Ahmed Salman

Dr. Ahmed M. Salman is a Senior Immunologist-Vaccinologist and Research Group Leader at the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, and a Fellow at Kellogg College. He leads research in innovative vaccine development against infectious diseases such as malaria and COVID-19, and also contributes to gene therapy for retinal disorders. He works in collaboration with the Pirbright Institute and Leiden University Medical Centre, and is a Co-PI on projects funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, European Commission, and MRC.

Education:

• BSc in Biochemistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt (2006)
• MSc in Tuberculosis Immunology, Ain Shams University in collaboration with Statens Serum Institut, Denmark (2011)
• DPhil (PhD) in Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford (awarded 2015)

Dr. Salman’s research focuses on identifying and assessing novel vaccine antigens using advanced technologies in immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. His work spans viral vector vaccines, VLP platforms, and gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas. He has made significant contributions to antigen down-selection for clinical trials, including the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and next-generation malaria vaccines targeting both P. falciparum and P. vivax. His recent publications reveal a dual focus: (1) vaccine immunology and development, particularly in malaria and pandemic response, and (2) cutting-edge gene therapy approaches for retinal diseases. This interdisciplinary trend highlights his expertise across vaccinology and regenerative medicine. Additionally, he has published on AI applications in cybersecurity education, indicating broad scientific engagement.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Named inventor on three Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine patents
• Recipient of EVIMalaR PhD scholarship funded by the European Commission and EMBL

Dr. Salman advises and leads a research group within the Jenner Institute’s Pre-erythrocytic Vaccines Programme. He has secured and contributed to major grants from global funders including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Medical Research Council. His leadership in clinical trial-related antigen selection has had significant real-world impact. He is a member of the British Society for Immunology (BSI), American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), and the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN). His work is conducted within state-of-the-art facilities including the Jenner’s VLP and Insectary (SRF) units, which he manages, supporting vaccine production and preclinical testing.