Conferences and Workshops - FOR 5200 | DEEP-DV: Disrupt – Evade

Conferences & Workshops

On behalf of our colleagues, we have the great pleasure to invite you to the 35^th Annual Meeting of the Society of Virology (GfV). The meeting will be held in the Chemistry Lecture Center on the vibrant Life Science Campus of Heidelberg University from March 17^th to 20^th, 2026. We look forward to welcoming you in Heidelberg at this time.

As usual, the four-day conference will feature keynote lectures by leading experts, who will present the latest developments in virology, ranging from basic research to clinical virology and covering novel technologies. In line with its tradition, the GfV meeting will offer ample opportunities especially for young researchers to present themselves in the various thematic workshops and poster sessions, where all participants can discuss their results and exchange ideas in a most friendly and supportive atmosphere. In addition, the “junge GfV” will have a platform to present themselves. During the breaks, you will have the possibility to attend the industry exhibition. Last but not least, we are honored to welcome our colleagues from the Swedish Society of Virology, with whom we have entered into a collaboration.

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university that has developed into a leading hub in Life Sciences. Beyond science, Heidelberg is one of Europe’s most beautiful towns well known for its romantic Castle overlooking the Neckar River, the historic Old Bridge, the Philosophers’ Walk and the Baroque old town.

We are sure that you will enjoy the Heidelberg GfV meeting and are very much looking forward to welcoming you in Heidelberg in 2026.

Ralf Bartenschlager & Hans-Georg Kräusslich

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. This scientific symposium will focus on the epidemiology, carcinogenesis, and management of MCC. The symposium will include a Keynote presentation on Merkel cell polyomavirus from Dr. Yuan Chang (UPMC Department of Pathology), who discovered the virus together with her collaborator Dr. Patrick Moore in 2008. Other presentations will be from leaders in the field and selected abstracts and will emphasize new, unpublished work. Topics will span the range from foundational science to translational studies to clinical trials. Roundtable / debate-style discussions will be centered on pressing questions in the field including how best to address immunotherapy resistance, the relevance of viral integration and transcription in driving clinical outcomes, and the future of molecularly-targeted and orthogonal immunotherapeutic approaches. Registration is open to physicians, health professionals, scientists, and trainees in academia and industry. Patients and patient advocates are highly encouraged to attend.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Identify challenges and knowledge gaps in MCC research.
Assess opportunities to improve the understanding of MCC biology, pathogenesis, and therapy.
Use networking among MCC researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates for the benefit of the patient community.
Apply strategies to improve interest and engagement in the MCC research community and patient care environments.

It is with great excitement that we welcome you to the 50th International Herpesvirus Workshop, to be held in Montreal, Canada, from July 11–15, 2026. This year marks a special milestone: this is the 50th meeting since IHW brought our community together. We are honored to celebrate this golden anniversary with you in one of North America’s most vibrant, multicultural, and historic cities.

Montreal, situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, is a city where old-world charm meets modern innovation. From the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to its renowned culinary scene, world-class museums, summer festivals, and a lively arts culture, the city offers a unique blend of European elegance and North American energy. We encourage you to explore its neighborhoods, enjoy its cafés and bistros, and experience the warmth of Canadian hospitality.

The scientific program for IHW2026 will be as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. Sessions will cover all aspects of herpesvirus research—from molecular biology, latency, immunity, and pathogenesis to clinical and translational advances in prevention and therapy. As always, our goal is to provide a welcoming and stimulating environment for trainees, early-career investigators, and senior scientists alike, fostering new collaborations and fresh perspectives.

This 50th Workshop also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the progress of our field, to honor the contributions of those who built this community, and to chart the path forward for the next generation of herpesvirologists.

We invite you to mark your calendars, submit your best science, and join us in making the 50th International Herpesvirus Workshop in Montreal a truly memorable event. Together, we will celebrate not only our research achievements but also the enduring spirit of collaboration and friendship that defines our community.

We look forward to welcoming you to Montreal in July 2026!

28th International Workshop on Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus & Related Agents

More Information soon…