Vaccines and Clinical Testing: Strategic Entry into Trials in Europe

Early-stage vaccine developers face critical decisions: where to conduct trials, how to navigate various regulatory systems and how to generate the evidence needed to proceed swiftly and with scientific integrity.

This webinar is designed for biotech innovators, NGOs and pharma teams preparing to bring their vaccine candidates into clinical testing. This session will provide clear, practical insight into how Europe can support more innovative early development, from identifying the right countries and sites to using epidemiological evidence to shape compelling clinical strategies.

Real-world examples will be discussed, including Belgium’s infrastructure for early-phase and human challenge studies. The webinar will also outline alternative pathways that can reduce risk, optimize timelines and help assets reach their next milestone.

Register for this webinar to learn how to make confident, informed decisions, supported by a partner with deep regional expertise and end-to-end capabilities in vaccines and clinical testing, including infectious disease research.

Speakers

Laurence De Moerlooze, Chief Medical Officer, P95

Laurence is currently the Chief Medical Officer at P95, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership to P95’s management team, shaped by an impressive career marked by pivotal positions, including Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Bavarian Nordic, and influential senior roles at Takeda and GSK. After earning a PhD in Virology from the University of Liège and undertaking extensive postdoctoral work in Montreal, London and Brussels, Laurence amassed over 15 years at GSK Biologicals. During this time, she was at the forefront of regulatory affairs, vaccine development leadership and medical affairs, playing a significant role in developing vaccines, including one for HPV. Her subsequent leadership roles extended to the development of vaccines for Zika and norovirus as Vice President at Takeda, followed by a 4-year tenure as Chief Medical Officer at Bavarian Nordic.

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Pierre Van Damme, Director, Vaccinopolis

Professor Dr. Pierre Van Damme, a prominent figure in vaccinology, obtained his MD and PhD from the University of Antwerp and has been active in vaccine research for over 35 years. He has been a full professor at the University of Antwerp since 2000. He is the founder and director of the Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), a WHO Collaborating Centre. Under his leadership, the CEV has conducted over 500 vaccine trials, including a notable oral polio vaccine trial for the Gates Foundation. In 2022, he launched Vaccinopolis for advanced vaccine trials. He has authored over 550 peer-reviewed papers and received several awards.

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Kaatje Bollaerts, Epidemiology Business Head, P95

Kaatje Bollaerts is the Epidemiology Business Head at P95, where she oversees the design, execution and strategy of global epidemiological research focused on vaccines and infectious diseases. With over 18 years of experience and a PhD in Biostatistics from Hasselt University, she has led major public-private initiatives, including ADVANCE, DRIVE, VITAL, COVIDRIVE and id.DRIVE. Before joining P95 in 2013, she held research roles at Sciensano and KU Leuven, contributing to national public health efforts. Kaatje is widely recognized for her scientific leadership, collaborative approach and commitment to translating data into meaningful public health insights.

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(Moderator) Eleni Koursari, Marketing and Communications Manager, P95

Eleni Koursari is a trained microbiologist with hands-on experience in molecular virology and infectious disease research. Building on her scientific background, she transitioned into communication and marketing roles across non-profit and research organizations in the public health arena. She is currently the Marketing and Communications Manager at P95, leading global marketing initiatives.

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