Conference Description
The Malaria GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
The malaria landscape is shifting. The political will that’s vital for ending malaria has increased with 11 endemic countries coming together and signing the Yaoundé resolution. Remarkably, after decades of effort, two malaria vaccines were licensed within two years of each other, and long-acting monoclonal antibodies have been shown to be highly effective at preventing malaria in African children. Trials on new vector control interventions are showing promising results including ivermectin mass drug administration and spatial repellents. For the first time, genetically modified mosquitoes (GMO) are being released in the Horn of Africa to control the spread of the invasive vector Anopheles stephensi. Against this backdrop, the burden of malaria has remained stubbornly high, funding for malaria has shrunk, and it takes time, data and evolving policies to translate scientific innovations into real life impact. Resistance to artemisinin-combination therapies is gaining a foothold in the African continent. Climate change and globalization loom large and threaten to expand the range of vectors such as A. stephensi to new areas, necessitating new responses. We will debate advances and setbacks, challenges and opportunities, as we look forward to a world without malaria.
The topics, speakers, and discussion leaders for the conference sessions are displayed below. The conference chair is currently developing their detailed program, which will include the complete meeting schedule, as well as the talk titles for all speakers. The detailed program will be available by January 25, 2025. Please check back for updates.
Keynote Session: Global Efforts to Control Malaria: Vaccines, Biologics and Therapeutics
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Transitions in Malaria Epidemiology and Immunology in Pregnancy
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Parasite Host Interactions and Adaptations to Environmental Cues
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Innovative Vector Control Strategies and Vaccines
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Repurposing Tools to Enhance Malaria Control
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Artemisinin Resistance, Climate Change and Environmental Impacts of Malaria
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Biophysical Characterisation of Plasmodia
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
Immunology and Progress Against Plasmodium Vivax
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Speakers
Keynote Session: New Priorities and Directions for Malaria Control: Epidemiology, Immunology and Vector Control
Discussion Leaders
Speakers
The GRC Power Hour™
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