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Viruses 2026 – New Horizons in Virology

11 - 13 March 2026
Barcelona, Spain

Welcome from
the chairs

Dear Colleagues,

We’re excited to invite you to the Viruses 2026 – New Horizons in Virology conference, happening in Barcelona, Spain, from 11 to 13 March 2026. Sponsored by MDPI and the open-access journal Viruses, this event continues the tradition of successful meetings in Basel (2016), Barcelona (2018, 2020, and 2024), and online (2022). Join us for an inspiring program where you’ll discover cutting-edge research and have the chance to connect with global experts and peers in the field.

We are constantly reminded of the critical importance of virology research as new viral outbreaks impact people, animals, and plants worldwide. This conference aims to bring together international researchers studying various topics related to viral replication, pathogenesis, structure, immunology, epidemiology, public health, and other areas of virology.

We’re excited to feature a diverse lineup of leading experts and welcome abstracts for short talks or posters. This is your chance to share your research, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow scientists in an inspiring, collaborative atmosphere.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Barcelona and create an unforgettable experience together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Eric Freed and Dr. Albert Bosch
Viruses 2026 Chairs

Conference Secretariat

Mr. Cédric Spinnler
Ms. Jovana Vanovac
Ms. Julia Speich
Dr. Elena Gonzalez
viruses2026@mdpi.com

Join us on LinkedIn Events!

If you want to stay updated with the latest information, or if you want to connect with your fellow researchers before, during, and after the event, then be sure to join the Viruses 2026 – New Horizons in Virology LinkedIn Event.
See you over there!

Follow the conversation on X with #Viruses2026


Meet the Event Chairs

Dr. Eric Freed
Dr. Eric Freed
National Cancer Institute, NIH - Frederick, MD, USA – <a href="https://ccr.cancer.gov/staff-directory/eric-o-freed">Website</a>
Dr. Albert Bosch
Dr. Albert Bosch
Enteric Virus Laboratory, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Spain – <a href="http://www.ub.edu/virusenterics/members/">Website</a>

Important Dates


  • Abstract submission deadlineNov 09, 2025
  • Abstract acceptance notificationDec 10, 2025
  • Conference Dinner Registration end dateMar 08, 2026
  • Early bird registration deadlineJan 05, 2026
  • Regular registration deadlineMar 08, 2026
  • Late registration deadlineFeb 27, 2026

Meet Our Speakers

View all speakers
Prof. Dr. David Ho

Prof. Dr. David Ho

Columbia University, New York, NY, USA – https://www.adarc.cuimc.columbia.edu/research/research-labs/ho-lab;
David Ho has been advancing therapies against viral diseases for over 40 years and has worked on AIDS research since the beginning of the epidemic. His lab initially focused on clinical virology, HIV-1 pathogenesis, and treatment, helping to uncover the dynamics of HIV-1 replication and CD4 T cell turnover in vivo. They led the development and testing of combination antiretroviral therapy, the first to show durable HIV-1 suppression in patients. The lab then turned to vaccine development against HIV-1. Their first two candidates—ADVAX, a multigenic clade C/B’ DNA vaccine, and ADMVA, a similar vaccine using Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus—completed Phase 1 clinical testing. Over the past decade, Dr. Ho has focused on preventing HIV-1 transmission through engineering potent bispecific antibodies and developing long-acting antiretroviral drugs for pre-exposure prophylaxis, while also revisiting the challenge of HIV-1 eradication. These efforts led to the creation of 10E8.4/iMab, a bispecific antibody for HIV-1 prevention, which received US FDA Fast Track designation and is now being tested in Tanzania after an initial Phase 1 trial at sites including Columbia University Irving Medical Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ho drew on his experience advising governments during the 2002–2003 SARS outbreak to lead a multi-disciplinary team at Columbia University. The group identified one of the broadest and most potent panels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, several of which are now in clinical development for treatment and prevention. In addition to ongoing HIV work, the Ho lab continues to study the pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and antibody-driven evolution of SARS-CoV-2.

Session Topics
Explore more details
  • S1. General Topics in Virology
  • S2. Antiviral Therapeutics, Vaccines, and Host Defenses
  • S3. Antiviral Innate Immunity
  • S4. Structure and Mechanisms of Virus Replication
  • S5. Virus-Host Interactions
12

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer


MDPIViruses

Platinum


Oxford Expression Technologies LtdVIBELIXIR-Belgium

Gold


VectorBuilder

Partnering society


Spanish Society for Virology (SEV)The Global Virus Network (GVN)

Media partner


International Journal of Molecular SciencesTropical Medicine and Infectious DiseaseVeterinary SciencesNon-Coding RNAMedical Sciences
Special Issue "Viruses 2026—New Horizons in Virology"

Participants of this conference are cordially invited to contribute a full manuscript to the Special Issue Viruses 2026—New Horizons in Virology in the journal Viruses, with a 20% discount on the publication fees. Please note that no other discounts will be applicable.

Poster Sessions
Poster Session A
  • Posters: A1 – A40
  • Thursday, 12 March 2026 (13:00–14:30, 16:00–16:45)
  • Posters should be set up on Thursday morning and must be removed by 19:00 on the same day.
Poster Session B
  • Posters: B1 – B40
  • Friday, 13 March 2026 (10:45-11:30, 13:00-14:45)
  • Posters should be set up on Friday morning (before 9:00) and must be removed by 18:00 on the same day.
Guidelines:
  • Please print your poster before the conference and bring it with you. We will not provide on-site printing services or print it for you in advance.
  • Each presenter will be provided with a vertical poster board. Note that the maximum poster size is limited to A0: 84 x 120 cm / 33 x 47 in (width x height) in vertical orientation (portrait).

The list of posters, along with the poster numbers, titles, and presenting author, can be found below. Please contact us if the poster presenter's name is incorrect in this list (last updated on 6 March 2026).

By clicking on the thumbnail below, you can view and download the list of posters.

Conference Dinner

We are excited to announce that the Conference Dinner will be held at La Botiga Pedralbes, a stylish restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional Catalan cuisine. Located in the vibrant Les Corts district, it’s just a short 10–15 minute walk from the conference venue. Enjoy a 3-course menu featuring local shared starters and your choice of main course.


Curious About the Dinner Option? Here’s How to Reserve Your Seat:

The dinner costs an additional 50 EUR, which can be added during registration process. Simply select the dinner registration option in addition to your regular event registration category (Academic, Student, etc.).

If you have already registered without the dinner, you can register again, choosing only the dinner category. You will then receive a separate invoice for the dinner fee.

Please select your main course preference and any allergies or dietary restrictions when registering.

Note: Onsite registration will not be possible.


Join us for an unforgettable evening of authentic flavors and great company in one of Barcelona’s most inviting dining spots. We look forward to seeing you there!

Plan Your Trip

Travel

By plane:

The international airport of Barcelona is called Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and is located 10 km from the city center. The airport is well connected to airport hubs in Europe and several locations around the world. For more information about the airport and flights, please visit the official website at https://www.aena.es.

From BCN to the city center
  • By shuttle bus: AEROBUS (https://aerobusbarcelona.es). This bus connects Barcelona Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with the city center (Pl. Catalunya) in 35 minutes. It runs every day of the year with departures every 5 minutes and costs EUR 6,75.
  • By train: TRAIN R2 NORD (https://rodalies.gencat.cat). This train connects Terminal 2 of the airport with the city center (Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia). It runs every day of the year with departures every 30 minutes and costs EUR 5.
  • By taxi: Taxis just outside the arrival area. The taxi from the airport to the city center (Plaza Catalunya) costs approximately EUR 30–35. Public taxis can apply four types of fares in Barcelona. These fares must be visible inside the taxi and are usually printed on a sticker over the window. Finally, the amount payable must be indicated on the taximeter. VTC apps that work in Barcelona are Bolt and Cabify and might offer cheaper rates.
From BCN to the conference venue
  • By metro: LINE L9 (https://www.tmb.cat). This metro line connects Barcelona Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with the northwest of the city (Zona Universitària). From here, you can take TRAM T1, T2, or T3 (get off at L'Illa stop) or bus 7 or 67 (get off at Diagonal—Entença stop) (https://www.tmb.cat). The metro from the airport costs EUR 5,90 and the tram or bus EUR 2,40. You can buy the bus/tram ticket at the tram stop or on the bus.
  • By taxi: Taxis just outside the arrival area. The taxi from the airport to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 30–35. VTC apps that work in Barcelona are Uber, Bolt, Cabify and FREENOW and usually offer cheaper rates.
By train:

Barcelona Sants station is Barcelona's largest train station and provides rail services both in and around Barcelona and for the whole of Spain and beyond. For more information about the station and train service, please visit the official website at https://www.renfe.com.

Once you get to the station, you have the following options to reach the conference venue:
  • By bus: LINES V7 or 78 (https://www.tmb.cat).
  • By taxi: Taxis just outside the station. The taxi from the station to the conference venue costs about EUR 10.

Partnered Accommodations

We want your stay in Barcelona during the conference to be as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, we have agreed on a discount with several hotels to make your choice of accommodations easier. Please book your accommodation online and contact the hotels directly with any issues or requests related to accommodation bookings.

We are delighted to announce that the following hotels will offer a discounted price for all Viruses 2026 attendees:

Hotel
Description
How to book

Arenas Atiram: The Arenas Atiram Hotel offers a highly personalized service together with very friendly, elegant facilities, and it is within walking distance (15-20 minutes) from the conference venue.

Oriente Atiram and Meson Castilla Atiram: Located in Las Ramblas, they have a fantastic central location next to Plaza Catalunya and the famous Boqueria market, 20-25 minutes away (by metro) from the conference venue.

Tres Torres Atiram: Located in the center of one of Barcelona's best residential neighborhoods, next to the distinguished commercial and leisure districts, Diagonal Avenue, it is 1.5 km away from the conference venue.

Click the button below to make your booking and add the 10% discount code "VIRUSES2026":

Hostal Aslyp 114: The Hostal Aslyp114 is a cozy hotel with private rooms, just a 10-minute walk from the conference venue. Please add the 5% discount code ‘BCN114’ and indicate that you will be attending Viruses 2026 while making your reservation.

Click the button below to make your booking. Add the 5% discount code "BCN114" and indicate that you will be attending Viruses 2026.


Stay in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district at the Catalonia Diagonal Centro hotel.

Located 17-20 minutes by bus from the conference venue, and next to Passeig de Gràcia and close to the city's Modernist architecture route, the hotel offers excellent public transport connections, making it easy to explore Barcelona for both tourism and business.

Click below to make a reservation with a 10% discount for Catalonia Diagonal Centro or use the code "CATALONIABCN".

Discover the fascinating Barcelona, where modern meets historical, and stay at the 1881 Barcelona Gran Rosellón Hotel, located 17-20 minutes by bus from the conference venue.

Its elegant rooms, panoramic terraces, and excellent amenities will immerse you in the vibrant energy of this bustling city

Click below to complete your booking and add the 10% discount code "MDPI2026", active starting September 2025.

These accommodations have been carefully chosen to provide comfort and convenience for our guests while ensuring affordability through negotiated rates. Prepare to make the most of your conference experience with our exclusive lodging options designed to enhance your stay.

Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations!

Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register to Viruses 2026 and that we are not associated with any hotel agency (other than those listed above). While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with Viruses 2026 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.

Partnership Opportunities

Sponsoring

We invite you and your company to showcase your brand to a diverse audience of professionals and become a vital part of Viruses 2026. Explore our sponsorship opportunities and join us in shaping the future of virology-related research and innovation.

From branding in highly visible conference materials and events to an exclusive presentation opportunity, find the perfect sponsorship package tailored to your needs in our sponsorship brochure by clicking the button below.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss any further options, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Secretariat. Connect with us today to secure your spot and maximize your impact.

Society Collaboration

Are you part of a society and interested in Viruses 2026? Contact us at viruses2026@mdpi.com to discuss a media partnership where your society members can access a 20% discount on all registration fees!


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