skukuza kruger national park ⦿ mpumalanga ⦿ 15-18 september 2026

VIROLOGY AFRICA

15-18 September 2026

when

15-18 September
2026

where

Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumlanga, South Africa

theme

Virology Without Borders: Integrating Human, Animal and Plant Health in Africa

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 2025
Abstract Submission Closes: 15 February 2026
Abstract Notification of Acceptance: 15 March 2026
Early Bird Payment Closes: 31 March 2026
Standard Registration Opens: 1 April 2026
Accommodation Release date: 15 January 2026 ( 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: 30 June 2026
Late Registration: 01 July 2026

Preliminary outline of programme:

Day 1: 15 Sept – Opening Plenary at 18h00 & Social function

Day 2: 16 Sept – Full day conference & Social function

Day 3: 17 Sept – Full day conference & Social function

Day 4: 18 Sept – Full day conference & Close

Committee Members

Executive Committee Virology Africa & SASV Council (South African Society for Virology)

Prof. Marietjie Venter

Chair

Prof. Felicity Burt

Deputy Chair

Prof. Wolfgang Preiser

Secretary

Prof. Nicola Page

Treasurer

Virology Africa Scientific Committee

Members of the SASV Steering Committee

Prof. Claude Sabeta

Professor of Virology

Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria

Dr. Kreshalen Govender

Virological Pathologist

University of Pretoria / National Health Laboratory Service

Dr. Kerri-Lee Ann Francois

Virological Pathologist

University of KwaZulu-Natal / National Health Laboratory Service

Prof. Michelle Groom

Principal Researcher: Epidemiology

Wits VIDA Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand

Mr. William McMahon

Research Fellow

University of the Witwatersrand: Young Scientist representative

Dr. Sandiswa Mbewana

Lecturer

Biopharming Research Unit, University of Cape Town

Dr. Nishi Prabdial-Sing

Principal Medical Scientist

Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

Virology Africa Scientific Committee

Invited Members of the Scientific Committee

Prof. Francois Maree

Professor, Centre for Viral Zoonosis, University of Pretoria

Dr. Nicole Wolter

Director: National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

Prof. Janet Mans

Senior Lecturer: Medical Virology, University of Pretoria

Dr. Jinal Bhiman

Co-Principal Investigator for Global Immunology and Immune Sequencing for Epidemic Response South Africa (GIISER-SA), University of Cape Town

Prof. Anna-Lise Williamson

Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town

Dr. Jacqueline Weyer

Principal Medical Scientist: Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

Prof. Lise Korsten

Professor in Plant Health and Food Safety, University of Pretoria; President, Africa Academy of Science

Dr. Tsepo Tsekoa

Principal researcher for biomanufacturing technology demonstration, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Prof. Gert Van Zyl

Virological Pathologist, Stellenbosch University / National Health Laboratory Service

Dr. Florette Treurnicht

Lecturer in Medical Virology, University of the Witwatersrand

Prof. Emeritus Ed Rybicki

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biopharming Research Unit, University of Cape Town

Prof. Megan Shaw

Professor, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape

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.