The Pneumococci & Pneumonia INnterest Group (PING)

PING is a interdisciplinary online network connecting researchers working pneumonia prevention and control from multiple angles.

About the Network

The network connects those with an interest in pneumococci and pneumonia and provides updates on recent and current research and other developments in the field. It is also designed to give early career researchers an opportunity to informally share their research, practice their presentation skills and get input from a range of experts

PING was established in 2019, with the aim of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientists working on pneumococci and pneumonia. The network is open to researchers from around the world who share an interest in these topics.

We meet online every other month to discuss recent research findings, share updates on ongoing projects, and explore new ideas. Our meetings feature presentations members of the network, with a preference for early career researchers.

Currently PING includes over 70 members mostly from Europe and the African continent including from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, KEMRI Wellcome Trust, MRC The Gambia, UK Health Security Agency, Robert Koch Institute, Imperial College London, Wellcome Sanger Institute, National Institute for Communicable diseases in SA, Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust and many more.

Upcoming Meetings

March 2026

Deus Thindwa: Mathematical modeling to assess the drivers of rebound in 19F invasive pneumococcal disease cases after replacing PCV7 with PCV13 in the United States

Katie Webb: Analysis of the global re-emergence of ST4

May 2026

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Past Meetings

Contact

If you wish to join the network please contact the PING secretariat