Veterinary vaccine fellowships for female post-docs in developing countries

Launched in September 2015, the Livestock Vaccine Innovation Fund (LVIF) is a seven-year initiative developed by Global Affairs Canada, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and IDRC. It represents a joint investment of CA$57 million to support the development, production, and commercialization of innovative vaccines against livestock diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

To improve the incorporation of gender equity across all LVIF programming (including vaccine discovery and development), LVIF is developing a set of projects that target women’s participation and benefit from agricultural and livestock systems that increase livestock productivity and improve household food security.

LVIF is now focusing on strengthening the participation and empowerment of women scientists in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Lack of sufficient career mentorship and family responsibilities have been identified as major impediments to the advancement of early career women scientists in LMICs. In this project, the LVIF and the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network will jointly develop a fellowship program that will support early-career female researchers in LMICs to gain experience, develop capacity, and further their careers in veterinary vaccine science.