The NIHR Global Health Research Group on Gastrointestinal Infections (GHRG-GI), led by Professor Nigel Cunliffe at the University of Liverpool, made a strong impact at the 15th International Rotavirus Symposium held in Cape Town this October.
Renowned for its global rotavirus research, the GHRG-GI team highlighted their ongoing work to improve child health through vaccine research and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries. As part of this mission, the group is actively training the next generation of gastrointestinal infection scientists in Malawi, Ethiopia, and Kenya, with a focus on sustainable research partnerships and local leadership.
The group made significant contributions to the event including presentations from Master’s students, two PhD students, two postdoctoral researchers, and senior academic staff. Among the highlights was a poster presentation by MRC DiMeN PhD student Latif Ndeketa, who was awarded the ‘Best Poster Prize’ for his research on the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccines in Malawi.
Professor Cunliffe said: "It was a privilege to see our early-career researchers sharing their work on a global stage. Their exceptional scientific contributions reflect the strength of our international collaborations and the real-world impact of our research on child health."
The symposium brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and public health professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advances in rotavirus research, vaccine implementation, and disease surveillance.