Welcome to Virology Africa 2026
The Virology Africa Conference will take place in Skukuza, bringing together a vibrant community of virologists, including all scientists and practitioners working in the fields of medical virology (virological pathology), veterinary virology, plant virology, environmental virology, One Health, basic virology and any other virological sciences, thereby contributing to the understanding and control of viral infections and diseases. This premier gathering serves as a platform for sharing groundbreaking research, fostering collaboration, and exploring the latest developments in the field of virology.
Set in the heart of the Kruger National Park, the conference offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in high-level scientific discussions while experiencing one of Africa’s most remarkable natural environments.
Attendees will benefit from keynote lectures, interactive sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities that encourage the exchange of knowledge and the building of lasting professional connections.
The Virology Africa Conference is not only a hub for advancing scientific discovery but also a space to inspire and mentor the next generation of virologists, strengthening the global response to viral challenges and enhancing Africa’s role in the international research community.
Deadlines
Abstract Submission Opens: 15 November 2025
Registration Opens: 15 November 2025Abstract Submission Closed:Abstract Notification of Acceptance: 10 April 2026
Early Bird Payment Closes: 15 April 2026
Standard Registration Opens: 16 April 2026
Accommodation Release date: 25 June 2026 (Final deadline)(Accommodation for the congress is blocked and available for check-in from 14 September to check-out on 18 September, or within these dates.)
Preliminary Programme : 15 May 2026
Standard Payment Closes: 15 July 2026
Late Registration: 16 July 2026
Preliminary outline of programme:
Day 1: 15 Sept – Opening Plenary at 18h00 & Welcome
Day 2: 16 Sept – Full day conference & Drinks
Day 3: 17 Sept – Full day conference & Gala Dinner
Day 4: 18 Sept – Half day conference & Close
Conference Bursaries Available
We are pleased to announce that a limited number of conference bursaries are available to Southern African students, postdoctoral fellows and eligible African scientists who’s abstracts are accepted for oral or poster presentations.
Students who receive PRF bursaries must indicate this in their application to be considered for PRF conference bursaries.
We strongly encourage all eligible candidates to apply as soon as possible, as bursaries will be awarded competitively.
To apply for a bursary, please indicate your request when submitting your abstract. If you have already submitted an abstract, log in to your profile, navigate to Your Submissions, select Edit Abstract, and complete the relevant text box by indicating that you require funding; if you receive PRF bursaries, please also state this in the text box.
The text box will be displayed on the submission portal (conftool) as shown below.
Meet The Keynote & Invited Speakers
Dr. A. Duncan Steele
Topic: Can we improve the differential efficacy of oral rotavirus vaccines in Africa?
Dr. Alessandra Scagliarini
Topic: Ecology and evolution of zoonotic poxviruses under a One Health lens
Prof Placide Mbala Kingebeni
Topic: M-pox
Prof. Denise L. Doolan
Topic: Application of Epstein-Barr Virus proteome microarrays to characterize humoral immune response and define immune signatures for risk of EBV-associated cancers
Prof. Shabir Madhi
Topic: Advances and challenges in the prevention of RSV
Dr. Sandiswa Mbewana
Topic: A quest for the development of a universal influenza vaccine in plants.
Dr. Francois Maree
Topic: Transmission dynamics of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus, a highly infectious picornavirus at the wildlife-livestock interface in southern Africa.
Prof. Carolyn Williamson
Topic: HIV transmission and the implications of minor viral populations
Dr Mukhlid Yousif
Topic: Disease Surveillance Using Wastewater: From Piloting to Implementation and Integration into
Clinical Case-Based Surveillance Systems in South Africa
Dr Sandeep Ramalingam
Topic: Using salt (water) to treat viral infections. Science behind an ancient remedy
Prof Ali Mirazimi
Topic: CCHF vaccine and mRNA vaccines
Dr Baptiste DUNGU
Topic: Chasing the Last Virus: Lessons from Global Animal Disease Eradication
Hosted by
Please join SASV for discounted registration fees for Virology Africa registration
Ordinary members please register either as medical doctors or allied health professionals for all other virologists.
Students and postdocs join for free.
Supported by
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Contact Us
Vetlink – Conference Organiser
Conferences@vetlink.co.za
+27 12 346 1590