We invite you to register for the 2025 Midwest Virology Symposium (MVS) — a three-day gathering of virology researchers, clinicians, and trainees from across the Midwest. This year’s symposium will be held at the University of Kentucky, with all sessions hosted in the state-of-the-art Jacobs Science Building, known for its modern facilities and collaborative atmosphere.

📅 Dates: September 26–28, 2025
📍 Location: Jacobs Science Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
💬 Format: In-person event featuring keynote addresses, scientific sessions, trainee talks, and a poster networking session

The program includes invited talks from leading virologists at institutions including Iowa, OSU, Michigan, Cleveland Clinic, Wisconsin, Indiana, WashU, Pittsburgh and more. Sessions will cover:

• Emerging viruses and viral evolution
• Immunology and innate host responses
• Viral replication and pathogenesis
• Therapeutics, vaccines, and viral oncology
• Persistent infections and co-infections

🧪 Trainee Participation Encouraged

Participants are encouraged to submit abstracts for poster presentations and/or short talks. Several time slots have been reserved in the main program for trainee talks, and Saturday’s schedule features a dedicated poster session and networking opportunity.

Registration Fees: $100 for Faculty and PI, $50 for Trainees (students/staff)

🍽️ Registration includes access to all sessions, coffee and refreshments, and lunch and dinner events.

Registration Now Open! Click Here to Register 

Please complete the registration form whether you are attending as a speaker, presenter, or guest. After submitting the form, you will receive an email with a payment link. Payment is required to complete your registration. Please submit your abstracts via this link; they will be considered for short talks or poster presentations.

Questions?

 If you have any questions, please contact the organizing committee at curekyidc@uky.edu, or Dr. Saurabh Chattopadhyay (Event Chair) at saurabh.chattopadhyay@uky.edu 

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Stanley Perlman, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa, as our keynote speaker for the 2025 Midwest Virology Symposium.

Dr. Perlman is a renowned expert in coronavirus biology and host immune responses, with groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. His decades of work have shaped global responses to viral outbreaks and informed major public health strategies.

Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Jacobs Science Building Lecture Hall 121
Title: TBA

Below is a list of confirmed speakers for the 2025 Midwest Virology Symposium. Each session highlights cutting-edge research in virology, immunology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic development. 🔔 We have listed a number of confirmed speakers below; however, the full lineup is still being finalized. Additional speakers and sessions will be announced in the coming weeks. 🔔

Viral Immunology and Innate Immunity

Amy Hartman, PhD - University of Pittsburgh 

Siyuan Ding, PhD -  WashU Medicine

Jae Jung, PhD - Cleveland Clinic 

Pranav Danthi, PhD - Indiana University

Viral Emergence and Evolution

Natasha Tilston-Lunel, PhD - Indiana University

Molecular Virology, Viral Replication and Pathogenesis

Jacob Yount, PhD - Ohio State University

Marta Gaglia, PhD - University of Wisconsin

Richard Kuhn, PhD - Purdue University

Therapeutics and Vaccines

John Williams, MD -  University of Wisconsin

Kerry Empey, PharmD, PhD - University of Pittsburgh

Persistent and Co-Infections

Bethany Moore, PhD - University of Michigan

Li Wu, PhD - University of Iowa

Viruses and Cancer

Krystle Kuhs, PhD - University of Kentucky 

Nathan Ungerleider, PhD - Saint Louis University 

Abstract Submission for Poster Sessions Open Soon

Submission deadline: August 26th, 2025
Files should be named: "LastNameMVS2025.docx"

All abstracts will be assigned space for a poster presentation unless otherwise requested.

Posters should match these sizes 36x44, 36x36, 36x48 or 44x36. Use this link for additional information: UKY Posters. Push pins will be provided on site.

Formatting Guidelines for Abstract Submission

• Use size 11 Arial or 12 Times New Roman font
• Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides
• Must include a title
• Must include a list of authors
• Maximum length: 200 words
• No figures or tables allowed
• File format: .docx,  .doc, or .pdf only

Upload your Abstract via this Link