Viruses in a Changing World:
Ecology, Evolution and
Future Preparedness
Five milestones between now and the opening plenary. Mark your calendar.
VIROCON 2026 is the flagship national conference of the Indian Virological Society (IVS), jointly organized by ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, and ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, held over three days in the coastal city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Centered on the theme "Viruses in a Changing World: Ecology, Evolution, and Future Preparedness," the conference brings together researchers, medical clinicians, veterinary scientists, aquatic animal health experts, plant virologists, policymakers, industry leaders, and students from across the country and beyond.
As viral diseases emerge and evolve under climate change, globalization, and increasing human–animal–environment interaction, an integrated One Health approach is essential. VIROCON 2026 fosters interdisciplinary discussion on cross-species transmission, surveillance, diagnostics, vaccines, functional genomics, and biosecurity.
The programme features plenary lectures, keynote and invited talks, technical sessions, panel discussions, competitive oral and poster presentations, and young scientist interactions — an intellectually rich gathering in God's Own Country.
Established in 1963, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) is a premier Institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) dedicated to research on tropical tuber crops. Headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, the Institute has earned global acclaim for its contributions to germplasm conservation, crop improvement, crop production, crop protection, value addition and technology transfer strategies. The Institute has developed and popularized 79 improved varieties besides evolving zone-specific agro-techniques and cropping systems for climate-resilient farming, as well as an array of value-added food, feed and industrial products to improve the livelihoods of about 200 million people who directly or indirectly depend on these crops for food and nutritional security.
ICAR-CTCRI has pioneered research in plant tissue culture, virus elimination protocols and management of high-consequence agricultural pests and diseases, such as cassava mosaic disease and sweet potato viral complexes. With advanced diagnostic facilities and research frameworks, the Institute contributes to food security, biosecurity preparedness and agricultural resilience.
The Indian Virological Society (IVS), a proud member of the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS), was established in December 1984 with the core objective of promoting research and development across all domains of virology.
IVS provides a unique scientific platform for professionals studying viruses affecting plants, animals, humans, fish and other living organisms. It collaborates with the World Society for Virology, publishes the internationally reputed journal VirusDisease with Springer Nature, and recognizes excellence through Fellowships, Lifetime Achievement and Young Scientist awards.
ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, was established in 1993 by the ICAR, New Delhi. The office-cum-laboratory building is located on Thogamalai Road at Thayanur, besides a research farm of 90 acres at Podavur village, located 1.5 km away from the office.
The Centre works across four major thrust areas of research — Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection and Post-Harvest Management — to conduct advanced research on all aspects of banana. Its mission is to become a global leader in banana production, productivity and export, through technological interventions that raise the quality and yield of banana cultivation nationwide.
The Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) is an autonomous research institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Kerala. Established in 2019 within the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram, IAV is dedicated to cutting-edge research and diagnostics in virology and infectious diseases.
Envisioned as a centre of global excellence, IAV is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories focused on the research, diagnosis and management of emerging and re-emerging viral infections. The Institute currently houses eight specialized departments, each contributing to virology through innovation and knowledge generation — playing a pivotal role in addressing local, national and global challenges in the field.
The Indian Society for Root Crops (ISRC), a registered scientific society devoted to research and development of tropical root and tuber crops was established in 1972 and has more than 500 members including those from overseas. A biannual publication of the society, The Journal of Root Crops, publishes research papers on tropical root and tuber crops.
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Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is 10–12 km from the venue, with excellent onward connectivity by rail (Thiruvananthapuram Central) and road (NH 66).
Eight tracks spanning ecology, diagnostics, computation, and therapeutics. Submit your abstract →
Industries, biotechnology companies and laboratory equipment manufacturers are invited to showcase their products and portfolios. Sponsorship tiers offer prominent venue visibility, dedicated stalls and presentation opportunities.
For sponsorship enquiries, please contact virocon2026@gmail.com.
The abstract submission deadline has been extended to 10 October 2026.
