Vaccine research is the scientific process of developing vaccines to prevent diseases. It involves studying how pathogens, like viruses and bacteria, affect the body and how the immune system responds. Researchers work to identify safe and effective ways to stimulate the immune system, often using components of the pathogen, such as proteins or weakened forms, to create a protective response. The process includes several stages, such as laboratory studies, animal testing, and clinical trials with human volunteers. Organizations like the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention play crucial roles in overseeing and promoting vaccine research to ensure public health safety.