Our research volunteers make the difference when it comes to creating essential vaccines and making meningitis a disease of the past
From 1st-12th June we have been celebrating the hard work of our many volunteers and today we want to recognise our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel.
Our panel consists of 9 volunteers, all leading experts in their field, who have conducted world class research of their own. Their expertise varies from immunology, to vaccine development and genetics.
Meeting on an annual basis, these volunteers review all research grant applications ensuring they comply with our research strategy. This ensures that we only fund relevant, cost-effective research that is essential in our fight against meningitis. Without their expertise our dream of working towards a world where no one loses their life to meningitis would not be a reality.
Our chairperson, Dr Myron Christodoulides, who has been a valued member of the SMAP team for 8 years, has stepped down from the position. From chairing the annual SMAP meeting to reading progress reports, we would like to thank him for everything that he has done for us in this time.
We are now delighted to introduce our new chairperson, Dr Caroline Vipond, to the team. Caroline is a senior scientist at NIBSC (National Institute of Biological Standards and Control) where she runs the group responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of a number of licensed meningococcal vaccines. Her great expertise will help ensure the smooth running of our research program.
Our research co-ordinator Rhiannon McAleer said “Without SMAP we simply couldn’t have our research program. We’re so grateful for the time and expertise the panel give us so generously.”
You can find out more about our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel here.
