The 31st Dynamics and Evolution of Human Viruses Conference

Background

The International Workshop on Dynamics & Evolution of Human Viruses is a highly interactive meeting that brings together biologists, clinicians, immunologists, mathematicians, and statisticians working in viral pathogenesis. The meeting fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and brings together a new generation of young early career investigators and senior investigators with established research programs with the aim of contributing to the understanding of HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and other viruses through research that addresses the challenges of viral persistence, evolution and genetics, changing human behavior, and infection control.

Description of the meeting

Held for the first time in Canada in Squamish, British Columbia, the 31^st iteration of the meeting extended over three days and featured a series of insightful presentations, poster sessions, and discussions on the latest research and developments in viral dynamics and evolution.  The hybrid event was partially funded by CoVaRR-Net and organized by CoVaRR-Net Pillar 6 members Jeffrey Joy and Art Poon.

Scientific program and presentation

The program agenda originated from the openly submitted abstracts accepted for presentation in the months preceding the meeting. Following abstract peer review, contributed talks and posters were assigned to the following seven tracks:

• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Zoonoses and Emerging Infections
• Phylodynamics and Phylogeography
• Within Host Dynamics and Adaptation
• Vaccines and Immune Escape
• Transmission Dynamics and Clusters
• Software Tools and Methods

Outcomes

Overall, the conference brought together leading experts in the fields of genomics, bioinformatics, zoonoses, phylogenetics, and public health. It facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge research and fostered collaborations aimed at addressing the challenges posed by evolving viral pathogens. The insights gained from the presentations and discussions will contribute to the development of more effective public health interventions and the advancement of viral genomics and bioinformatics.

Attendance

The 31^st iteration of Dynamics and Evolution of Human Viruses experienced unprecedented demand and the in-person component of the meeting sold out well in advance of the registration deadlines. A strong effort was made to award travel grants to participants originating from developing countries and according to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Participation in the meeting was global (Figure 1.).

Figure 1. Attendance at the 31^st Dynamics and Evolution of Human Viruses conference in Squamish, British Columbia. A. breakdown of attendance by category: 114 attendees joined in person and 47 participated virtually. B. Geographic origins of in person participants.