Deadline: 08-Aug-2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW) of the Republic of Korea have launched the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (GTH-B). This initiative provides hands-on training in the production of high-quality vaccines and biologics in an industrial setting. The goal is to address global inequality in access to vaccines by boosting manufacturing capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
GTH-B supports LMICs by offering essential biomanufacturing training designed to build sustainable technical skills in vaccine research and development. The program includes vaccine manufacturing apprenticeships that help expand local expertise.
The GTH-B training includes four hands-on training batches in the Republic of Korea. One of the key offerings is a 7-week mRNA training program, which includes a 3-week online pre-training module. The course is hosted at the Korean National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (K-NIBRT) and includes field visits to facilities in Hwasun (K-VCAST) and Osong (K-Bio and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). The program targets 20 participants and focuses on mRNA vaccine manufacturing and regulatory knowledge.
The main objective is to boost the technical capabilities of LMIC professionals working in vaccine and biopharmaceutical production. Participants gain practical experience in industrial settings and are expected to use their new skills to strengthen manufacturing capacities at their home institutions. The program fosters partnerships with key Korean organizations like K-NIBRT, K-VCAST, KBIO, and MFDS to support this goal.
To be eligible, applicants must be citizens and residents of LMICs and employed by legally registered biomanufacturing companies in those countries. They should hold positions such as technician, engineer, scientist, or manager with up to six years of experience and have a life sciences educational background. Applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency and explain how they will apply the training at their current institutions.
Selection is conducted by a committee recommended by WHO and MoHW. Only two participants from each country will be chosen, and final decisions are made in coordination with the applicants’ home institutions. Entities focused solely on animal vaccines must submit a letter outlining plans to move into human vaccine production.
Applicants need to provide personal details, information about their institution, education, work experience, English proficiency, and prior GTH-B training. Required documents include a passport copy and a letter of endorsement from the institution’s director, confirming the applicant’s employment and ability to complete the training. A sample endorsement letter is available on the application website.
For more information, visit WHO.