1. Introduction and Rationale
A s part of the actions of the Center of Excellence in Health Technology and Innovation (Ceti-Saúde) at the Federal University of Goiás ( UFG)/Brazil , and in collaboration and support of the Brazilian National Immunization Program and other Brazilian institutions involved in vaccinology , the Advanced Course of Vaccinology AdVAC Brazil (https://www.advacbrasil.ufg.br) has been structured in 2025 , taking place annually.
The course aims to promote cross sectoral integration and strengt hen critical decision making in vaccinology, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of its various aspects. Course objectives include: expanding the participants' scientific foundation and multidisciplinary knowledge; promoting the use of inn ovative immunization technologies; developing leadership skills; fostering networking and experience exchange; and integrating theory and practice in designing effective solutions to real world challenges.
With a broad approach to the various domains of v accinology, the AdVac Brazil program includes the essential components to translate scientific and epidemiological evidence into the development of effective vaccine and immunization policies. The course seeks to broaden participants’ scientific knowledge beyond their current area of expertise, highlight the multifaceted nature of vaccinology, encourage exploration of new technologies and a more global, holistic mindset, and equip participants with unique skillsets to advance leadership in the field.
Furthermore, AdVac Brazil offers a unique networking opportunity, allowing participants to build meaningful, lasting professional relationships. It also serves as a platform for sharing professional challenges and identifying solutions.
By learning with and al ongside other AdVac Brazil participants from diverse sectors and institutions, the course intends to contribute to the advancement of vaccinology by sharing practical insights focused on implementation from basic scientific levels to public health scale. By gathering leading national experts in vaccinology in a collaborative environment, it becomes an excellent incubator for the development of concepts, ideas, and experience exchange.
2. Workload, Format , and Schedule
AdVAC Brazil is structured similarly to the global ADVAC training course , adapted to the Brazilian reality and needs. The course is held in person, with a total workload of 48 hours.
- Modality: In person
- Period: Annualy , in August (next edition August 9 15 th , 2026
- Location: Pirenópolis, Goiás Brazil
3. Target Audience
Professionals working with vaccinology at the Brazilian Public Health care Sys tem (SUS), including the Brazilian Immunization Program , National Regulatory Agency, and other institutions researchers from academic institution s working with vaccinology , members of scientific societies, professionals from international philanthropic and non governmental organizations and professionals from vaccine manufacturers in Brazil , totaling 70 participants per class.
4. Selection Process
A post graduate certificate/diploma in health , as well as a minimum of 5 years experience in vaccinology are required as pre-requisites for application.
Candidates will be selected by the AdVAC Brazil Scientific Committee , considering the following criteria:
- Relevant academic back ground
- Professional experience in vaccinology (minimum 5 years)
- Level of responsibility in vaccine related decision making
- Expected impact of participating in the course on your personal and institutional trajectory
5. Objectives
To empower participants for critical decision making in vaccinology through a comprehensive and updated evidence based view of key scientific, technical, and operational topics.
The course aims to:
- Expand participants scientific foundation and multidisciplinary knowledge
- Promote the adoption of new technologies
- Develop leadership skills
- Foster a platform for networking and experience exchange
- Promote the integration of theory and practice in formulating effective solutions for real challenges faced in vaccinology
6. Core Content
- Immunology and vaccine mechanisms of action
- Vaccine development and clinical trials
- Regulatory processes and vaccine procurement
- Evidence based vaccine schedule updates
- Specific vaccines and development portfolios
- Vaccination strategies and policy making
- Integration with public health programs
- Communication in vaccinology
- Funding and Financial sustainability
- Ethical considerations in immunization
7. Teaching Methodology
- Interactive lectures by invited experts
- Expert panels
- Case studies and simulations
- Group dynamics and guided debates
- Quizzes and other digital tools
- Updated support materials (Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO, scientific literature);
- Course evaluation
8. Expected Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed the following competencies:
- Use evidence based criteria for decisions regarding updates to vaccination schedules in immunization programs
- Identify requirements for vaccination strategies under special conditions, including eradication efforts, neonatal vaccination, immunization of older people, immunocompromised individuals, and people living with HIV, among others
- Structure and address challenges in vaccine clinical trials (site selection, recruitment, monitoring, evaluation, and ethics);
- Understand recent advances in the development of new vaccines and vaccination strategies;
- Evaluate all aspects of vaccine safety, including management and investigation of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), and respond to crisis situations;
- Understand the strategic role of communication in vaccination programs and policies;
- Analyze aspects of the professional practice in vaccinology that can be improved.
9. Coordination Team
- Scientific Coordination: Dr. Cristiana Toscano, General Coordinator of Ceti-Saúde, Federal University of Goiás UFG
- Scientific Committee:
Kamel Senouci: University of Geneva (Université de Genéve), Global ADVAC Coordinator
Cristiana Toscano: AdVAC Brazil coordinator , General Coordinator of Ceti-Saúde, UFG;
Sheila Araújo Teles: Capacity Building Coordinator of Ceti-Saúde, UFG;
Elena Cristina Caride: Head of the Technical Scientific Committee for Biologicals (CTCB) at Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz;
José Alfredo de Sousa Moreira: Medical Director of Clinical Development at Instituto Butantan;
Lely Guzman: Coordinator of the Comprehensive Immunization Program, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Brazil;
Adriane Alves de Oliveira: Specialist in Regulation and Health Surveillance , Brazilian National Regulatory Agency (Anvisa);
Ana Catarina de Melo Araújo: General Coordinator for Scientific Incorporation and Immunization National Immunization Program Brazilian Ministry of Health, and Postdoctoral Fellow at UFG.
10. Partner Institutions
- Global ADVAC: with over two decades of experience in advanced vaccinology and leader of vaccinology training globally, represents a strategic initiative developed by the University of Geneva for scientific development and the strengthening of global public health. Learn more about AdVAC Global by visiting: https://www.advac.org/
- University of Geneva (Université de founded in 1559, it is one of Europe’s most prestigious higher education institutions, recognized worldwide for academic excellence and commitment to strategic global themes. Learn more about the University of Geneva at: https://www.unige.ch/
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): The primary international public health agency in the Americas and the regional office for the World Health Organization (WHO). Visit the PAHO website at: https://www.paho.org/pt/brasil
- Brazilian Ministry of Health Through the Brazilian the Public Unified Health System (SUS), the largest public health system in the world, provides a structural pillar of vaccinology in Brazil, ensuring universal access to vaccines and promoting technological innovation. Visit the Brazilian Ministry of Health website to learn more: https://www.gov.br/saude/ptbr
- Butantan Institute: for over a century it has been one of the most important scientific institutions in Latin America in the field of vaccinology, being an important producer of vaccines for the Brazilian National Immunization Program Learn more about Instituto Butantan at: https://butantan.gov.br/
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz): Plays a strategic role in the Brazilian Public Health Research and Innovation and through its Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos), is a key producer of vaccines for the Brazilian National Immunization Program Access the Fiocruz and Bio-Manguinhos websites via the following links: https://fiocruz.br/ and https://fiocruz.br/unidade/instituto-de-tecnologia-em-imunobiologicos-biomanguinhos
- Federal University of Goiás (UFG): One of Brazil's most important federal universities, serving as a strategic space for knowledge production, translation and application towards strengthening the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). Learn more about UFG at: https://ufg.br/
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health (IPTSP UFG): It is a reference center for teaching and research in infectious diseases, immunology, and public health. Access the IPTSP website to learn more: https://iptsp.ufg.br/
- Goiás State Research Support Foundation (FAPEG): It is the main agency for promoting scientific and technological research and innovation in the State of Goiás. Learn more about FAPEG at: https://goias.gov.br/fapeg/
The collaboration and partnership with all these institutions national and international, academic and governmental grants AdVAC Brazil legitimacy, excellence, and strategic impact, consolidating it as a benchmark initiative in advanced training and scientific health development in Brazil and Portuguese Speaking countries.