New Executive Director and CEO to lead NIVI into the next phase of revolutionizing and accelerating vaccine development

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), based partly at the University of Copenhagen, is pleased to announce the appointment of Else Marie Agger as its new ED/CEO. The appointment marks a new chapter to strengthen NIVI’s mission to accelerate vaccine innovation through scientific excellence, leadership and collaboration.

Else Marie Agger brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience across research, innovation and organizational transformation.

Holding a PhD in Immunology from the University of Copenhagen, Else Marie Agger has built an impressive career within immunology and vaccine development. She has recently served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs within the Diabetes and Cardiometabolic portfolio as well as for Non-clinical & Clinical Assay Sciences in Novo Nordisk A/S. Among other things, she was responsible for delivery of all bioanalysis assays (PK, immunogenicity, and biomarker) and has led several automation and digitalization projects aimed at designing state-of-the-art laboratories.

Prior to this, she was Director of Infectious Disease Immunology at Statens Serum Institut, one of the world’s leading centers for translational vaccine research, particularly within tuberculosis (TB) vaccines.

The appointment marks an important step for NIVI

“We are thrilled to welcome Else Marie Agger to lead NIVI. Her proven ability to translate complex science into real-world solutions will strengthen NIVI’s position as a global leader in vaccine innovation and public health impact. We look forward to the collaboration,” says Professor Bente Merete Stallknecht, Dean of Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

NIVI is comprised of two distinct entities: NIVI Research Center (NIVI-R), a state-of-the-art academic research center anchored at the University of Copenhagen, and NIVI Development (NIVI-D), a company owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation to advance translational sciences and the development of novel vaccines. Else Marie Agger will hold the dual appointment as both the Executive Director of NIVI Research Center and the CEO of NIVI Development.

NIVI Research Center is anchored at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM) at the University of Copenhagen.

“I am very pleased to welcome Else Marie Agger to our Department as the Executive Director of NIVI Research Center. Else Marie has decades of experience developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams across academia and pharma. I am sure, she will be a great asset to our Department and continue the development of a thriving research environment at NIVI,” says Head of Department, Professor Charlotte Menné Bonefeld.

Throughout her career, Else Marie Agger has built bridges – between science and strategy, between academia and industry, and between leadership and collaboration.

“I am very honored to join NIVI. This initiative is a unique opportunity for me to work with two themes very close to my heart: leadership and vaccine R & D,” says the new Executive Director and CEO, Else Marie Agger and continues:

“I am inspired by NIVI’s mission to bridge the gap between academic research and industry innovation. With Denmark’s strong scientific foundation and a shared commitment to collaboration, we have a real opportunity to accelerate vaccine development and strengthen global preparedness.”

Strong coordination between research and development

Within the initiative, NIVI Research Center is responsible for research and education, while NIVI Development facilitates rapid development of new vaccine candidates by accelerating the translation of the center's research results into phase 1 and 2 clinical studies.

By spearheading NIVI, Else Marie Agger will ensure strong coordination between research and development to advance the understanding of systemic and airway immunity and develop life-saving vaccines that offer comprehensive protection against respiratory pathogens such as influenza, tuberculosis, and Group A Streptococcus.  

Marianne Holm, Vice President of Infectious Diseases at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, remarks:

“Else Marie Agger combines significant scientific experience in immunology and vaccinology with a strong track record in strategic leadership roles in both academia and industry. I am confident that her leadership and vision will ensure the optimal conditions to advance NIVI’s mission to prevent airborne epidemics and fight antimicrobial resistance through novel vaccine development.”