Louise Lindbäck and Annasara Lenman are leading the research infection schools, hosted by UCMR. Photo: Alfred Wennemo
We look back at 2025 as a year of progress, transition, and renewed momentum for the national infection research schools NDPIA and NDP-VIP. It has also been a year of change behind the scenes, as we stepped into new roles – Annasara Lenman as national director and Louise Lindbäck as project coordinator.
From our base at Umeå University, we have worked on shaping the next chapter for both schools and we are very excited to support the research communities around NDPIA and NDP-VIP. The four-year funding period from the Swedish Research Council (VR) allows us to strengthen existing activities and continue building a national platform for training researchers in two complementary VR priority areas: antibiotic resistance and viruses & pandemics respectively.
Address infectious disease challenges
At the heart of both schools is an ambition that feels more important than ever: to train the next generation of scientists to address infectious disease challenges. Across Sweden, our PhD students and postdocs take part in advanced courses, hands-on workshops, and career-development activities, while also expanding their national and international networks.
Our goal is simple: to help researchers build confidence in their science, spark collaborations across disciplines, and encourage the innovation needed to meet current and future health challenges from a One Health perspective.
An important step to get confidence is to learn how to present your study orally. Here a poster presentation at the Vaccin development course.
Looking back at the year
Much of this first year was devoted to building a strong organizational foundation, setting up structures, routines, and establishing productive ways of working across two national research schools with complementary research areas.
It has been a year of learning, planning, and coordination, but above all a year one full of energy and engagement. Throughout the year, both schools hosted a range of high-impact courses and events that brought our community together, including:
- Fundamentals of Applied and Basic Phage Biology course – a deep dive into phage research
- Career Development Seminar – practical advice and personal insights for navigating academic life
- Antivirals: Mechanisms, Resistance and Innovation course – exploring both established and emerging antiviral strategies
- 11th National Infection Biology Meeting – a lively national gathering for researchers in the field
- Vaccine Development course – covering the full pipeline from mechanisms to clinical trials
The National Infection Biology meeting in Bålsta was a success and gathered almost 120 particpants. Photo: private
International connections
We also launched a new collaboration between NDP-VIP and the young German Society for Virology. As part of this exchange, five German students joined the 2025 antivirals course, and five NDP-VIP students will head to Heidelberg in spring 2026 for a career workshop and a German national virology meeting.
Another exciting step was building a connection between NDPIA and the Norwegian research school Microbiology Matters, opening the door for joint courses and future collaborations.
Looking forward to 2026
Our plan for next year is already well underway. Make sure to save these upcoming activities in your calendar:
- Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance: 23-26 March
- Mosquito-Borne Pathogens and Their Vectors: 8-12 June
- Viral Pandemics and Pandemic Preparedness: 17-19 August
- Infection research from bench-to-bedside and back: 19-21 October
Annasara Lenman has great visions for the infection research schools Photo: Louise Lindbäck
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this first year – from students and colleagues to collaborators and UCMR leadership. We look forward to connecting with many of you in 2026!
Learn more about NDPIA
Learn more about NDP-VIP
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
