The 9th Molecular Virology Meeting (MVM 2026) brought together around 200 clinicians, researchers and students from across India to discuss emerging areas in viral biology and ways to translate virology research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and public-health capabilities.
The two-day meeting concluded on September 18 at BRIC–National Institute of Immunology (BRIC-NII), New Delhi. It was hosted by BRIC-NII with the support of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB).
Initiated in 2009, the Molecular Virology Meeting has developed into an annual forum for India’s virology community, covering areas ranging from viral infection mechanisms and host-virus interactions to viral pathogenesis, immunity, evolution, epidemiology and clinical virology.
The 2026 edition featured discussions on a wide range of viruses, including influenza, dengue, chikungunya, HIV, hepatitis E, West Nile virus, coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus.
The scientific programme covered viral entry and replication, host responses, immune regulation, viral adaptation and molecular mechanisms of disease.
The meeting opened with a keynote address by Dr Naveen Kumar, Director, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, titled “Flip the Switch: Host Factors That Block or Boost Viruses.”
A key focus of the meeting was the link between basic virology research and its translation into practical health solutions.
A session on “Translational Virology: Vaccines & Therapeutics” featured research on antiviral therapeutics, antibody discovery and theranostics, along with studies on viral evolution and epidemiology.
The meeting also examined how India can strengthen its national virology innovation and preparedness ecosystem.
A panel discussion titled “Future of Virology Research and its Contribution in BioE3 Policy: Advancing Towards Viksit Bharat” brought together experts from academia, research institutions and industry.
The discussion focused on creating a stronger pathway from scientific discovery and validation to scale-up and products. Participants also highlighted the need for platform technologies for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, funding mechanisms supporting translational research, stronger academia-industry-government partnerships and enhanced capabilities for viral disease surveillance and health security.
The meeting underlined the growing importance of connecting fundamental virology with preparedness and the development of technologies to address emerging health challenges.
The programme included seven scientific sessions, spotlight talks, poster presentations and a panel discussion, followed by an award ceremony and concluding session.
The Molecular Virology Meeting was initiated in 2009 and has continued to provide a platform for researchers across disciplines to exchange findings, identify emerging research priorities and explore collaborations aimed at strengthening India’s virology research and public-health capabilities.
