The city of Pune recently became the epicenter of crucial scientific discourse on global health security, hosting the three-day international conference VIROCON 2025 from December 8 to 10. The event, a significant gathering in the field of virology, was organized to address the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases.
Global Gathering for a Healthier Future
The conference was jointly hosted by the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, in collaboration with the NIV Research Foundation and the Indian Virological Society (IVS). Centered on the theme "Changing Landscapes in Human, Animal and Plant Viruses: Bridging Basic Science, Innovation and Public Health," the forum aimed to create synergies between research and real-world health solutions.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR and Secretary of the Department of Health Research, stressed the critical importance of the One Health approach. He emphasized the urgent need to bolster countermeasures and preparedness strategies to effectively combat future pandemics.
Scientific Tracks and Widespread Participation
The scientific agenda was structured around three core tracks to facilitate in-depth discussions:
- One Health and Pandemic Preparedness
- Development of Countermeasures
- Fundamental Virology
The event witnessed robust participation from over 650 delegates, including leading scientists, clinicians, public health professionals, industry representatives, and students. The conference had an international flavor with participants from India, the United States, Canada, and Thailand.
Prominent Indian institutions were well-represented, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), various IISERs and IITs, central and state universities, and major research bodies like ICAR, DRDO, DBT, and CSIR.
Recognizing Excellence in Virology
A highlight of VIROCON 2025 was the recognition of outstanding contributions to the field. The prestigious IVS Oration Awards 2025 and IVS Young Scientist Awards were presented during the event. Additionally, the inaugural Keshvi Sharma Memorial Award from the NIV Research Foundation was conferred upon Dr. Shashank Tripathi from IISc Bengaluru. Awards were also given for the best oral and poster presentations at the conference.
The conclave served as a vital platform for sharing groundbreaking research on emerging viral threats and the latest advances in virological science. The discussions consistently circled back to the overarching goal of enhancing global public health preparedness.
Organizers stated that VIROCON 2025 concluded with a reinforced commitment to strengthening collaborative networks and accelerating research to build more resilient health systems for the future.
