11th Annual BayViro Symposium - April 11, 2026

Eleventh Annual Bay Area Symposium on Viruses - April 2026

We are pleased to announce the 11th Annual Bay Area Symposium on Viruses (BayViro). Since its inception, BayViro has grown into a leading forum that brings together virologists, clinicians, and innovators from across the Bay Area’s universities, research institutes, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and clinical centers. Hosted by the Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases (CEND, http://cend.globalhealth.berkeley.edu/) at UC Berkeley, the symposium rotates annually between UC Berkeley, UCSF, and Stanford. The 2026 meeting will take place at UC Berkeley on April 11, 2026.

The symposium attracts 300 participants each year. Its scientific program showcases the virology research conducted in the Bay Area. It covers a wide array of topics, including virus biology, immune responses, antiviral strategies, emerging viral threats, and translational research. In addition to invited talks, the event features roundtable discussions, poster sessions, and provides a well-recognized platform for trainees to present their work and connect with senior investigators. Recordings of previous symposia are freely available online, expanding the event’s reach within the scientific community. A key aspect of BayViro is its commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists, offering opportunities for trainees to share their research and network with colleagues at all career levels.

Over the years, the symposium has built lasting academic–industry partnerships across the Bay Area, fostering collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for both trainees and seasoned researchers.

BayViro Sponsorship

BayViro 2026 is made possible through generous donations. 

Platinum sponsor  

Silver sponsor 

Supporting sponsors 

Novartis

Gladstone Institutes

Assembly Bio

Contact cend@berkeley.edu to learn about sponsorship

Abstract Guidelines and Submission

We welcome submissions across the full spectrum of virology, including viral pathogenesis, immunity to infection, antiviral development, methods and technologies, and more. When you submit your abstract, please include the Title, authors, and affiliations, followed by the abstract (e.g., up to 250–300 words, no figures or references). Everyone can submit, but trainees and early-career investigators are especially encouraged to highlight their work.

Please submit your abstract to cend@berkeley.edu. In your submission, be sure to clearly indicate your preferred format (“Short talk,” “Poster only,” or “Talk or poster”), as well as the presenting author and their career stage (e.g., graduate student, postdoc, PI, other).

Presentation Opportunities

Participants may present their work as either a Short Talk or a Poster Presentation.

A short talk consists of a 12-minute presentation followed by 3 minutes for questions and discussion. Please note that slots for talks are limited, and the BayViro Committee will select speakers based on scientific merit and program balance.

Posters will be presented during a dedicated, highly interactive, and convivial poster session at the end of the symposium. We strongly encourage everyone to present a poster, as this session is the heart of BayViro and offers the best opportunities to exchange ideas and receive valuable feedback.

Key Dates

The abstract submission deadline has been extended to February 27.

We look forward to receiving your abstracts and sharing an exciting day of scientific exchange this April.