The NWO Tulip Fund offers top international researchers the opportunity to continue their research in the Netherlands and boost the innovative capacity of the Netherlands with their knowledge and expertise. 34 top researchers conducting research on issues urgent to the Netherlands have received the Tulip Fund, 29 of which come from the United States.
An international leader in advanced malaria immunology and vaccine development, Wilder’s collaborations span the U.S., Europe, South America, and Africa, with co-authorships across major institutions and consortia. Leading his independent research team at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Wilder developed human-relevant preclinical models that that captured the complex biology of the initial steps of Plasmodium infection and used these to prove that malaria-specific antibodies can function via unconventional promiscuity in epitope recognition. His findings challenged the existing doubts on the relevance of antibodies to protection against malaria and directly advanced two monoclonal antibody therapeutics that have since shown outstanding protective efficacy in the field.
LUMC's PfΔmei2 (GA2) whole-sporozoite vaccine (WSV) has recently demonstrated the power of a T cell-based vaccine by providing 90% sterilizing protection against controlled human malaria infection. However, three critical knowledge gaps prevent us from capitalizing on WSV-induced immunity. Dr. Wilder will be working on a program addressing all three gaps through two integrated aims. By combining the best T cell and antibody targets, dr. Wilder and the LUCID malaria group aim to develop a clinic-ready vaccine capable of providing durable protection.
Prof. Meta Roestenberg, head of the LUCID department, is excited to welcome dr. Wilder to the LUMC. “We are extremely happy to welcome Dr. Wilder to LUCID and look forward to advancing our malaria research faster as we build on his expertise in malaria immunology. With his passion for global collaboration, Dr. Wilder is a perfect fit for LUCID, where inclusive, equitable health and research is at the core of our strategy”, she says.
Beyond malaria, the insights that dr. Wilder will gather from his research program at LUCID, are broadly applicable to other pathogens including tuberculosis and emerging viruses. Combined with the GMP manufacturing and first-in-human capabilities of INFECTA and Leiden Bioscience Park, this program will strengthen the Netherlands' position as a European hub for innovative vaccinology and pandemic preparedness