Annual Meeting 2026
VALIDATE’s 8th Annual Meeting will take place from 22–25 June 2026 in the vibrant city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
ECR Workshop - 22 June 2026
The 2026 Annual Meeting will open with a dedicated training day for Early Career Researchers, led by VALIDATE's own Samantha Vermaak and Dr María Adelaida Gómez. This year’s ECR Workshop will focus on grant writing, offering practical guidance on how to turn research ideas into competitive proposals. Through interactive sessions, participants will learn how to identify funding opportunities and structure applications effectively — gaining valuable insights from experienced researchers and grant reviewers.
A Three-Day Annual Meeting - 23 - 25 June 2026
Following the workshop, VALIDATE’s Annual Meeting returns — now extended to three full days to provide even more opportunities for networking, discussion, and collaboration. The meeting is free for VALIDATE members and will showcase cutting-edge vaccine research on our core pathogens: Mycobacteria, Leishmania, and Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis). The expanded format includes talks from international experts, poster sessions, interactive discussions, and social events — an unmissable opportunity to connect with peers and leaders across the global vaccine community.
The Venue- The Hyatt Regency, Cartagena
Set on Cartagena’s Caribbean coastline, the Hyatt Regency Cartagena offers modern conference facilities, on-site accommodation, and excellent connectivity to the historic walled city. The venue provides an ideal setting for scientific exchange, networking, and collaboration, while also giving delegates the opportunity to experience one of Latin America’s oldest, most vibrant and culturally rich cities.
Your Safety and Travel to Colombia
We have created a Travel and Safety Guide to help make your trip to Colombia safe and enjoyable.
The VALIDATE Management Team is monitoring international developments as we plan for the 2026 Annual Meeting. Based on current government travel advice, reputable news reporting, and guidance from our Colombian colleagues, we continue to plan for the meeting to take place in Colombia.
We recognise that the situation is complex and may evolve. The safety of our members and delegates remains our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor developments and adapt our plans if necessary, keeping members informed with clear and timely guidance. At this stage, we look forward to delivering a successful meeting in Colombia. If you have any questions, please contact the VALIDATE Team at VALIDATE@ndm.ox.ac.uk.
Annual Meeting Calls - Now Closed
The deadline for our Annual Meeting Travel Grants, Poster Abstracts, and Research Talks has now passed.
