History
Helix Biogen Institute
Institutional History & Milestones (2019–2025)
2019
Founding and Early Strategic Vision
Helix Biogen Institute (initially Helix Biogen Consult) was established in late 2019 with a mission to strengthen Africa's capacity in genomics, molecular biology, molecular immunology, and translational biomedical research. The organisation provided consultancy services in biomedical research, laboratory diagnostics, and infectious disease management whilst laying the foundation for long-term scientific growth.
- →Established a small-scale research laboratory
- →Delivered hands-on training in molecular biology and laboratory techniques
- →Collaborated with academic institutions on laboratory capacity building
- →Commenced exploratory research on infectious disease diagnostics and vaccine approaches
- →Set strategic priorities in infectious disease genomics, vaccine R&D, and bioinformatics-driven capacity development
2020
Infrastructure Expansion & Early Training Programmes
In 2020, Helix Biogen scaled its laboratory infrastructure to support biomedical research and sequencing-ready workflows, positioning the institute for biomedical research during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- →Initiated research on COVID-19 vaccine candidate development
- →Received international recognition through the World Health Organisation's global vaccine pipeline listing in the Draft Landscape for COVID-19 vaccine candidate
- →Launched the first short courses in molecular biology and introductory bioinformatics
- →Established internship placements and weekly scientific seminars to sustain learning despite pandemic constraints
2021
Transition to a Research Institute & Curriculum Development
By mid-2021, Helix Biogen Consult officially evolved into Helix Biogen Institute, reflecting its expanded mandate as a biomedical research organisation.
- →Established a dedicated translational biomedical research hub in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, with focus areas in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
- →Drafted Professional Diplomas in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
- →Launched cohort-based mentorship programmes emphasising sequencing, data analysis, and scientific writing
- →Developed institutional SOPs for biosafety, research governance, and data management
- →Strengthened partnerships with public health agencies, universities, and biotech organisations
2022
Applied Research Expansion & Public Health Engagement
In 2022, HBI deepened its research footprint by integrating wet-lab and computational genomics approaches for regional health challenges.
- →Launched targeted research in infectious disease genomics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- →Developed point-of-care diagnostic biomarker prototypes aligned with Africa CDC priority pathogens
- →Published early outputs in computational vaccine design
- →Initiated community engagement and health-worker capacity training to enhance surveillance and sample flow
- →Supported trainees in manuscript production and presentation of preliminary findings at regional and international meetings, conferences, and workshops
2023
Translational Research & Vaccine Discovery Progress
This period marked a strategic shift toward translational biomedical innovation.
- →Initiated immunoinformatics-driven vaccine research programmes
- →Advanced a Lassa fever vaccine candidate through early discovery and preclinical planning under the leadership of Dr Oladipo Kolawole
- →Deployed reproducible bioinformatics pipelines to enhance genomic analysis in resource-limited settings
- →Achieved increased trainee success, including conference travel grants and manuscript submissions
2024
Consolidation, Partnerships & Strengthened Scientific Outputs
The institute further refined its research and training ecosystem.
- →Expanded training to include Professional Diplomas in Vaccine Design and Molecular Diagnostics
- →Achieved growth in mentorship outcomes: multiple trainees submitted manuscripts and gained external conference funding
- →Developed research governance frameworks including IRB support pathways and grant-readiness processes
- →Published research in computational vaccinology, including mRNA vaccine modelling targeting Vaccinia and Mpox viruses
2025
Scaling Innovation, Preclinical Advancement & Regional Engagement
The year 2025 marks a period of institutional scaling, scientific maturity, and strengthened regional impact.
- →Progressing the Lassa fever vaccine candidate toward formal preclinical evaluation, including antigen optimisation and immunogenicity assay planning
- →Launched the third cohort of the Biomedical Research Training Programme, emphasising manuscript development, grant writing, and conference participation
- →Multiple trainees publishing or submitting manuscripts, with several funded to present internationally
- →Developed a secure, institution-managed genomics data-analysis portal
- →Established pilot collaborations with regional public health laboratories supporting AMR and pathogen surveillance
- →Completed the HBI 2025–2030 Strategic Research Plan, prioritising genomics, vaccines, AMR surveillance, and AI-enabled bioinformatics
- →Organised inaugural scientific symposium on emerging infectious diseases
Cross-Cutting Institutional Achievements
2019–2025
Workforce Development
- Trained multiple cohorts in molecular biology, bioinformatics, vaccine design, and molecular diagnostics
- Strong record of trainee outputs: publications, conference presentations, grants, and professional advancement
Research Translation
- Development of an in-house vaccine discovery pipeline
- Development of an in-house diagnostics biomarker discovery pipeline
Capacity & Infrastructure
- Expanded molecular, immunology, microbiology, and bioinformatics capabilities
- Established robust SOPs, governance systems, and research management processes
Community & Public Health Engagement
- Operational collaborations with universities, communities, and health agencies
- Community outreach in supporting infectious disease surveillance and prevention
Policy & Grant Preparedness
- Institutional research policies and IRB support pathways
- Grant-readiness infrastructure to pursue regional and international funding
Strategic Outlook
Near-Term Goals
Strengthen regional laboratory partnerships and pursue multi-country grants in genomics, AMR, and vaccine R&D
Expand blended training programs, including online modules and institutional fellowship pathways
Increase scientific visibility through high-impact publications, white papers, and participation in global research consortia
The Vision of Helix Biogen Institute
Today, Helix Biogen Institute stands as a leading African biomedical research hub dedicated to advancing health innovation through science. Its vision is centered on:
- Tackling Africa's unique healthcare challenges through innovative diagnostics and vaccines
- Building capacity for local biotechnology advancement
- Collaborating with global and regional partners to improve public health outcomes