National Virology Conference Begins in Thiruvananthapuram to Tackle Emerging Viral Threats

Scientists and researchers from across the country are gathering in Thiruvananthapuram for a national conference on emerging viral threats starting Wednesday.

Conference Details

The Indian Virological Society in New Delhi and the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute in Thiruvananthapuram are jointly organising VIROCON 2026. The three-day event runs from Wednesday, November 11, to Friday, November 13, at Hotel Lemon Tree Premier. The central theme of the conference is 'Viruses in a Changing World: Ecology, Evolution and Future Preparedness.'

Participation and Scope

About 350 participants from 80 institutions across 19 States and Union Territories are attending the event. The gathering includes scientists, academicians, research scholars, and industry professionals specialising in plant, medical, veterinary, and aquatic virology. Additional organising partners include the ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, the Institute of Advanced Virology, and the Indian Society for Root Crops.

Focus Areas

Discussions during the sessions will centre on emerging viral threats and the adoption of an integrated One Health approach. This strategy aims to protect human and animal health, safeguard agriculture and fisheries, and improve overall national preparedness against viral outbreaks.

Context

The One Health approach is a collaborative framework that recognises the health of people, animals, and the environment are closely linked. Conferences like VIROCON bring together experts from different scientific fields to share research and build coordinated defenses against diseases that can cross between animals, plants, and humans.