About the initiative - NIVI

The aim of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) is to revolutionize and accelerate vaccine development in Denmark by bridging the gap between academic research and industry innovation. NIVI conducts basic and translational research with an emphasis on developing new vaccines targeting respiratory-route pathogens that have outbreak potential or that, directly or indirectly, promote the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Vaccination is one of the most effective tools in the fight against infectious diseases, saving millions of lives every year. However, despite recent advancements in novel vaccine technologies, there remains a critical need for new or improved vaccines for many pathogens. Of particular concern are pathogens transmitted through the respiratory tract. Several airborne infectious diseases have the potential to cause fatal infections, exacerbate antimicrobial resistance and importantly, pose a significant epidemic and pandemic threat.

NIVI brings together leading experts in immunology and vaccine development from Denmark and around the world to develop vaccine candidates against some of the most important and deadly respiratory pathogens. In so doing, NIVI aims to create a knowledge hub in airway immunity and establish vaccine development pipelines that can be rapidly adapted to respond to new emerging pathogens.

Organisational structure

NIVI is a public-private partnership between the University of Copenhagen and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Statens Serum Institut (SSI) is an important key partner in the initiative. NIVI’s unique structure is designed to bridge the divisions between basic science, innovation, clinical application, manufacturing, regulatory considerations, and vaccine development.

The initiative is comprised of two distinct entities:

1) The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Vaccines and Immunity (NCVI)

NCVI strives to be a world-leading academic research center anchored at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen. NCVI directs the research, discovery and educational aspects of the NIVI initiative. 

For detailed information, please visit About NCVI.  

2) The Novo Nordisk Foundation Vaccine Accelerator (NVAC)

NVAC P/S is a limited liability company owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. NVAC enables the translational efforts of NIVI by providing industry-level expertise in vaccine development and conducting clinical studies (Phase 1 & 2, including CHIM) for new vaccine candidates. 

NCVI and NVAC are two distinct entities that have a common mission and work together, under the umbrella of NIVI, to ensure a smooth path between vaccine research and development up to and including Phase 2 clinical trials. Any revenue will be reinvested in NIVI.

For detailed information, please visit the NVAC website