FAQ's

The ISRV School is designed for individuals who already have some grounding in their field and are looking to deepen and broaden their expertise.

Most participants are:

• PhD or MD students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Clinical trainees or early-career clinicians
• Public health professionals and epidemiologists
• Final-year Master’s students who intend to pursue a career in respiratory viruses

You do not need to be a senior expert – but equally, this is not an introductory course. The 5-day immersive, in-person School is best suited to those actively working, training, or studying in a relevant field.

ISRV uses a broad and inclusive definition. Typically, this includes individuals within 8 years of completing their highest degree, with flexibility for career breaks or part-time work. You can view our full definition here.

In practice, this means the School is suitable for people at different stages within early career, including those transitioning into more independent roles.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify as an ECR, send us an email at schools@isrv.global.

Yes. The School is intentionally multidisciplinary.

Participants come from laboratory science, clinical practice, public health, epidemiology, and policy. The program is designed to help you understand how these areas connect and contribute to real-world impact.

Yes. You do not need to be a specialist in respiratory viruses.

However, you should have:

• A relevant background (e.g. infectious diseases, virology, epidemiology, immunology, public health, or clinical medicine)
• A clear interest in developing your expertise in this area

The School is designed to help you build and expand your focus.

Yes.

If your background is broadly relevant and you can demonstrate how the School would support your development, you are encouraged to apply. Applications are considered holistically.

An ISRV School is a structured, immersive learning program, not a conference.

Unlike a conference, you will:

• Follow a designed curriculum across five days
• Participate in interactive workshops and discussions
• Engage closely with faculty and peers
• Receive mentoring and career development support

Accommodation is included, allowing participants to fully engage in the program and cohort experience.

This is a full-time, 5-day immersive, in-person School.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions, including lectures, workshops, and group activities. The format is designed to maximise both learning and interaction throughout the week.

Participants are typically invited to submit a poster and present their work during dedicated sessions. This provides an opportunity to receive feedback and engage in discussion with faculty and peers.

Participants gain:

• A stronger interdisciplinary understanding of respiratory viruses
• Improved analytical and problem-solving skills
• Greater confidence in communicating their work
• A global professional network
• Insights into career development and progression

Both are central to the experience.

The program combines structured teaching with informal interaction, including poster sessions, mentoring, and social activities. The shared, in-person format supports meaningful connections throughout the week.

You will need to complete an Expression of Interest which will include your contact details, and you will be required to submit a 300-word summary to explain your long-term career aspirations and how attendance at the School will impact your studies/ education/research in the field of respiratory viruses.

If you are a student, then we require a letter of recommendation from your supervisor. It is optional to also attach a letter of support from a senior colleague.

Your application and abstract (or summary of your research interests / projects you have been involved with) will then be assessed by the Education Committee.

All abstracts based on Respiratory Viruses will be considered.

Authors need only submit one abstract. However, authors can be co-authors on multiple abstracts without restriction.

All abstracts must be submitted and typed in English.

Abstracts must be typed directly into the submission form’s box.

The maximum word count for the body of the abstract is 300 words (excluding the 25-word title). Abstracts exceeding this limit will need to be revised before submission is accepted.

Yes, authors are permitted to include scientific symbols, tables, and/or diagrams in their abstracts – these can be attached as Supporting Documentation i.e charts, graphs and figures as an image.

You can also add additional documents as Supporting Documents (word document).

Yes, authors are required to use the following headings in their abstracts:

• Introduction
• Context and Aim
• Method
• Findings / Results
• Conclusions / Innovative contribution to policy, practice, and/or research

Yes. Abstracts should be thoroughly checked for correct spelling and grammar before final submission. Abstracts containing errors may be rejected or require re-submission.

Yes, you can edit any saved draft submissions – to edit your abstract click on the Edit button. Submitted Abstracts can be viewed only – click on the View button to view your submitted Abstract.

The Review section provides an overview of the required sections that still need to be completed before submission. Once all required sections are finished, you can submit your abstract in the Submit section of the page.

The deadline for abstract submission is 23.59 (UTC +8), April 30, 2026. Submissions received after this time will not be considered by the Education Committee.

Successful applicants will be notified by June 30, 2026. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact schools@isrv.global

Yes – we offer a reduce registration rate for students from Low or Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). You can find out more here. There will also be a number of scholarships available for students from LMICs that can support with the registration fee and/or travel costs to attend – find out more and register your interest in a scholarship here.