How Animal Viruses Work? Principles and Methods for their Study
From 08 Jun 2026 until 12 Jun 2026 - BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face and Online)
Viruses are ubiquitous on Earth: they infect all cellular forms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. They are important agents of animal and human diseases (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, HIV, FIV, Zika, Avian Influenza, RHDV, etc). Therefore, viruses prevention, detection and treatment, requires the understanding of their nature, replication and infectious process. In this course we will provide the basics of virology, and analyse the evolutionary theories/mechanisms proposed to explain the different evolutionary patterns observed in animal viruses. Additionally, we will approach host-pathogen co-evolution by providing tools to study both the virus and the host.
PROGRAM
Day 01 (Monday)
10:00-13:00 A brief overview of viruses (importance, classification, structure, attachment to and entry into cells, replication, etc)
14:00-17:00 Outcomes of infection for the host (innate and adaptive immunity)
Day 02 (Tuesday)
10:00-13:00 Origins and mechanisms of virus evolution
14:00-17:00 Practical exercises
Day 03 (Thursday)
10:00-13:00 Molecular epidemiology, phylogeography, and emergence of viruses
14:00-17:00 Talks by invited speakers
Day 04 (Friday)
10:00-13:00 Students' presentations
14:00-17:00 Students' presentations
CALENDAR
4 days - 24 hours - Schedule: 10:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:00
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Joana Abrantes | BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO-InBIO/ FCUP
Ana M. Lopes | BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO-InBIO
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 25 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 12 February, 2026
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
If you don't receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted.
We will email you the results within 10 working days after the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
80€ (students) | 150€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%.
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs members.
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.
Rules to BIODIV & MBGE students
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425