MDPI is proud to be hosting the New Horizons in Virology 2026 conference, the 6^th edition of our Viruses conference series, bringing together a diverse pool of experts and researchers in an inspiring, collaborative environment to discuss virology and share research and ideas.

The in-person event is taking place in beautiful Barcelona, Spain, from 11 to 13 March 2026. Over the course of three days, there will be several sessions and workshops focussing on topics related to the latest virology research.

With the late registration deadline approaching, this article provides all the important details you need to know about this conference.

What is the purpose of New Horizons in Virology?

Virology research is critically important due to the worldwide impact that new viral outbreaks have on people, animals and plants. With this conference, MDPI hopes to bring together international researchers studying various topics related to viral replication, pathogenesis, structure, immunology, epidemiology, public health and other areas of virology.

Participants will discover cutting-edge research and have the chance to connect with global experts and peers in the field. The event also provides attendees with the opportunity to share research, exchange ideas and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow scientists and leading experts.

Schedule overview

The conference will host sessions on:

• General topics in virology – a broad overview of the current developments in virology
• Antiviral therapeutics, vaccines, and host defences – recent advances in the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines, along with the host’s defence mechanisms
• Antiviral innate immunity – how viruses are detected and how they evade or suppress innate immunity
• Structure and mechanisms of virus replication – topics include the architecture of viral proteins and genomes, mechanisms of genome replication, transcription and translation, and the assembly and release of viral particles
• Virus–host interactions – the complex interplay between viruses and their host cells
• Viral pathogenesis and evolution – the mechanisms of viral disease and evolution
• A Sponsored workshop on Research Data Management in Virology

Fifteen invited speakers will deliver the sessions, alongside keynote speaker Prof. Dr. David Ho, whose group identified one of the broadest and most potent panels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Additionally, there will be a conference dinner held at La Botiga Pedralbes, a short walk from the conference venue, on 12 March. You can reserve your seat and food preference during the event’s registration process.

Event awards

MDPI is excited to offer two awards for participants of New Horizons in Virology. Sponsored by the journal Viruses, the following awards will be presented at the conference:

• Best Oral Presentation Award – selected by the Selection Committee after evaluation of all selected talks presented during the conference
• Best Poster Award – selected by attendees’ votes

Participating in Viruses 2026

Registration for New Horizons in Virology will be open until 8 March 2026 – please note that the number of participants is limited.

Attendees also have the exciting opportunity to contribute a full manuscript to the Special Issue Viruses 2026 – New Horizons in Virology in the journal Viruses, with a 20% discount on publication fees.

To find out more details about the upcoming conference and how to get involved, you can visit the homepage on Sciforum. Keep an eye on our conferences blog page to stay up to date with any future conferences that MDPI will be involved in.