Opportunities and challenges of conducting vaccine research in low and middle-income countries in the Asia–Pacific region: perspectives from the Asia–Pacific Vaccine Research Network

During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine technology and development advanced substantially in high-income
countries, but this progress was not followed by the equitable knowledge transfer and accessibility and uptake of
vaccines, particularly among low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Asia–Pacific Vaccine Research Network
is a collaborative platform that aims to address common challenges faced by Asia–Pacific LMICs in undertaking
vaccine research and barriers to evidence-based immunisation policy and practice. A network workshop was held in
2023 that aimed to identify critical challenges and opportunities to advance vaccine research to inform immunisation
policy in LMICs in the Asia–Pacific. We found common themes to be challenges and opportunities in vaccine
research capacity and infrastructure, workforce availability, financing and regulatory issues. To help to address some
of these common challenges across the region, the Asia–Pacific Vaccine Research Network aims to facilitate the
upskilling of vaccine research capability and knowledge exchange by bringing together experts and stakeholders from
diverse backgrounds and through collaboration.