About us
The process maps were developed by the UK Vaccine Network (UKVN), in collaboration with the Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation. The process maps were originally produced in 2017, and then updated with the inclusion of the Rapid Human Vaccine Development Map in 2024. This update was led by Dr Michael Francis.
The UK Vaccine Network
The UK Vaccine Network brings together industry, academia and relevant funding bodies to advise the Department of Health and Social Care on investments through the UKVN Project to support the development of vaccines and vaccine technology for infectious diseases with the potential to cause an epidemic in low- and middle-income countries. The Network also supports the development of policy tools and serves as a forum for shared learning. The UKVN Project is funded by UK Aid.
The UKRI Medical Research Council
The UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC) is at the forefront of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests taxpayers’ money in some of the best medical research in the world across every area of health. Thirty-three MRC-funded researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and the link between smoking and cancer, as well as achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the development of a group of antibodies used in the making of some of the most successful drugs ever developed. Today, MRC-funded scientists tackle some of the greatest health problems facing humanity in the 21st century, from the rising tide of chronic diseases associated with ageing to the threats posed by rapidly mutating micro-organisms. The MRC’s Regulatory Support Centre hosts the Vaccine Development Map website.
Use of the vaccine development maps
Please acknowledge use of the Vaccine Development Process Maps in any publication. A suggested format for referencing the maps is included below:
'UK Vaccine Network. Vaccine Development Process Map. Produced by the UK Vaccine Network Expert Group, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation. Updated 2024. Available from URL: https://www.vaccinedevelopment.org.uk'
These resources are intended to be overall guides and the UK Vaccine Network takes no responsibility for how this may be used in individual vaccine research and development projects.
Feedback
We welcome feedback for improvements. If you have feedback please email us at vaccinology@ukri.org.