The 5th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting convened researchers from May 26th–29th, 2026, at the Emory University Student Center in Atlanta, bringing together CEIRR-funded investigators for four days of scientific exchange on influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens.
Hosted by Emory University CEIRR (Emory-CEIRR), the meeting focused on sharing new research and strengthening collaboration across the network. Opening remarks were delivered by Emory-CEIRR principal investigators Dr. Anice Lowen and Dr. Aneesh Mehta, and the program featured a keynote address by Dr. Kanta Subbarao of the Doherty Institute. Over the course of the meeting, 40 speakers presented across seven sessions spanning a wide range of topics, including immunology, surveillance, viral evolution, data management, and H5/risk assessment.
The program also included several breakout sessions designed to explore specialized areas in greater depth. Topics included modeling tools and training resources; domestic and wild animal surveillance in viral risk assessment; phylodynamics and phenotypic characterization in viral risk assessment; human subject working groups; and data management and data sharing. Researchers also showcased their work through posters and flash talks. More than 165 posters were presented, along with 82 flash talks across six topic areas. Attendees selected the top poster in each category, with first-place honors awarded to:
- Immunology: Tobias Frank (Penn-CEIRR)
- Virology and Viral Evolution: Megan Martinez (Emory-CEIRR)
- H5/Risk Assessment and Data Management: Anastasija Cupic (CRIPT)
- Immunity, Transmission, and Breadth of Protection: Pamela Brigleb (SJCEIRR)
- Surveillance: Brady O’Boyle (SJCEIRR)
The annual meeting served as a forum for CEIRR investigators to share findings, examine emerging questions, and build connections across the research community. The next CEIRR Network Meeting will be hosted by Penn-CEIRR.