>Special Interest Groups > International Respiratory Syncytial Virus Society (iRSVs) > About

About the iRSVs

Introduction

The International Respiratory Syncytial Virus Society (iRSVs) became a special interest group of ISRV in 2017, building on a series of biennial global meetings of RSV experts which started in 1996 and created acollegial international collaborative community. The partnership with ISRV was formed to formalize iRSVs, promote shared scientific goals and benefit from ISRV’s organizational support. The meetings have grown from about 100 who attended the first meeting to almost 700 attendees in 2025, spanning all continents and covering all areas of RSV research.

Mission

iRSVs aims to accelerate progress in RSV research by organizing international symposia, other educational activities, and offering expert, impartial advice to stakeholders including governments, NGOs, funders, and industry.

Strategic objectives

Host recurring Symposia and events (e.g. webinars) to foster knowledge exchange.
Support the development of strategies to reduce the burden of RSV infection throughout the lifespan.

Scope

As RSV research continues to grow rapidly, the iRSVs symposia have adapted to reflect current needs and scientific advancements. The symposium covers a broad scope of basic and applied RSV research, and meetings are held every 2 years at diverse global locations.

Membership

Membership of iRSVs is open to all ISRV members. To join, visit the members’ area of the ISRV website.

The International Steering Advisory Committee (ISAC) includes:
– Past and future recent symposium organizers
– Recipients of the Chanock (lifetime achievement) and Melero (early career) Awards
– Experts nominated by a ballot of the ISAC

The ISAC typically includes 12–20 members representing the diversity of the RSV research community.

Awards and honors

The Chanock and Melero Awards are presented at each Symposium, to recognizing outstanding contributions to RSV research. The Chanock award is typically presented to individuals that had made significant contributions to the RSV field over the years, while the Melero award is directed to outstanding early career investigators.

RSV Symposia

The 13th International RSV Symposium was hosted at the Hotel Bourbon Cataratas do Iguazu, Brazil, gathering global experts in RSV science, clinical practice, and public health.

Recent past symposia have been held in Belfast (2022), North Carolina (2018), Bariloche (2016) and Stellenbosch (2014).

Future Activities

The 14th International RSV Symposium will take place in 2027. Dates and location will be announced soon via the ISRV website.