The Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (AI&I) is dedicated to supporting innovative research and fostering international collaboration. In 2025, the AI&I International Work Visit Grant enabled PhD student Sana Abdul Majeed (Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC) to spend six months at Imperial College London, under the supervision of Prof. Robin Shattock, a leading expert in vaccinology.
During this six-month internship, Sana worked on cutting-edge RNA vaccine technologies, focusing on the design, production, and formulation of both conventional mRNA and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting novel Borrelia and tick antigens. This work visit provided hands-on experience in designing RNA constructs, synthesizing and purifying RNA, and formulating lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines. The skills developed during this period have significantly deepened Sana’s expertise in molecular biology and vaccine development, and have enabled her to independently manage vaccine design workflows from start to finish.
Academic and personal growth in London
The work visit also offered Sana the opportunity to engage with Imperial College London’s vibrant academic community, benefit from world-class facilities such as the Abdus Salam Library, and experience a dynamic, multicultural environment. Living in London, a global hub for science and innovation, provided Sana with valuable opportunities for professional networking and personal growth, resulting in new connections and lasting friendships.
‘This internship was a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey. It not only strengthened my CV and expanded my professional network, particularly within the field of vaccinology, but also solidified my ambition to pursue a career in vaccine research.’
Sana Abdul Majeed - PhD candidate at the Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam
UMC
The AI&I International Work Visit Grant played a crucial role in making this experience possible for Sana. The skills, knowledge, and collaborations gained through this opportunity will significantly contribute to her future endeavors in RNA vaccine research beyond her PhD. Moreover, this experience lays a strong foundation for future research grant applications aimed at advancing vaccine development in the field of Lyme disease.
A meaningful milestone during the work visit
One of the most significant moments during Sana’s stay at Imperial College London was completing her entire research project within six months: an ambitious goal at a new institute and within an unfamiliar research environment. When she began, her experience in RNA biology and design was still developing. By the end of her internship, however, she had successfully designed and formulated 15 different antigens for testing in a mouse model. This achievement was particularly meaningful, as it was recognized by the Imperial team as an impressive accomplishment in such a short timeframe. For Sana, the most rewarding part was returning to Amsterdam and immediately starting preparations for the preclinical experiments, ensuring the project could continue seamlessly without delay.
Advice for PhD students
Reflecting on her experience, Sana encourages other PhD students to embrace the opportunity of an international research internship. 'While it can be challenging to adapt to a new city, lab, and project timeline, it is equally exciting and transformative,' she notes. Working in a different academic environment offers exposure to new ideas, methodologies, and scientific cultures. Rather than slowing down PhD progress, such an experience can accelerate it. 'Through this collaboration, I developed a stronger foundation for experimental design and gained confidence in managing complex projects,' Sana adds. 'The knowledge, skills, and connections you gain stay with you long after the internship ends.'
Next steps in vaccine research
Looking ahead, Sana will continue her research at Amsterdam UMC, where the efficacy of these saRNA vaccines will be tested in tick-mouse models. Sana is eager to see how this novel vaccine platform performs in vivo and what it could mean for future interventions against tick-borne diseases.
For more information contact Sana Abdul Majeed (s.abdulmajeed@amsterdamumc.nl).
Text: Sana Abdul Majeed and Esmée Vesseur