This session will discuss the importance of global surveillance networks for early detection of emerging viral diseases. Presentations will cover current technologies, from satellite data to real-time genomic sequencing, to monitor viral outbreaks and prevent pandemics. Experts will highlight case studies of successful early warning systems, the challenges faced in data sharing across borders, and innovations in digital epidemiology.

This session will delve into the mechanisms that lead to the spillover of viruses from animals to humans. Experts will cover zoonotic transmission, the role of wildlife and livestock in harboring emerging viruses, and ecological drivers such as habitat destruction and climate change. Case studies on recent viral spillovers, such as Nipah virus and coronaviruses, will be discussed, along with strategies to predict and mitigate spillover events.

A deep dive into the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which emerging viruses cause disease. This session will cover viral entry, replication, immune evasion, and host cell interactions for viruses such as Ebola, Hendra, and SARS-CoV-2. Researchers will present new findings on viral proteins that could serve as targets for antiviral therapies.

This session will highlight advances in vaccine development against emerging viral threats, with a focus on rapid response platforms like mRNA, viral vectors, and nanoparticle vaccines. Discussion will include lessons learned from COVID-19, ongoing research for vaccines against other high-risk viruses like Zika, and the challenges in scaling vaccine production for global distribution.

Respiratory viruses, such as novel influenza strains and coronaviruses, pose significant risks to global health. This session will focus on the epidemiology of emerging respiratory viruses, modes of transmission, and public health strategies to control their spread. Presenters will discuss the role of air travel in viral transmission, the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (like masks and social distancing), and future vaccine strategies.

Developing effective antiviral drugs for emerging viral diseases remains a major challenge. This session will discuss recent advances in drug discovery, targeting viral enzymes, and preventing viral replication. Focus areas will include novel drug targets, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, and the complexities of antiviral resistance. Clinical trials for emerging diseases like Lassa fever and Zika will also be explored.

Climate change is altering the ecology of viruses and their hosts, contributing to the emergence of new viral threats. This session will examine how rising temperatures, deforestation, and habitat destruction are increasing the risk of viral spillovers and outbreaks. Experts will present research on how climate change is affecting the distribution of viral vectors, such as mosquitoes, and its role in the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

Arboviruses, transmitted by insects like mosquitoes and ticks, are increasingly becoming global threats. This session will focus on the biology, transmission, and control of emerging arboviruses such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Topics will include vector control strategies, the development of vaccines and antivirals, and the role of climate change in altering the distribution of arbovirus vectors.

Many emerging viral diseases have zoonotic origins, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans. This session will explore the dynamics of zoonotic transmission, with a focus on wildlife reservoirs and human activities that increase contact with these animals. Presenters will discuss surveillance at the human-animal interface, emerging zoonotic viruses (e.g., Ebola, Marburg, and Hantaviruses), and strategies to mitigate future spillovers.

This session will focus on how viruses adapt to infect new species, including humans. Researchers will present studies on the genetic and ecological factors that drive cross-species transmission, using examples such as coronaviruses, influenza, and bat-borne viruses. The session will also explore how viral evolution contributes to host range expansion and increased transmissibility.