Advancing Malaria Vaccine Research Through International Partnership

With Indonesia aiming to eliminate malaria by 2030, Dr Rintis Noviyanti is helping strengthen the scientific foundation needed to reach this goal. A senior researcher at the Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology under the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Rintis has devoted more than three decades to studying malaria parasites, their genetic characteristics and interactions with the human immune system. Rintis began her research career in 1993 one of the first cohort of researchers at the re-established Eijkman Institute. Focusing on the DNA of malaria-causing parasites led her to pursue a doctoral degree in biomedical research at the University of Melbourne in 1996.

During her doctoral studies, Rintis conducted research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). Her experience in Australia helped her develop the professional networks and collaborative skills that would later become central to her research career. One of the other PhD students Rintis connected with at the time was James Beeson who would later become Professor and Head of the Malaria Immunity and Vaccines Group at the Burnet Institute in Melbourne. The Burnet Institute existing programs with the Eijkman Centre with these programs also gravitating around connections made while staff were studying in Australia.

Partnership with the Burnet Institute and Ehime University

“We continued communicating but our work has been in different areas... Recently we have come together because we have shared common interests. We developed a research plan and successfully applied for a 3-year grant through the e-Asia Joint Research Program” (James Beeson)

An example of Rintis’s international collaboration is a 2024 research partnership between BRIN, the Burnet Institute and Ehime University in Japan. Supported through the e-ASIA Joint Research Program, the partnership is developing an mRNA vaccine targeting Plasmodium vivax malaria. The collaboration brings together complementary expertise from the three institutions. Rintis and her team focus on analysing the genetic characteristics of Plasmodium Vivax malaria found in Indonesia. This includes engagement with communities and government essential for identifying suitable vaccine targets and understanding how the parasite varies across populations and geographical areas.

“Each partner has their role,…. This research would be almost impossible without the partnership and good working relationships are crucial to this. Rintis’ experience as an Australia Awards scholar has been invaluable in building these relationships.” (James Beeson)

For Rintis, the value of the partnership extends beyond the immediate research outputs. International collaboration enables scientists to combine knowledge, technology and perspectives that would be difficult to develop independently. It also helps Indonesian researchers contribute local expertise to global malaria research while ensuring that scientific solutions are relevant to the country’s most affected communities, particularly in Papua.

“As a scientist, we must also have strong networks to achieve more optimal research outcomes, rather than working individually.” (Rintis Noviyanti)

"Through these linkages with Rintis, we've managed to extend our collaborations, including in Australia, like with Diana Hansen (WEHI), who also has a grant together with Rintis..." (Dr Hebert Opi, Burnet Institute)

The partnership extends beyond research. It has provided the opportunity for some of Rintis’ team at BRIN to further their studies in Australia. One colleague recently graduated from her Masters studies (through LPDP) with first class honours studying under the team at the Burnet Institute and is hoping to return for her PhD. The partnership also connected with another of Rintis’ joint research projects with Australian researchers at WEHI looking at immune responses to malaria. In July 2026, BRIN also hosted a webinar with Rintis moderating a discussion involving Prof Beeson and Dr Opi along with colleagues from EHIME University.

"The three-year funding is great to start things going, but in reality, it is not a long enough period to answer all the questions..." (Dr Hebert Opi, Burnet Institute)

With the e-ASIA Joint Research Program scheduled to finished in 2027, the Burnet Institute, BRIN and EHIME University are hoping this is the start of an ongoing partnership. The development of the mRNA vaccine requires sustained long-term collaboration.