From 12–16 October 2026, ISRV welcomed 83 participants to the 7th ISRV School of Respiratory Viruses, hosted at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), for five days of intensive scientific learning, discussion and international collaboration.
The School brought together early-career researchers and professionals with an outstanding international faculty of leading respiratory virus scientists, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts at the forefront of the field.
Five days of scientific discovery and collaboration
The comprehensive curriculum explored respiratory viruses from multiple perspectives, combining foundational scientific knowledge with the latest advances in research, surveillance, prevention and control.
Through expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, practical learning opportunities and a dedicated field trip, participants explored the complexities of respiratory virus research and its application to real-world public health challenges.
Professional development was also an important part of the program, with dedicated workshops on scientific writing and grant writing providing practical guidance and insights to support participants in developing their research careers. A small-group mentoring session offered further opportunities for participants to seek advice, discuss career challenges and learn from the experiences of established scientists.
The School’s poster sessions provided a valuable platform for participants to showcase their own research, exchange ideas and receive feedback from faculty and peers. The exceptionally high standard of the posters was a particular highlight, with numerous faculty members commenting on the impressive quality of the research presented and the enthusiasm and scientific expertise demonstrated by participants.
Delegates at the 7th ISRV School of Respiratory Viruses in Hong Kong watching a video featuring “virus hunter” Professor Robert Webster
An enthusiastic response from participants
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the School’s scientific program, the expertise and approachability of its faculty, and the opportunities to build connections with researchers from across the international respiratory virus community.
The combination of high-quality scientific teaching and informal interaction was particularly important, with participants valuing opportunities to discuss their own work, ask questions and develop relationships that can continue beyond the School.
The Hong Kong School also marked an important milestone for ISRV Education, with participants becoming the first cohort to access the Society’s new online pre-learning platform. This pilot introduced additional learning resources ahead of the in-person program and will help inform the continued development of ISRV’s digital education offering.
L-R: Sook San Wong (University of Hong Kong), Amanda Williams (ISRV CEO), and Ben Cowling (University of Hong Kong)
Continuing the journey with ISRV
The School may have concluded, but the connections and learning opportunities continue. All participants are now ISRV members or associates, providing access to the Society’s growing range of educational activities, networking opportunities and early-career researcher initiatives.
ISRV extends its sincere thanks to The University of Hong Kong, the School’s organizing committee, our exceptional faculty and everyone who contributed to making the week such a rewarding experience.
We look forward to building on the success of Hong Kong as we continue expanding opportunities for the next generation of respiratory virus researchers around the world.
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