GVN 2025 Jamaica - Global Virus Network

This gathering unites leading virology experts across Latin America and the Caribbean to advance regional research and collaboration. Sessions will explore cutting-edge developments in Arbo-virology, pressing challenges in viral surveillance, and the intricacies of vector biology. Integrated networking opportunities and hands-on workshops will provide invaluable mentorship and training, fostering the next generation of virologists and strengthening scientific capacity in the region.

Registration

Registration for the 2025 Regional Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, is open. Please register here.

Meeting Agenda

DAY ONE - May 1, 2025

The morning will open with welcome remarks and introductions, followed by updates from the Global Virus Network Centers, highlighting regional research progress. A roundtable discussion will address current arbovirus research challenges, followed by an update on the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition’s efforts. GID trainees will present their ongoing research. In the afternoon, there will be a session on health landscapes and viral vaccine capacity in the region, followed by the first part of a mentoring workshop focused on immune evasion strategies and arbovirus challenges. The afternoon will conclude with discussions on One Health approaches to viral zoonoses and trends in vector-borne virus surveillance in the Caribbean.

DAY TWO - May 2, 2025

The morning will feature presentations on mosquito and tick studies as virus vectors, followed by a session on arbovirus neurovirulence and post-viral syndromes. A pediatric infectious disease session will address environmental health considerations, and GID trainees will present additional research. In the afternoon, the session will explore proactive One Health surveillance and novel virus discoveries, followed by the second part of the mentoring workshop on viruses and the microbiome. The final session will discuss viruses and cancer in South America, followed by new developments in vaccinology. This event will foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and research advancements across the region.

Conference Venue

The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex

Specific Room will be the Conference Room 1, located on the ground floor.

Sponsorships

Please download the attached document and select your preferred sponsorship level. You can elect your selections on the registration form above or contact [email protected].

Arriving Kingston

The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)

“The Gateway to the World,” The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) is located on a picturesque peninsula twenty minutes from Kingston’s business center. It is bordered by the seventh largest natural harbor of the world and is one of Jamaica’s global gateways. NMIA is the primary airport for business travel to and from Jamaica and for the movement of air cargo.

The Norman Manley International Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of Jamaica, and is the premier gateway to the nation’s capital, Kingston. The airport caters to over 1.7 million passengers.

For more information, call +1 (876) 924-8835-7, or visit www.nmia.aero

Montego Bay Jamaica - Sangster International Airport (MBJ)

Sangster International Airport is the leading tourism gateway to the island of Jamaica – one of the world’s most beautiful and desired destinations. A three-hour drive from Kingston, Sangster International Airport is located on the northwest coast of the island – at the center of the country’s main tourism region and close to a wide range of hotel and resort facilities. The airport is within easy driving distance of the cruise ports at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios as well as the popular tourist town of Negril.

For more information, call +1 (876) 952-3124, or visit www.mbjairport.com

Recommended Lodging

AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica

Located at 38-42 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston, Jamaica, the AC Hotel Kingston, Jamaica, is nestled on six acres of lush island greenery in the vibrant business and entertainment hub of New Kingston. It is conveniently located just 10 miles from Norman Manley International Airport.

This island-style, boutique hotel features the AC Lounge - a popular meeting place and hub for Kingston’s professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators. The AC Marriott Kingston also offers a private outdoor pool and bar, spacious rooms and suites with contemporary décor, and dining options offering mouth-watering local and international cuisine.

Arbovirus Research and Education Symposium attendees can access the AC Marriott Kingston’s preferred single occupancy conference group rate of $281 (USD) per person per night (including taxes and fees) by booking directly with the hotel. This special nightly rate includes breakfast and wireless internet access.

For additional information, please visit the website here, or contact [email protected]. Your reservation can be made under the group name, Arbovirus Research and Education Symposium, with reference number, M-UT760YP.

How To Get Around Kingston

From Airport to Hotel

Taxis, rental cars and an airport shuttle are available at and easily accessible from Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston. The recommended taxi service provider is JUTA. Overseas participants are strongly encouraged to make their transportation arrangements ahead of their arrival in Jamaica.

JUTA Taxi

The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) is dedicated to offering excellent services for a hassle-free travel experience. JUTA taxis are available at both NMIA and the Montego Bay Jamaica-Sangster International Airport (MBJ) on the island’s north coast.

Information for Kingston:

Address: 4 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica

Telephone: +1 (876) 927-4536

Email: [email protected]

Information for Montego Bay:

Address: 80 Claude Clarke Avenue, P.O. Box 1155, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica

Telephone: +1 (876) 952-0813 or +1 (876) 952-0623 or +1 (876) 979-0778

Email: [email protected]

Knutsford Express

Knutsford Express is a luxury passenger courier transportation company offering safe, reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective scheduled coach services. For conference participants arriving at the MBJ Airport in Montego Bay, Knutsford Express offers a dedicated daily airport shuttle, Knutsford Connect, to Kingston. The Knutsford Express MBJ terminal is located adjacent to the airport for the convenience of arriving and departing passengers. Knutsford Connect serves the Norman Manley International Airport. For more information, please visit www.knutsfordexpress.com, contact [email protected], or call, +1 (876) 971-1822

Note: Knutsford Express trips to and from Kingston terminate and originate at their location. Travellers who opt to use Knutsford Express service will, therefore, need to arrange a taxi to the shuttle.

Information for Kingston Terminal:

Address: 18 Dominica Drive (in the New Kingston Shopping Centre parking lot), Kingston 5, Jamaica

Information for MBJ Terminal:

Address: Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica

Rental Cars

Multiple car rental companies have desks located in the Ground Transportation Halls after exiting Customs at each major airport. Please visit the airports’ websites for additional car rental information at NMIA and MBJ.