Application form / Travel grant

Topic: Influenza and other emerging respiratory viral infections
Date: 7-24 July 2008
Deadline for applications: 30 April 2010

The 7th PASTEUR-ASIA VIROLOGY COURSE will focus on INFLUENZA AND OTHER EMERGING RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS, which remain a significant cause of morbidity, mortality and economic loss. The course is primarily intended for postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and young investigators. Preference will be given to MPhil and PhD candidates.

A great deal of attention will be devoted to influenza, as the first pandemic of the 21st century has resulted from the emergence of novel swine-origin influenza A virus. There will be lectures on avian influenza and other respiratory viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and human parainfluenza viruses, which have a substantial social impact. The latter paramyxoviruses are major human pathogens and are leading causes of infant hospitalization and lower respiratory infection in infants and small children. The course will review our current knowledge on SARS coronavirus, which persists in the animal reservoir making its re-emergence in humans a constant threat. Finally, we will address the ecology of respiratory viruses of animal origin and discuss the complex issues related to interspecies transmission.

Lectures will cover complementary aspects including Mucosal cell biology, Epidemiology and emergence viral diseases, Diagnosis, Molecular virology, Virus-Host interaction, Mucosal immunity, Immune response to viruses, Antivirals and Vaccines. Practical Sessions will complete the theoretical approach and allow students a true “hands on” experience by performing experiments with local research teams. Journal Clubs will train participants to critically analyze scientific papers, exchange ideas and opinions, interact in small groups, and improve their oral presentation skills.

Speakers include: JM Cavaillon, V Deubel, C Drosten,H Field, E Fodor (TBC), M von Itzstein, HD Klenk, JW Lee, J Mercer, N Naffakh, L Poon, J Nicholls, A Osterhaus, M Peiris, N Tordo, HL Yen, G Yi.

There are no registration fees.

Accommodation (on sharing twin basis) and food (canteen-style) will be provided.

Travel fellowships (up to 5) will be awarded to the best non Hong Kong residents.

Candidatesare invited to download the application and travel grant forms.

Please return all completed forms, including two letters of recommendation to:
hku-pasteur@hku,hk.

The HKU-Pasteur Virology course is included in the coursework curriculum for Research Postgraduate studies of the University of Hong Kong (MMPH6171).

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