Nanovax 2025- Highlights
May 15, 2025 – Ames, Iowa – On April 2-3, 2025, Nanovax 2025: Next Generation Countermeasures for Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases was held in Ames, Iowa at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center.
The second conference held post-pandemic; the event drew in approximately 133 attendees from across the US. Researchers and students from all corners of vaccine and therapeutic research came together to discuss promising and robust next generation nanovaccines and nanotherapeutics.
Keynote presentations were given by Richard Webby, Director, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Amy Baker, Research Veterinary Medical Officer, USDA National Animal Disease Center; and Tyler Holck, Veterinary Consultant, Feed His People LLC. Both Richard Webby and Amy Baker are members of the National Academy of Sciences. Topics in these presentations addressed the recent outbreaks of avian influenza in dairy cattle and historical and future-facing perspectives in livestock disease management. Opening remarks were provided by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Provost Jason Keith of Iowa State University.
“Tackling the emergence of avian influenza in the U.S. requires a united front—where industry, research institutions, and regulatory agencies work hand in hand,” says Balaji Narasimhan, Director of the Nanovaccine Institute and Anson Marston Distinguished Professor & Vlasta Klima Balloun Faculty Chair. “By combining real-world insights with scientific innovation at Nanovax 2025, these partnerships accelerate solutions that protect animal health, safeguard food supply chains, and strengthen our national preparedness.”
Breakout sessions at the conference emphasized four focal areas of research – human health, animal health, emerging disease threats, as well as manufacturing, development, and distribution. These sessions served as opportunities for dynamic discussions on promising therapies to tackle emergent disease threats as well as therapeutic approaches to dire health threats such as cancer.
Tours were also included in the agenda. Attendees had the option of visiting the USDA National Animal Disease Center to tour facilities. Alternatively, attendees visited the core facilities managed by the Office of Biotechnology at Iowa State University. These sites gave attendees the opportunity to see lab facilities and understand processes that is informative to their work and research.
This year’s program emphasized early career and workforce development to foster the next generation of scientists. The planning committee for the event consisted of student representatives and early career scientists who will shape the future of public healthcare in many areas.
“This conference offered students a unique opportunity to sharpen their communication skills, gain valuable feedback from experts, and connect with a broader academic and professional community—turning their research into a launchpad for future discovery and career growth,” says Narasimhan.
Twenty student posters were presented during the conference program. The winners of the student poster contest were:
1st Place: Payton Kahl, University of Iowa
2nd Place: Austin Sympson, Iowa State University
3rd Place: Lily Towery, Iowa State University
The Nanovax Conference will proceed in an alternating year timetable. The next Nanovax Conference will be held in Ames in Spring 2027.
This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you to the following companies who helped make this event a success.
Platinum Sponsors
Merck Animal Health
Bioconnect Iowa
Elanco
Gold Sponsor
SWRI
Silver Sponsor
ProMed Pharma