ISRV Schools of Respiratory Viruses

A School was originally defined as ‘a place where people are learning or meeting to learn’. ISRV Schools are no exception, bringing together early-career researchers at a wide range of international institutions to receive specialist tutelage from respiratory virus experts. School events are usually held in partnership with premier universities in different locations around the globe. The event is themed around particular individual viruses such as influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2 or MERS, or perhaps more broadly across the range of respiratory viruses generally. Our Schools aim to provide a memorable and uplifting educational experience for postgraduate or young researchers at the beginning of their scientific careers creating a supportive network for future career development.

Helping to develop the next generation of respiratory virus scientists and researchers is an important activity for ISRV. As a professional society, our mission is to provide a forum for international scientists from government, academia and the private sector to exchange information, stimulate collaboration and provide education for promotion, prevention, detection, treatment and control of respiratory virus diseases globally.

Founding members of ISRV in 2005 realised the importance of investing in those entering the field, and the continued support for educating early-career researchers has remained a core aspect of the society’s remit.

A School may take the format of a 4 to 5 day course with accommodation provided for the duration of the School, or 1-3 day ‘Mini-School’ held just before a major ISRV conference event, such as Options for the Control of Influenza (OPTIONS).

Schools provide a mixture of diverse activities (lectures, scenarios, lab visits, practical exercises, social activities), with opportunity for in-depth discussions and networking in a relaxed setting.

Mini-Schools comprise a series of lectures from prominent speakers at the upcoming conference. The talks are pitched to provide attendees with a simplified overview of the upcoming meeting, enabling understanding of critical context behind new discoveries.

At every ISRV School, we try and ensure a blend of activities ranging from ice breaker sessions to get over those awkward early shy moments, to wide ranging panel discussions, debates, group work on scenarios, data handling exercises and quizzes, as well as traditional lectures and gaining rapporteur experience. We aim to generate a spirit of open interactions, which lead to lively debates during panel discussions helping to build confidence.

In a Mini-School, time is much more limited due to the proximity of the main ISRV meeting. We aim to have engaging lectures which illuminate the cutting-edge science that will be held in the main conference, effectively getting attendees ‘up to speed’ on the important information they need to know. Mini-Schools are often accompanied by an ECR social event.

Faculty is made up from senior academics and scientists at the forefront of their field, selected for their excellent communication skills and commitment to educating the next generation. Faculty give generously of their time to provide engaging and stimulating talks to help attendees understand complex areas of science ahead of the main conference, or as part of a School.

Schools are targeted at those early in their career, completing a higher degree or graduate training programme, or perhaps newly entering the field of respiratory viruses. They are intended to provide a digest of the most recent research findings across a range of disciplines, to provide context for those new to the field or early in their chosen career pathways.

You can read more about what ISRV classify as early-career researchers (ECRs) here.

In lots of ways! Making connections with others at a similar stage of their career is incredibly valuable and will provide networking opportunities which could generate life-long professional connections. Being able to engage with senior scientists and quiz them about their career pathways and choices in a relaxed setting can bring amazing insights about career progression which helps to bolster confidence. Having the opportunity to do both of these things whilst gaining subject matter knowledge is an unparalleled bonus!

The Schools provide a low-cost education opportunity for early career researchers. Participants from low and middle income countries (LMICs) can apply for a scholarship to attend the School free-of-charge as well as for support with travel costs.

This support is possible thanks to funding from Flu Lab.

Click here to find out if your country is classed as an LMIC, according to the World Bank.

Each ISRV School or Mini-School will release information on how to apply for support for each event when registration or Expressions of Interest applications open. Applications are then reviewed by the School organising committee. Check each School or Mini-School event page for further details.

You will receive complementary ISRV membership as part of an ISRV School registration. You don’t need to be an ISRV member to attend a Mini-School, however ISRV membership will give you a discounted ticket rate for the main meeting the Mini-School is attached to.

ISRV membership may also provide access to discounted rates, priority opportunities or additional ECR activities.