What to Expect:

Introductory Scientific Sessions:

• Overview of the latest advances in antiviral research –  how viruses emerge, spread and evolve, the challenges they pose to global health systems and the therapeutic strategies currently showing the greatest promise.

In-Depth Insights into Antiviral Drug Development:

• Discussions on the discovery of new viral receptors, mechanisms of infection and the development of innovative therapeutics across diverse viral families. A strong focus on translational approaches linking basic science with clinical practice.

Interdisciplinary Panel Sessions:

• Topics covering molecular virology, antiviral chemistry, viral evolution, host–pathogen interactions, vaccine development, antiviral immunity and novel therapeutic targets. Both rapidly emerging fields and established scientific disciplines will be represented.

Regional & Global Perspectives:

• Insights into the occurrence and spread of viral diseases across different regions of the world, regional research priorities and current trends in infectious diseases that may influence future pandemic preparedness.

Thematic Sessions on Methods and Innovation:

• Discussions on advanced laboratory models, viral structural biology, bioinformatics, novel antiviral screening platforms and computational approaches to drug design.

Career Development & Professional Growth:

• Activities focused on early-career scientists and emerging researchers, including mentoring, networking, experience sharing and practical guidance for scientific career development.

Special Sessions & Networking:

14th Annual Women in Science Roundtable – opening session on the first day of the conference.

First Timer & New Member Breakfast – a welcome breakfast for new members and first-time ICAR participants, an ideal opportunity to connect in an informal setting.

PechaKucha Competition – a competition of short, creative presentations, with three cash prizes awarded to the best graduate students and postdocs.

ISAR Annual Meeting – a brief update on the society’s activities and opportunities for engagement within ISAR.

Career Development Session – Interactive Career Roundtable – a session focused on career development for early-career scientists.

Closing Event – a gala evening featuring the announcement of Poster Awards and PechaKucha Competition winners, recognition of TCFF awardees and an opportunity for informal networking in a friendly atmosphere over good food.

Plenary speakers

Professor Wendy Barclay – A leading expert on influenza viruses and interspecies viral transmission. Her research focuses on mechanisms that may lead to the emergence of new pandemics and strategies to prevent such threats.

Professor Dr. Stephan Urban – An expert in hepatitis B and D research and antiviral drug development. His work centres on molecular mechanisms of viral infection and the development of innovative therapies, including the first approved treatment for chronic hepatitis D.

Guests Include:

• Professor Wendy Barclay, PhD – Imperial College London
• Professor Dr. Stephan Urban – University Hospital Heidelberg
• Peter Piot, MD, PhD – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | KU Leuven
• Pei-Yong Shi, PhD – GSK
• Valeria Cagno, PhD – Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne | University of Lausanne | University Hospital of Lausanne
• Andrea Brancale, PhD – University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
• Jinhong Chang, MD, PhD – Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
• Sophie Yacoub, PhD – University of Oxford | OUCRU
• Solène Denolly, PhD – Cancer Research Center of Lyon
• Daniel Růžek, PhD – Masaryk University | Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences