Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
February 2 – 5, 2027

The First Global Strep A Vaccine Conference

Bridging great science to global impact:
Fast tracking Strep A vaccine development

THE CHALLENGE

55M

People worldwide living with rheumatic heart disease

640K+

Deaths annually, mostly young people in less-developed countries and communities

0

Licensed vaccines

ABOUT

What is Strep A?

Strep A (Streptococcus pyogenes, group A streptococcus) is a leading cause of death and disability globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The greatest burden is from rheumatic heart disease triggered by rheumatic fever, an autoimmune reaction to Strep A throat and skin infections.

Strep A also causes substantial harm through invasive disease, severe skin and soft tissue infections and a post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and its role in pharyngitis and impetigo makes it a major driver of global antibiotic use. In recent years, several countries have reported rising invasive disease and scarlet fever, particularly in children under 10 years.

Coloured electron micrograph of Streptococcus pyogenes, showing chains of round violet cells against a black background

ACCELERATING VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

Why this Conference?

The case for Strep A vaccines is compelling. The burden of acute disease (pharyngitis, skin infection and invasive disease) and chronic disease (rheumatic heart disease and kidney disease) is enormous, yet vaccine research and development has been held back for decades by scientific, regulatory and funding barriers.

Those barriers are now lowering with more than 10 vaccines in advanced pre-clinical development and 4 vaccines in or recently completed phase 1 human trials. The field is poised to progress rapidly over the next few years.

Despite this momentum, there has never been a dedicated meeting for Strep A vaccine research and development, and that gap has slowed progress. The First Global Strep A Vaccine (GSAV) Conference will bring together the full range of stakeholders working on Strep A vaccine research and development to strengthen coordination, share knowledge and plan the actions needed to reach a vaccine with global impact.

Illustration of a line-drawn globe with a chain of coloured spheres, echoing a Strep A chain, crossing its centre

REGISTRATION

Registration is now open!

Registration includes:

  • All Conference Sessions
  • Conference Catering (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
  • Welcome and Evening Receptions

Low- and middle-income country
(LMIC) rate

Student / Post-doc rate
$50
Professional rate
$150

Standard rate

Student / Post-doc rate
$150
Professional rate
$400

ABSTRACTS

Call for Abstracts

Researchers and partners from the global Strep A and wider vaccinology field are invited to prepare and submit their latest scientific work, including original research, new data, and innovations supporting the acceleration of Strep A vaccine development.

Note that abstracts supporting the acceleration of vaccine development and equitable access will be prioritized.

Bacterial pathogenesis and antigen discovery
Clinical development of Strep A vaccines
Host immunology and correlates of protection
Clinical trial design and endpoints
Vaccine design and formulation, including adjuvants
Epidemiology and disease burden
Pre-clinical development
Vaccine safety, including autoimmune considerations
Immunoassay development and validation
Vaccine policy, access, implementation and community engagement
Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM)
Universities and academic institutions
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
Research institutes
Funders (philanthropy, foundations, bilateral donors)
Ministries of Health and regulatory authorities
WHO and other multilateral organizations (e.g. UN agencies, Gavi, Global Fund)
Implementing and technical partners (e.g. NGOs)
Care providers

Submission Requirements

Abstracts must be written in clear scientific English and should not exceed 275 words. Full details will be available on the submission portal.

We strongly encourage participation from partners in low- and middle-income countries. Travel support is available and is intended to offset travel costs associated with attending the conference, so finances are not a barrier to participation.

You can find information and apply for travel support in the “Venue and Travel” section of the website.

Timeline

July 17, 2026
ABSTRACT CALL ISSUED
July 30, 2026
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION OPENS (WEBSITE LAUNCH)
September 7, 2026
ABSTRACT DEADLINE
Early October 2026
DECISIONS COMMUNICATED TO SUBMITTERS

CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

Organisers of the Global Strep A Vaccine Conference

The conference is guided by a five-member Executive Committee, which oversees the Scientific Advisory Committee and holds final decision-making authority on scientific and programme matters.

Portrait of Andrew Steer
Andrew Steer (Chair)
Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
Portrait of Pierre Smeesters
Pierre Smeesters
Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Belgium
Portrait of Thushan de Silva
Thushan de Silva
University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Portrait of Julie Jacobson
Julie Jacobson
Bridges to Development, United States
Portrait of Katharine Collins
Katharine Collins
Coefficient Giving, United Kingdom

The conference is guided by a five-member Executive Committee, which oversees the Scientific Advisory Committee and holds final decision-making authority on scientific and programme matters.

Andrea Beaton
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, US
Nikki Moreland
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Jeff Cannon
The Kids Research Institute Australia
Victor Nizet
University of California, San Diego, US
Jonathan Carapetis
The Kids Research Institute Australia
Joshua Osowicki
Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
Pierre Gsell
World Health Organisation, Switzerland
Tom Parks
Imperial College London, UK
Danika Hill
Monash University, Australia
Joselyn Rwebembera
RHD Research Collaborative, Uganda
Penda Johm
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
Allie Shaw
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, UK
Alex Keeley
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
Shiranee Sriskandan
Imperial College London, UK
David Khoury
Kirby Institute, UNSW, Australia
Nina Van Sorge
Amsterdam University Medical Center, Netherlands
Jerome Kim
International Vaccine Institute, South Korea
Liesl Zuhlke
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Brenda Kwambana
Malawi Liverpool Wellcome, Malawi
Jean Claude Ngabonziza
Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Rwanda
Arnaud Marchant
Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium

PROGRAMME

Shaped by the science submitted to this conference

The programme runs over four days: an opening reception on Tuesday evening, followed by 3 days of full conference scheduling.

Day 1
Strep A opening keynote and reception
Tuesday, 2 February 2027 (PM)
Day 2
Full conference day
Wednesday, 3 February 2027
Day 3
Full conference day
Thursday, 4 February 2027
Day 4
Full conference day and closing keynote
Friday, 5 February 2027

Meet in Malaysia

VENUE

Planning your trip

The conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur, February 2–5, 2027.

Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital of Malaysia, is a dynamic city where modern innovation meets rich cultural heritage. As one of Southeast Asia's leading convention and business destinations, Kuala Lumpur offers world-class infrastructure, excellent connectivity, diverse cultural experiences, and renowned Malaysian hospitality. From its iconic skyline and award-winning shopping districts to its colorful heritage precincts and vibrant street markets, the city provides an exciting setting for both professional engagement and leisure

The Petronas Twin Towers lit at dusk above the Kuala Lumpur skyline and KLCC park

Planning ahead ensures a smoother journey. Review the latest requirements before booking your travel.

Delegates are responsible for ensuring they meet Malaysia's entry requirements before travelling. Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Participants who require a visa are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the conference. Participants are encouraged to confirm the requirements applicable to their nationality before making travel arrangements.

A pale globe turned to show South East Asia, with Malaysia at its centre

Malaysia eVISA Portal

Visa Requirements
by Country

A hand holding up a dark passport against a savannah landscape at sunset
A passenger aircraft climbing above the clouds at sunrise

TRAVEL SUPPORT

Travel Support Application

For registrants hoping to attend the First Global Strep A Vaccine Conference who would require financial support to make their attendance possible, we are pleased to invite you to apply for travel support.

The financial support is intended to offset travel costs associated with attending the conference, so finances are not a barrier to participation.

FUNDER

Coefficient Giving

The First Global Strep A Vaccine Conference has been initiated thanks to support from Coefficient Giving.

Sponsorship interest

Organisations interested in sponsoring the conference are encouraged to reach out to the Support Unit at:

info@globalstrepavax.org

STAY CONNECTED

Contact

Sign up to receive updates about the First Global Strep A Vaccine Conference.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

For questions about the conference, contact the Support Unit at Bridges to Development

info@globalstrepavax.org

Social Media

We encourage interested partners to follow and use the hashtag #GSAVConference2027 on social media.