Vaccine Research Center

Theodore C. Pierson, Ph.D.

Ted C. Pierson, Ph.D.
Director, Vaccine Research Center

Credit: NIAID

The Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was established to facilitate research in vaccine development. The VRC is dedicated to improving global human health through the rigorous pursuit of effective vaccines for human diseases. Established by former President Bill Clinton as part of an initiative to develop an AIDS vaccine, the VRC is a unique venture within the NIH intramural research program. Initially spearheaded by NIAID, the National Cancer Institute, and the NIH Office of AIDS Research, the VRC is now part of the NIAID organization.

The VRC’s mission is to discover and develop novel vaccines and biologics targeting infectious diseases of global public health importance. The primary areas of research include vaccines and biologics research for HIV/AIDS, coronaviruses, influenza, malaria, and pandemic preparedness.

About the VRC

H1N1 Flu Virus Particles
H1N1 Flu Virus Particles
Credit
NIAID

VRC's Key Disease Areas and Research Activities

  • HIV/AIDS vaccine development
  • Coronavirus vaccine development
  • Influenza vaccine development
  • Malaria antibody development
  • Pandemic preparedness

See a full list of VRC's key disease areas and research activities

a white building with blue windows
VRC’s Building 40 on the NIH Bethesda, Maryland Campus
Credit
NIAID

VRC Organization

See a list of VRC Contacts.

Universal influenza vaccine
A healthy volunteer receives the H1ssF_3928 experimental universal influenza vaccine as part of a Phase 1 clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Credit
NIAID

VRC Clinical Studies

The Vaccine Research Center evaluates candidate vaccines and monoclonal antibodies targeting HIV, influenza, Ebola, and other emerging infections. Find out more and volunteer for VRC Clinical Studies.
 

You can also fill out the volunteer information form and we will match you with studies and contact you.
 

Volunteer Form

Research Conducted at the VRC

Sections & Programs

Read about all of the VRC Sections & Programs

Scientific Advances at the Vaccine Research Center

  • Discovery of Therapeutic Antibody for Ebola
  • Rapid Design of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates
  • Discovery of COVID-19 Therapeutic Antibodies
  • Structure-Based Design to Advance RSV Vaccine Candidates
Read about the Scientific Advances at the Vaccine Research Center
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