Welcome to the Midwest Virology Symposium 2025

We invite you to register for the 2025 Midwest Virology Symposium (MVS) 鈥 a three-day gathering of virology researchers, clinicians, and trainees from across the Midwest. This year鈥檚 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.

馃搮 Dates: September 26鈥28, 2025
馃搷 Location: Jacobs Science Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
馃挰 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

Registration

馃И 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鈥檚 schedule features a dedicated poster session and networking opportunity.

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

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

Registration will open soon. 

Please complete the registration form whether you are attending as a speaker, presenter, or guest. Please submit your abstracts via this ; 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 

Keynote Speaker 鈥 Stanley Perlman, MD, PhD

We鈥檙e 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

Scientific Sessions

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 will continue to update this section as additional speakers and sessions are confirmed 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

Scientific Sessions Continued

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 (Tentative Session)

A comfortable, convenient option just a short walk from the Jacobs Science Building. Includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to a fitness center.

MVS Discounted Rate: $251.19/night - Single King, $260.10/night - Double Queen, $281.89/night - King Suite
Address: 1000 Export St, Lexington, KY 40504

Stay just minutes from the symposium venue with modern comfort and convenience. Tru by Hilton offers free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to the UKY campus.

MVS Discounted Rate: $159 per night - 2 Queen Beds w/ Walk in Shower
Address: 535 Waller Avenue, Lexington, KY 40504

Located just minutes from campus, The Campbell House offers boutique accommodations with southern charm. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, complimentary parking, and easy access to the symposium venue.

MVS Discounted Rate: $159/night - Single King or Double Queen
Address: 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

 

 

Additional Discounted Hotel Rates Coming Soon!

Candlewood Suites offers fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour access to a fitness center. Located near the medical district, it's just a short drive from the symposium venue.

MVS Discounted Rate: $149 per night - 1 King Bed Studio Suite or 2 Queen Beds Studio Suite
Address: 501 Waller Avenue, Lexington, KY, US

Submission Guidelines

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: . 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