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: 14 January 2026
Preliminary Programme : 15 May 2026
Standard Payment Closes: 31 July 2026
Late Registration: 01 August 2026
Chairperson
Prof. Marietjie Venter
Deputy Chairperson
Prof. Felicity Burt
Secretary
Prof. Wolfgang Preiser
Treasurer
Prof. Nicola Page
Virology Africa Scientific Committee
Members of the SASV Steering Committee
Prof. Claude Sabeta
University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science
Professor of Virology
Dr. Kreshalen Govender
University of Pretoria, Faculty of Health Sciences
Specialist Clinical Virologist. Consultant Pathologist: National Health Laboratory Service
Dr. Kerri-Lee Ann Francois
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pathologist/Virologist. Discipline of Virology
Dr. Michelle Groom
University of the Witwatersrand
Principal Researcher: Epidemiology, Wits VIDA Research Unit; Reader: University of the Witwatersrand
William McMahon
University of the Witwatersrand (VIDA)(Young Scientist representative
Ph.D. Research Fellow | Immunology, Vaccinology & Virology | Research & Development
Dr. Sandiswa Mbewana
University of Cape Town
Lecturer – Biopharming Research Unit
Dr. Nishi Prabdial-Sing
National Institute For Communicable Diseases
Principal Medical Scientist at the Centre for Vaccines and Immunology
Virology Africa Scientific Committee
Invited Members of the Scientific Committee
Prof. Francois Maree
Professor at the Centre for Viral Zoonosis of the Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
Dr. Nicole Wolter
Principal Medical Scientist and Director at the National Influenza Centre
Prof. Janet Mans
Senior Lecturer at the Department: Medical Virology,Faculty: Health Sciences, 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
Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Cape Town
Dr. Jacqueline Weyer
Principal Medical Scientist at the Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
Prof. Lise Korsten
Professor in Plant Health and Food Safety
President – Africa Academy of Science
Co-Director of the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security
BSc (SU), BSc (Hons) (SU), MSc (Pret), PhD (Pret)
Dr. Tsepo Tsekoa
Principal researcher and research group leader for biomanufacturing technology demonstration at the CSIR
Prof. Gert Van Zyl
Professor in Medical Virology at Stellenbosch University
Dr. Florette Treurnicht
Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences – University of the Witwatersrand
Prof. Emeritus Ed Rybicki
Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biopharming Research Unit of the University of Cape Town, South Africa
Prof. Johan Burger
Professor in Genetics at Stellenbosch University University of Cape Town
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Plant Virology
Prof. Megan Shaw
Professor in the Department of Medical Biosciences – University of the Western Cape
Dr. Tsepo Tsekoa
Principal researcher and research group leader for biomanufacturing technology demonstration at the CSIR
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.
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