RNA viruses: interactions with hosts, vectors and cells
6th-9th September 2022
iBiMED – Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Portugal (hybrid event)
The impact of viruses with an RNA genome has not only been overwhelmingly illustrated by the recent coronavirus pandemic but also by the continuing difficulties in controlling influenza virus outbreaks. Vector-borne RNA viruses such as dengue and West-Nile virus are an important cause of illness in tropical areas and, due to the global warming, constitute an increasing threat to moderate climates, where their mosquito vectors are starting to appear.
The EpiViral Summer School will be held at the iBiMED – Department of Medical Sciences in a hybrid format. It will focus on RNA viruses and their (molecular) interactions with the host cell. During this four-day course, participants will have the opportunity to learn how these viruses replicate, how they take advantage of their host cells, and how they are recognized and targeted by the host innate immune system. Participants will also learn how these viruses emerge and how antiviral remedies and vaccines are developed.
The course includes:
• Hands-on practical classes on standard and state-of-the-art virology techniques
• Lectures from internationally renowned scientists
• Workshops
• Social activities in the beautiful city of Aveiro, Portugal
The Summer School is directed to MSc, PhD, and early-stage postdoc researchers with a general background in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields.
Speakers
Marjolein Kikkert | Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Ronald van Rij | Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Roland Zahn | Janssen Vaccines and Therapeutics Leiden, The Netherlands
Mathilde Richard | Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Timo Oosenbrug | Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Jorn Stok | Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Tessa Nelemans | Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Course Coordination
The course will be coordinated by Dr. Marjolein Kikkert from the Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology of Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in The Netherlands. Dr. Kikkert is an internationally renowned virologist working on coronaviruses and their interaction with the innate immune system, and her group has participated in the development of the Janssen coronavirus vaccine.
Programme
Check out the programme here!
Participants Requirements
Applicants should provide a:
• CV
• Motivation letter that should include the background on the study or research they are (or intend to be) engaged in
• Recommendation letter from their current/past supervisor
There is a maximum of 16 people accepted to enrol the hands-on practical course. Additional participants can join the theoretical program in person (with a maximum of 30 participants in total), or through an online connection.
Registrations
Fees:
Practical and theoretical course* – 225€ (UA students and ECIU members 175€)
Theoretical course (on-site)* – 150€ (UA students and ECIU members 100€)
Theoretical course (online) – 50€
* The registration fee includes coffee breaks, lunches, 2 dinners, and course materials.
Payment of the registration fee should be done via the registration system. Selected participants will receive instructions in due time.
Registration deadline 30th August 2022
Register here!
Organizing Committee
Marjolein Kikkert | Tessa Nelemans | Linda Boomaars | Shessy Torres
Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Timo Oosenbrug | Jorn Stok
Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Daniela Ribeiro | Ana Raquel Soares | Ana Sofia Varanda
Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) – Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Organizing Committee Support
Alexandre Nunes | Jéssica Sarabando | Mariana Marques | Vanessa Ferreira
Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) – Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Venue
iBiMED
Department of Medical Sciences
Campus Universitário de Santiago,
Agra do Crasto – Edifício 30
3810-193 Aveiro
Portugal
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. Nevertheless, you can find here a list of hotels in Aveiro suggested by the organization.
Travel information
Please find here the travel information needed to reach the University of Aveiro – Crasto.
About the city
Aveiro is located on the west coast of Portugal, next to the sea and to a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It is crossed by a network of canals where moliceiros (local boats) sail. Aveiro has a lot of restaurants and bars in the city centre and around the University campus. If you need information, the organizers can suggest some restaurants during your stay in the city.
Do take some time before or after the course to explore this colorful city!
Please use the Summer School-specific hashtag #EpiViralSummerSchool2022 for any related tweets!
If you need further information, please contact: epiviraltwinning@gmail.com