The 9th Molecular Virology Meeting (MVM 2026) concluded on 18th September 2026 at BRIC–National Institute of Immunology (BRIC–NII) in New Delhi. The event brought together approximately 200 clinicians, researchers and students from across India to discuss emerging questions in viral biology and the translation of virology research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and public-health capabilities.
The meeting, initiated in 2009, has grown into an annual forum for the Indian virology community. The 2026 edition was hosted by BRIC–NII with support from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB). The two-day meeting opened with a keynote address by Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of ICMR–National Institute of Virology, Pune, titled 'Flip the Switch: Host Factors That Block or Boost Viruses.'
The scientific programme featured research on diverse viral systems including influenza, dengue, chikungunya, HIV, hepatitis E, West Nile virus, coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus. Discussions spanned viral entry and replication, host responses, immune regulation, viral adaptation and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. A significant focus was on the interface between fundamental virology and translation, with sessions on Translational Virology: Vaccines & Therapeutics featuring work on antiviral therapeutics, antibody discovery and theranostics.
The meeting included a panel discussion titled 'Future of Virology Research and its Contribution in BioE3 Policy: Advancing Towards Viksit Bharat,' moderated by Dr Nimesh Gupta of BRIC-NII. Panelists included Dr Naveen Kumar (ICMR-NIV), Prof Saumitra Das (IISc), Dr Sudhanshu Vrati (RCB), Prof Sanjeev Galande (Shiv Nadar University), and Dr Subeer Mazumdar (Sun Pharma Science Foundation). The discussion centered on how to build a stronger national virology innovation and preparedness ecosystem, examining the need for connected pathways from discovery to products, platform technologies for vaccines, funding mechanisms supporting translation, and stronger academia-industry-government partnerships.
The programme comprised seven scientific sessions, spotlight talks, poster presentations and the panel discussion, followed by an award ceremony and concluding session. The event highlighted the interconnected nature of modern virology where understanding viral mechanisms must go hand in hand with translating knowledge into preparedness and solutions for emerging health challenges.
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