Dr Joris Vandeputte | President
IABS | Belgium

Joris Vandeputte, President of IABS (International Alliance for Biological Standardization), is founding member of IABS-EU the European affiliate of IABS. Since 1955, IABS is the global independent platform, where stake-holders meet for exchange of science and issues related to vaccines, cell and gene therapy and human Biotherapeutics. IABS stimulates consensus building that eventually results in regulatory frameworks and advises to decision makers. Joris has more than 30 years industry and international organisation’s experience in vaccines, conceiving and developing vaccine policies at global level and towards developing countries in particular. Working with European institutions and policymakers on innovation, health and development is his main activity. . Joris got his Doctors degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1976 at Gent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Belgium. As a virologist at this University (1976-1980), Joris discovered H1N1 flu as a pathogen for swine leading to a better understanding of H1N1 as a zoonosis. He then worked on animal disease control in Belgium and the European Union before joining Institut Mérieux, Rhône Mérieux and later on Merial. During almost 20 years, he occupied leading positions in global vaccine development, strategy, regulatory affairs, marketing and production, for animal vaccines and flu vaccines. From 2001 to 2005 he coordinated relations with European institutions and EU governments for GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization). After, Joris developed, with EU institutions, a financial and strategic framework about funding translation of innovation into vaccines for tuberculosis for TBVI (Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative). He is Work Package leader in the IMI projects ZAPI and VAC2VAC and he participates in the IMI Project DRIVE. Joris is consultant for international organisations with particular emphasis on zoonoses, one Health approaches and health in developing countries.