India

"Based on current trends, I expect increased focus on vaccine formulations that incorporate multiple antigens or immunogens, potentially addressing several diseases or stages within a single product. Improving thermostability and strengthening supply-chain resilience will be particularly important for expanding access in resource-limited settings."

Pierre A Morgon

CEO, MRGN Advisors, Switzerland

"As antimicrobial resistance continues to rise globally, I would like to see vaccines play a greater role in addressing this important threat. Broadening vaccine programs into this space could offer an important preventive strategy alongside existing antimicrobial stewardship efforts and the revival of phage therapy."