AI and VR-driven smart, scalable environment driving vaccine manufacturing research
The Virtual VaxHub is a virtual digital vaccine manufacturing hub that combines intelligent multilingual AIs (Artificial Intelligence), virtual reality (VR), and digital twins of real-world equipment to deliver an accessible, sustainable, standardized, and immersive experience at scale. Funded through VaxHub Sustainable platform funding, the Virtual VaxHub project was launched in March 2025 and will take 6 – 9 months to complete.
The Virtual VaxHub project aims to extend the impact of VaxHub Sustainable beyond lab-based research by establishing fully digital and scalable infrastructure that is accessible 24/7 from any location. By bridging workforce gaps, for example in emerging and under-resourced manufacturing sites, the virtual hub will ensure equitable access to standardized, high-quality operations while reducing travel-based emissions and minimising operational downtime.
This initiative focuses on building and supporting an equitable, skilled, and globally connected vaccine workforce, aligning with VaxHub Sustainable’s mission to build resilient biomanufacturing capabilities worldwide. By utilising AI-powered virtual mentors and multilingual VR modules, the virtual hub removes traditional barriers to access. A key focus of this project is to reduce gender disparities in biomanufacturing and the hub will have dedicated space to highlight the contributions of women and underrepresented groups, integrating diverse AI-driven role models to support leadership development and career progression.
The Virtual VaxHub Team
Dr Stephen Hilton is leading the Virtual VaxHub project. He is an Associate Professor at the UCL School of Pharmacy, where he leads pioneering research at the intersection of technology, pharmaceutical sciences, and education. His innovative work integrates 3-D printing, VR and AI to develop accessible and sustainable solutions for scientific research, education, and global collaboration.
Mireia Benito is the PDRA working on Virtual VaxHub. Mireia studied pharmacy at the Universitat de Barcelona followed by a PhD at UCL focused on the development of digital modular 3D-printed continuous flow systems for chemical synthesis and international collaboration projects through 3-D printing and virtual reality that were awarded multiple international awards for their pioneering use of technology.
