Jakarta, 07 November 2026 – i3L University, in collaboration with PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, welcomed Prof. dr. Taruna Ikrar, M.Biomed., MD., Ph.D., Chairperson of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), for a guest lecture titled “Bridging the Vaccine Gap: Scientific and Technological Advances for Diseases Lacking Effective Vaccines,” held on 3 November 2026.

More than 20 major pathogens responsible for significant global morbidity and mortality remain without licensed, effective vaccines. This so-called “vaccine gap” disproportionately burdens low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbating health inequities and threatening global pandemic preparedness. Addressing it was the central theme of the guest lecture, moderated by Apt. Pradim Iramdhan Aliyansah, M.Sc., and attended by the Board of Directors of PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, senior officials of BPOM, and students.

Prof. Taruna began by defining the vaccine gap as the disparity between pathogens that already have effective, deployable vaccines and those for which vaccines are urgently needed. He identified at least 20 pathogens that meet one or more of the following criteria: significant global morbidity or mortality; no licensed vaccine achieving more than 50% protective efficacy in the target population; or existing vaccines not being deployed equitably at sufficient coverage to achieve herd protection.

He then outlined the biological, socioeconomic, and structural barriers that slow vaccine development, before reviewing six emerging technology platforms that are reshaping how vaccines are designed and produced. A central message ran throughout the session: closing the vaccine gap cannot be achieved by any single sector. It requires close collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

Within that framework, i3L University has a strategic role to play. Its academic environment, focused research areas, and closeness to both industry and government position it to serve as a link between research, regulation, and real-world application. This guest lecture is an early step toward that goal, and an important one: it brings together the scientific, regulatory, and industrial perspectives needed to make vaccines reach the populations that need them most.

We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Taruna Ikrar for sharing his insights, to BPOM for its support, and to PT Kalbe Farma Tbk for its continued partnership. To our students, we hope this session inspires you to contribute to solving the health challenges facing Indonesia and beyond.