
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
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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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Contact Us
Vetlink – Conference Organiser
Conferences@vetlink.co.za
+27 12 346 1590