Tampa, FL, USA – January 27, 2026 – The Global Virus Network’s (GVN) 2025 Short Course in Translational Virology brought together a remarkable international cohort in December 2025 for eight days of scientific immersion, mentorship, and hands-on learning at the intersection of virology, medicine, and global health. Representing more than 90 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates across 40+ countries, GVN brings together leading human and animal virologists to advance research collaboration and strengthen global pandemic preparedness.
More than 40 participants from 24 countries joined the program at the University of South Florida in Tampa, which hosts the GVN International Headquarters, including representatives from universities, hospitals, national laboratories, and health ministries. The group spanned late-stage undergraduates to postdoctoral fellows, clinicians, laboratory scientists, and public health professionals, motivated by the shared goal of advancing translational virology within their home institutions and regions.
From the outset, the Short Course emphasized a unique theme: how bench discoveries translate to the clinic and ultimately shape public health. Through expert-led lectures, interactive case studies, and experiential sessions, participants engaged deeply with foundational virology, viral evolution, oncogenic and emerging viruses, post-viral syndromes, and innovations in diagnostics and surveillance.
One of the program's strongest features was its focus on data-driven virology, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, genomic analysis, and clinical decision systems. Demonstrations and applied discussion showcased how data tools are transforming viral discovery, outbreak detection, and hospital-level response. As pandemic preparedness evolves, this integration of computational science and virology has become both urgent and transformative.
The experiential components of the Short Course brought the translational mission to life. Participants visited research institutes, hospital AI command centers, and public health laboratories, gaining an intimate view of how scientific insights inform diagnostics, surveillance strategies, and clinical care. Seeing the full pathway from viral characterization to patient care and population-level decision-making left a lasting impression.
“I am extremely happy and enriched by the knowledge that the Global Virus Nework so generously shared with us,” said Camila Lopes Simeoni, PhD, a Short Course participant and virologist from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. “The depth, quality, and passion behind the teaching made this experience not only educational, but genuinely inspiring.”
Networking and mentorship served as a connective thread throughout the week. Dialogues with scientists and clinicians from Johns Hopkins University, the University of South Florida (USF), especially the USF Health Institute for Translational Virology & Medicine, Tulane University, the University at Buffalo, Moffitt Cancer Center, the University of Florida, the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), Tampa General Hospital, the Florida Department of Health's Public Health Laboratories, and the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, allowed participants to explore career pathways and build relationships that will continue beyond the course.
A standout element of the Short Course was the immersive, hands-on experience at USF Health CAMLS, where participants moved beyond theory into realistic, scenario-based exercises that mirrored real-world decision-making. Leveraging CAMLS’ advanced simulation environments and instructional design expertise, the sessions fostered lively, real-time exchange among participants, who actively tested ideas, debated approaches, and adapted strategies on the spot. The high level of engagement underscored the practical value of the training, with many participants already discussing how they would translate these tools and insights into their own institutions and future work.
“The participants each brought their perspective on how to pursue competitive grant opportunities that would benefit from the knowledge gained from the short course and create new collaborations leveraging the extensive global reach of the GVN Centers of Excellence and Affiliates,” said Gene Morse, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, a faculty teacher in the Short Course and GVN Center of Excellence director at the University at Buffalo HIV and HCV Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory.
For many participants, especially those from low- and middle-income countries, the Short Course represented a rare opportunity to connect to international research and public health communities.
“This is a rare opportunity, especially for people like us from low- and middle-income countries,” said Umar Mohammed Hassan, MBBS, MHE, MSc MWACP, a Short Course participant and researcher from Gombe State University, Nigeria. “I learned so much and look forward to continued collaboration.”
Media Contact:
Nora Samaranayake
nsamaranayake@gvn.org
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About the Global Virus Network
The Global Virus Network (GVN) is a worldwide coalition comprising 90+ Virology Centers of Excellence and Affiliates across 40+ countries, whose mission is to facilitate pandemic preparedness against viral pathogens and diseases that threaten public health globally. GVN advances knowledge of viruses through (i) data-driven research and solutions, (ii) fostering the next generation of virology leaders, and (iii) enhancing global resources for readiness and response to emerging viral threats. GVN provides the essential expertise required to discover and diagnose viruses that threaten public health, understand how such viruses spread illnesses, and facilitate the development of diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to combat them. GVN coordinates and collaborates with local, national, and international scientific institutions and government agencies to provide real-time virus informatics, surveillance, and response resources and strategies. GVN's pandemic preparedness mission is achieved by focusing on Education & Training, Qualitative & Quantitative Research, and Global Health Strategies & Solutions. The GVN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit www.gvn.org.
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