Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute, graciously presided at the opening of the symposium on “The Role of Vaccines and Translational Research in Emerging Diseases and Environmental Health” which was held at the convention center of Chulabhorn Research Institute on 2 April 2009.

Chulabhorn Research Institute and International Vaccines Institute (IVI) co-hosted this important event which attracted medical practitioners and scientists from many countries.

Infectious diseases were still the main cause of death in many countries, especially among vulnerable populations including children and the poor. Thus the development of vaccines and translational research were of the greatest importance, particularly in relation to emerging diseases.