Developing next-generation vaccines against respiratory pathogens
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) is divided into two entities (Research and Development).
NIVI Development enables the translational efforts of NIVI Research Center by providing industry-level expertise in vaccine development and conducting clinical studies for new vaccine candidates.
This site is the home of NIVI Development.
About us
Bridging research, translational sciences, and development
NIVI Development will catalyse progress towards achieving the NIVI mission by enabling access to cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches to design, test, and optimise novel vaccine candidates. NIVI Development provides capabilities and expertise – either directly, or via external strategic partnerships – to bridge exploratory research and clinical (Phase 1 & 2, including CHIM) translational development.
Harnessing airway immunity: Innovative vaccine research and development to prevent airborne epidemics
A major new vaccines research initiative launched in 2024
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) generates knowledge on host immunity, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine technologies, and translates this knowledge into vaccines that provide robust, durable, and broad immunity against respiratory pathogens.
News
May 2025: Dr. Morten Ruhwald, MD, PhD is new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for NIVI Development).
“NIVI Development sits at the intersection of innovation and urgency. I’m proud to join a team working to accelerate and rethink how we develop and deliver vaccines for a world facing airborne threats,” says Morten Ruhwald.
Morten Ruhwald joins NIVI Development from FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics based in Geneva, where he served as Director of the Tuberculosis Programme.
Over the past six years, Morten Ruhwald has been at the forefront of global efforts to innovate and improve TB diagnostics. Under his leadership, FIND forged critical partnerships with industry, academia, national programs, and global health institutions — helping to reshape the TB diagnostics pipeline and position new tools for real-world impact. Prior to joining FIND, Morten was responsible for the clinical development of vaccine candidates as well as the human immunology program at the Center for Vaccine Research at Statens Serum Institut, Denmark.
A physician-scientist by training, Morten brings over 15 years of experience bridging science, clinical development, and public health policy.
At NIVI Development, he will oversee clinical development programs and play a central role in driving scientific and translational strategy. He will help ensure that NIVI’s innovations – from early-stage vaccine platforms to late-stage clinical vaccine interventions – are designed with end-users in mind and meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and impact.
