FASEB Virus Structure and Assembly Conference

Project Summary Support is requested for partial funding of the 2026 FASEB Science Research Conference on Virus Structure and Assembly, to be held July 20 - 23, 2026, in Niagara Falls, New York. This biennial conference serves as the premier international forum for scientists investigating the molecular architecture, assembly, and dynamic behavior of viruses infecting hosts across all domains of life. As global viral threats continue to emerge, the ability to understand virus biology at the structural and mechanistic levels is essential for the development of vaccines, antiviral therapeutics, and surveillance tools to combat infectious diseases. The 2026 program will highlight three timely and scientifically impactful themes: (1) pandemic-causing viruses such as HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and Influenza, with a focus on viral entry, immune evasion, and intracellular trafficking; (2) emerging antiviral strategies, including vaccine design, small-molecule inhibitors, and bacteriophage therapy as an approach to address antimicrobial resistance; and (3) transformational technologies that are revolutionizing virus research, including cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), native mass spectrometry, and integrative structural biology methods capable of resolving virus-host interactions in situ. Together, these topics will shed light on the fundamental principles of virus biology while advancing translational efforts. The four- day scientific program will include ten thematic sessions, three keynote lectures, short talks selected from abstracts, two poster sessions, and structured activities designed to promote mentoring and collaboration. Approximately 150 participants are expected, representing a wide spectrum of career stages, institutions, and geographic regions. More than 30% of attendees are anticipated to be graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, who will be supported through travel scholarships and featured in short talks and flash presentations. Several professional development opportunities, such as "Career Development and Enhancement," "Meet the Experts," and "Meet the Sponsors" sessions, will facilitate interactions among early-career scientists, established investigators, technology developers, and industrial partners. The conference fosters a collaborative and intellectually vibrant environment that advances structural virology and supports the scientific workforce needed to address current and future infectious disease threats.