Emerging and re-emerging viruses remain a persistent threat, causing widespread illness and death, from localized outbreaks to global pandemics. Recent pandemics and outbreaks of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, avian influenza, MERS, Ebola, Marburg, and more recently mpox, have revealed that there are critical gaps in our understanding and emphasize the urgent need to rethink our preparedness strategies for future viral threats. This meeting aims to address gaps in knowledge regarding emerging and re-emerging viral diseases including influenza, filoviruses, mpox, Nipah, and arboviruses, in an effort to shape effective outbreak prevention, including development of vaccines and therapeutics against these viruses.

Specifically, the program will cover zoonosis, both in terms of One Health perspectives as well as virus-host interactions, including mechanisms of immune evasion, pathogenesis and targeted countermeasures. In addition, we will cover cutting-edge surveillance methodologies, predictive modelling approaches, and pandemic preparedness strategies, with an emphasis on how knowledge sharing and collaboration can improve these approaches.  The meeting will integrate virology, immunology, epidemiology and public health perspectives to overcome critical barriers and generate multidisciplinary solutions to address viral threats.

This meeting will provide unique networking opportunities for researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from diverse arenas to connect and collaborate, in order to strengthen global efforts in prevention, detection, and response to emerging viruses. Attendees will gain new perspective and insights ranging from molecular pathogenesis to global strategies, to derive a holistic understanding of the field and drive much needed integrative solution. As a result of this meeting, the world will be better equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging viral diseases, ultimately protecting global health from future  epidemic and pandemic threats.