Mr. Thomas Tillett (Cofounder and CEO of MBF Therapeutics), is an immunotherapeutics company that has developed and patented an innovative, proprietary T-Max Precision™ DNA vaccine platform to deliver commercial protective vaccines that provide safe, durable, heterologous protection against endemic, emerging and re-emerging diseases of global concern to livestock and companion animals, with significant translational opportunities in human health. Tom is the founder and board member of T-MaxImmunogenetics, a human health spin out from MBFT. Tom is the founder and Executive Director of Sustained Acts, a Christian non-profit focusing on sustainable projects in Africa and serves on the Friends of Kijabe Hospital Board of Directors. Mr. Tillett was founder, and CEO of RHeoGene. As RheoGene CEO, he and his team created the RheoSwitch® Therapeutic System (RTS) that led to the first human clinical trial of a small molecule-induced gene regulation system. In 2007, he successfully completed the merger of RheoGene Inc. with Intrexon Corporation who has continued the development of RTS through a various clinical trials for cancer and other important therapeutic indications. In April, 2019 the FDA announced that the RheoSwitch Therapeutic System for glioma blastoma was approved for Fast Track designation. Mr. Tillett has served on the board of numerous non-profits including; University of North Carolina General Alumni Association, Impact Thrift Stores, Chelten Church Elder Board, and the American School of Paris. He was also elected to the Hatboro-Horsham Hall of Fame in 2017.

Dr. Ian James Martins is a distinguished scientist and editor with extensive contributions to the fields of science, technology, and medicine. He serves as an editor and reviewer for several high-impact journals, including Open Access Pub, MDPI journals, Frontiers, Scientific Reports (Nature), and PLOS ONE, among other international publications. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board Member for the Photon Journal. Dr. Martins has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. The International Conference for Award Winners on Engineering, Science, and Medicine (INSO 2023) has honored him with the "Eminent Scientist Award" for his outstanding research profile. Further details can be found here. In addition to this, Dr. Martins has received the "Excellence Service Award" in the International Research Awards on Science, Technology, and Management. This award highlights his exceptional service and contributions to the scientific community. More information is available here. Dr. Martins was also honored with the "International Scientist Lifetime Achievement Award 2022" in Engineering, Science, and Medicine. This prestigious award recognizes his lifelong contributions and achievements in his field. Details about this award can be found here. In 2022, Dr. Martins received the "Outstanding Scientist Award" from the International Scientist Awards on Engineering, Science, and Medicine (INSO AWARDS). This award further solidifies his standing as a leading figure in his field. More information can be accessed here. Dr. Martins' contributions have also earned him a place in the World Scientist and University Rankings 2022. His career is marked by significant achievements and recognition, underscoring his influence and impact in the scientific community.

Dr. Segundo Mesa Castillo, a Specialist in Neurology, has an illustrious career spanning over several decades. He dedicated 10 years of his professional life to the Institute of Neurology of Havana, Cuba. With a focus on Electron Microscopic Studies on Schizophrenia, Dr. Castillo has been engaged in this specialized field for 32 years. Dr. Castillo's expertise and contributions have been recognized internationally. He was honored with the prestigious Stanley Foundation Award, which enabled him to work as a fellow in the Laboratory of the Central Nervous System Studies at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke. Under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Gibbs, he spent six months at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, starting June 5, 1990. Currently, Dr. Castillo serves as a member of the Scientific Board of the Psychiatric Hospital of Havana. In addition to his research, he imparts his knowledge through lectures to residents in psychiatry, contributing significantly to the academic and clinical training of future specialists in the field.

Dr. Ljudmila Stojanovich received her Ph.D. in Medicine in 1999 with a thesis titled “Neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.” Her extensive research focuses on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), and vaccination in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Dr. Stojanovich is a prolific author, having published three monographs and approximately 250 articles in international and domestic journals, as well as in conference proceedings. Dr. Stojanovich is an esteemed member of several editorial boards, including LUPUS (London), and serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, The Journal of Vaccine, The Journal of Rheumatology, and Allergologia et Immunopathologia. She is the Associate Editor for Frontiers in Medicine, specializing in Rheumatology, and an Editor for Hindawi, focusing on publishing open access research journals and papers. Her involvement in international projects includes participation in the “European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies” and various multicenter studies on antiphospholipid antibodies, infections, and autoimmune diseases. As a mentor and supervisor, Dr. Stojanovich has guided numerous postdoctoral students. Dr. Stojanovich is a sought-after speaker, having delivered invited lectures at numerous congresses and symposia. She has also organized and chaired many workshops, seminars, and symposia. Notably, she is a member of the Steering Committee for the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) and the prevention and management of adult antiphospholipid syndrome. Additionally, she is a member of the European Lupus Society. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Stojanovich is an EULAR Honorary Member and a member of the International Team of Medical Experts for antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus with the London Lupus Centre. She chaired the International Congress on “Antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes syndrome): Importance of Multidisciplinary Approaches - 30 years since definition” in 2013 and received the “GRANT 2015” from the European Stroke Conference for excellent research in cerebrovascular diseases. Dr. Stojanovich has been a member of the ILLUMINATE steering committee for the phase 3 lupus ILLUMINATES clinical trials of Tabalumab (LY2439821) with Eli Lilly and Company. She co-chaired and lectured at the “LUPUS ACADEMY EASTERN EUROPEAN ROADSHOW of EULAR” in Belgrade on March 18, 2016, and has been a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) since 2017. She also serves as a guest editor for the Special Issue “Antiphospholipid Syndrome” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and as an associate editor for “Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Disorders” in Frontiers in Immunology. Most recently, Dr. Stojanovich chaired the “12th European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies” in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 25, 2021. Her distinguished career is highlighted by an h-index of 34 and over 4,700 citations, reflecting her significant impact on the field of autoimmune rheumatic disorders.

Huang Wei Ling was born in Taiwan, raised and graduated in medicine in Brazil, a specialist in infectious and parasitic diseases, a General Practitioner, a Parenteral and Enteral Medical Nutrition Therapist, Acupuncture, Pain Management and Homeopathy. Since 1997, she has worked with the approach and treatment of all chronic diseases in a holistic way, with treatment guided through the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hippocrates. Author of the theory Constitutional Homeopathy of the Five Elements Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Author of more than 230 publications about treatment of variety of diseases rebalancing the internal energy.

Dr. Mihail Lucian Birsa is currently a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania. In 2003 he was selected as a member of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, working with Professor Henning Hopf in TU Braunschweig - Germany. Since then numerous return fellowships were granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He has more than 125 publications in peer-review journals and published +45 books/book chapters (John Wiley & Sons, Thieme etc). Also, is editorial board member in more than 50 journals such as Applied Sciences, Arkivoc, BioChem, Edelweiss Chemical Science Journal, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, Journal of Fine Chemical Engineering, Modern Approaches in Drug Designing, Pharmaceutical Toxicology.

Mr. Thomas Tillett (Cofounder and CEO of MBF Therapeutics), is an immunotherapeutics company that has developed and patented an innovative, proprietary T-Max Precision™ DNA vaccine platform to deliver commercial protective vaccines that provide safe, durable, heterologous protection against endemic, emerging and re-emerging diseases of global concern to livestock and companion animals, with significant translational opportunities in human health. Tom is the founder and board member of T-MaxImmunogenetics, a human health spin out from MBFT. Tom is the founder and Executive Director of Sustained Acts, a Christian non-profit focusing on sustainable projects in Africa and serves on the Friends of Kijabe Hospital Board of Directors. Mr. Tillett was founder, and CEO of RHeoGene. As RheoGene CEO, he and his team created the RheoSwitch® Therapeutic System (RTS) that led to the first human clinical trial of a small molecule-induced gene regulation system. In 2007, he successfully completed the merger of RheoGene Inc. with Intrexon Corporation who has continued the development of RTS through a various clinical trials for cancer and other important therapeutic indications. In April 2019 the FDA announced that the RheoSwitch Therapeutic System for glioma blastoma was approved for Fast Track designation. Mr. Tillett has served on the board of numerous non-profits including; the University of North Carolina General Alumni Association, Impact Thrift Stores, Chelten Church Elder Board, and the American School of Paris. He was also elected to the Hatboro-Horsham Hall of Fame in 2017.

Dr. Ljudmila Stojanovich received her Ph.D. in Medicine in 1999 with a thesis titled “Neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.” Her extensive research focuses on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), and vaccination in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Dr. Stojanovich is a prolific author, having published three monographs and approximately 250 articles in international and domestic journals, as well as in conference proceedings. Dr. Stojanovich is an esteemed member of several editorial boards, including LUPUS (London), and serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, The Journal of Vaccine, The Journal of Rheumatology, and Allergologia et Immunopathologia. She is the Associate Editor for Frontiers in Medicine, specializing in Rheumatology, and an Editor for Hindawi, focusing on publishing open access research journals and papers. Her involvement in international projects includes participation in the “European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies” and various multicenter studies on antiphospholipid antibodies, infections, and autoimmune diseases. As a mentor and supervisor, Dr. Stojanovich has guided numerous postdoctoral students. Dr. Stojanovich is a sought-after speaker, having delivered invited lectures at numerous congresses and symposia. She has also organized and chaired many workshops, seminars, and symposia. Notably, she is a member of the Steering Committee for the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) and the prevention and management of adult antiphospholipid syndrome. Additionally, she is a member of the European Lupus Society. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Stojanovich is an EULAR Honorary Member and a member of the International Team of Medical Experts for antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus with the London Lupus Centre. She chaired the International Congress on “Antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes syndrome): Importance of Multidisciplinary Approaches - 30 years since definition” in 2013 and received the “GRANT 2015” from the European Stroke Conference for excellent research in cerebrovascular diseases. Dr. Stojanovich has been a member of the ILLUMINATE steering committee for the phase 3 lupus ILLUMINATES clinical trials of Tabalumab (LY2439821) with Eli Lilly and Company. She co-chaired and lectured at the “LUPUS ACADEMY EASTERN EUROPEAN ROADSHOW of EULAR” in Belgrade on March 18, 2016, and has been a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) since 2017. She also serves as a guest editor for the Special Issue “Antiphospholipid Syndrome” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and as an associate editor for “Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Disorders” in Frontiers in Immunology. Most recently, Dr. Stojanovich chaired the “12th European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies” in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 25, 2021. Her distinguished career is highlighted by an h-index of 34 and over 4,700 citations, reflecting her significant impact on the field of autoimmune rheumatic disorders.

Professor Gashaw is a Public health specialist in the field of public health, his expertise in implementation sciences has made him an invaluable asset to project HOPE. Joining the project two years ago as the Senior Implementation Sciences Advisor for the Zero Dose Children Project, Professor Gashaw has been instrumental in driving the research activities of the project. One of his primary responsibilities is the development of project protocols. Professor Gashaw ensures that the protocols are robust and effective in achieving the project goals. He also oversees the field research activities, providing guidance and support to the team. His hands-on approach ensures that the research is carried out meticulously, yielding accurate and reliable results. Apart from his involvement in the field, Professor Gashaw writing manuscripts that are published in international peer-reviewed journals. As a professor, he imparts his wisdom in public health courses such as research methods, neonatal and child health, and health systems, economics, leadership, and management. He has been teaching these subjects for over 25 years, shaping the future of public health professionals. Before his work with project HOPE, Professor Gashaw had a distinguished career in academia. With an undergraduate degree in Environmental Health Sciences from Jimma University, he further pursued his studies and obtained a Master of Public Health from Addis Ababa University. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in child health and public health from the esteemed University of Gondar. Prior to joining project HOPE, he served the Ministry of Health for two years before dedicating his career to the University of Gondar. Atthe University of Gondar, Professor Gashaw held various positions, served as the Administrative vice president, where he contributed to the strategic direction of the institution. As a researcher, he delved deep into the complexities of public health issues, striving to find innovative solutions. One of his notable contributions was as the site leader for the Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System, where he played a pivotal role in collecting crucial data. Furthermore, he served as the field program manager for a randomized control trial on integrated community case management pneumonia treatment in Ethiopia. His exceptional management skills ensured the smooth execution of the trial, advancing the understanding of effective treatment strategies. Professor Gashaw's passion for education is evident through his dedication to teaching and advising PhD and master's students. His desire to empower the next generation of public health professionals has motivated him to write teaching modules and lecture notes in the field. With over 120 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals, Professor Gashaw has established himself as a prominent figure in public health research.

Dr. Bongani Alphouse Nkala, born in the rural area of Novuka, Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal, has an impressive academic and professional background. He completed a National Diploma in Biotechnology at Natal Technikon with majors in microbiology and biochemistry, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from the Durban Institute of Technology (now Durban University of Technology). He further earned a Master's degree in Medical Science, specializing in environmental toxicology, and a Doctorate in Human Physiology with a focus on African traditional medicine from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr. Nkala’s expertise spans applied and natural sciences, and he teaches various subjects including laboratory management, biology, microbiology, medical microbiology & immunology, agricultural economics, industry exploration, and work-integrated learning. Passionate about African traditional medicine, particularly in managing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, he has presented his research at numerous conferences locally and internationally. Committed to connecting graduates with industry, Dr. Nkala co-founded the non-profit ScienceCEO Academy in 2015, aimed at promoting STEM careers and self-sustainability through science. With extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, his key focus areas include lecturing, research & development, facilitation, mentoring, coaching, and graduate placement. He also offers consultancy services to ensure the practical application of his expertise benefits others.

Dr. Takele completed his PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science with a specialty in Microbiology in 2013 and an MSc in Aquatic Medicine in 2007 from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. He earned his DVM degree from Addis Ababa University in 1995. Dr. Takele has undergone numerous short-term trainings in microbiology, including an advanced master-level course in vaccinology (jointly offered by the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, and Makerere University), molecular diagnostic techniques from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria, and European certification (FELASA certified) in using animal models for biomedical research. He also has training in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 laboratory test standardization and calibration. Dr. Takele served at Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine for 20 years, where he held the positions of vice dean and Associate Professor of Microbiology. Since 2016, he has been with the National Veterinary Institute of Ethiopia, where he has held various roles including Senior Researcher, Director of R&D, and currently Director General. In these roles, he has gained extensive experience in managing and assuring the quality of research, diagnostics, vaccine, and drug production laboratories. Dr. Takele has participated in several national technical committees, provided consulting services, and served on the boards of Mizan Tepi and Ambo Universities. Internationally, Dr. Takele has worked in multicultural environments, including as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada in 2018, as a Research Fellow at University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria in 2011, and as a Rothamsted Research Scholar at Norwegian School of Veterinary Science in 2010, Oslo, Norway. Dr. Takele has significant research experience and grant writing skills, having secured several local and international research grants such as the Rothamsted International Research Fellowship, Norwegian Government funds, and two major research grants from the International Development Research Center (IDRC) of Canada through LVIF and InnovetAMR 2 programs, as well as IAEA-UN research grants. In his research, Dr. Takele identified a novel species of fish pathogenic bacterium named Edwardsiella piscicida, which is now recognized as a significant fish pathogen worldwide. He has authored and co-authored over 50 scientific publications.

Dr. Thandeka Khoza, a structural biologist with expertise in vaccinology, holds a BSc Hons from the University of Cape Town and a PhD in Biochemistry (Structural Biology) from the University of Witwatersrand. Dr. Khoza's research experience includes a tenure at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and she currently lectures in Biochemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She also obtained Master in Vaccinology from the University of Lausanne which broadened her knowledge of vaccine development and implementation. With her unique blend of structural biology and vaccinology expertise, Dr Khoza is well-positioned to advance research on priority diseases for pandemic preparedness and contribute to global health security.