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Advancing innovative vaccine science through collaboration and translational expertise

NIVI‑Development (NIVI‑D) is a mission‑driven organization advancing innovative vaccine science. We bring together leading researchers, vaccine and business developers, and strategic partners to ensure that novel scientific breakthroughs can move swiftly into clinical development.

 

NIVI-D is part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) – a unique ecosystem and public-private-partnership that collaborates toward a shared mission.

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Why This Moment Matters

Advancing research and preparedness to meet current and future respiratory disease threats

Respiratory pathogens are a major public health threat. Airborne diseases spread quickly and unpredictably, and many high‑risk respiratory pathogens still lack vaccines that provide strong, durable protection where it is needed most – in the airways.

New, innovative approaches are required to counteract existing pathogens, as well as new pandemic threats and the rise in antimicrobial resistance. NIVI was created to rise to this challenge and translate research and innovation into new vaccines, better preparedness, and global impact.

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

A new model for innovation in vaccines and immunity

NIVI brings together leading experts in immunology and vaccine development from Denmark and around the world to develop vaccine candidates against some of the most important and deadly respiratory pathogens. In so doing, NIVI aims to create a knowledge hub in airway immunity and establish vaccine development pipelines that can be rapidly adapted to respond to new emerging pathogens. The three target pathogens for NIVI are influenza, tuberculosis, and group A streptococcus.

 

NIVI stands out not only for its scientific ambition, but for its structure: a uniquely integrated ecosystem designed to bridge academic discovery and vaccine development.

NIVI-Development (NIVI-D) is a limited liability company owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. NIVI-D enables the translational ambitions of NIVI by providing dedicated expertise in vaccine design, streamlined vaccine development, strategic partnerships and alliances, and innovative clinical trials for new vaccine candidates.

NIVI-Research Center (NIVI-R) is an academic research center anchored at the University of Copenhagen that works in close collaboration with Statens Serum Institut as a key partner. NIVI-R is responsible for the research, discovery and educational aspects of the NIVI initiative. 

Read more at NIVI Research Center
RECENT UPDATES​

News

October 2025: New Executive Director and CEO to lead NIVI

As of 1 December 2025, Else Marie Agger will take on the role as Executive Director and CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI). This appointment marks a new chapter in NIVI’s pursuit of vaccine innovation.

 
Else Marie Agger brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience across research, innovation, and organizational transformation. She holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Copenhagen and has held senior roles at Novo Nordisk A/S and Statens Serum Institut, working across regulatory affairs, immunology, and vaccine development.
 
Throughout her career, Else Marie Agger has built bridges – between science and strategy, between academia and industry, and between leadership and collaboration. By spearheading NIVI, Else Marie Agger will ensure strong coordination between research and development to advance the understanding of systemic and airway immunity and develop life-saving vaccines that offer comprehensive protection against respiratory pathogens such as influenza, tuberculosis, and Group A Streptococcus.