The viruses that constitute the taxonomic order Nidovirales (Arteriviruses, Coronaviruses, Toroviruses and Roniviruses) cause significant disease in humans, and economically important livestock species, poultry, and shrimp. Emerging coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) have pandemic potential and are currently controlled by public health measures alone. In addition, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), the newest member of arteriviruses family emerged in Europe and North America simultaneously and is now endemic worldwide. The emergence of these new viruses have changed the focus of nidovirus research and enticed many new investigators into this field of study. The International Nidovirus Symposium, a triennial meeting, is unique in bringing together scientists engaged in various aspects of nidoviruses study including molecular biology, pathogenesis, immunology, evolution and epidemiology and vaccine development. For newcomers to this field, the symposium is an excellent opportunity to obtain an overview of the most recent developments, and to discuss ideas with experts in particular areas of nidovirology. Here we request travel awards for graduate student and postdoctoral fellows to encourage young scientists to attend this XIVth International Nidovirus Symposium. In addition, invited guest speakers will discuss other cutting edge research areas so that participants can learn of new advances brought about in the larger universe of virus research.
The XIVth International Nidovirus Symposium is a high quality scientific meeting that provides a venue for virologists who are working on important group of positive stranded RNA viruses that pose a significant threat to the public health to share their research findings with other scientists from around the world. The primary objective of this symposium parallels the scientific mission of the NIH. We estimate that there will be approximately 250 participants at the XIVth International Nidovirus Symposium that will be held from June 4th- 9th, 2017 at Marriott Downtown Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. The participants will include well- established investigators, junior investigators, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. During this symposium the members of the ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) coronavirus study group and ICTV arterivirus study group will meet to discuss issues related to Nidovirus classification and nomenclature. This symposium is unique in bringing scientists together who study different aspects of nidoviruses, such as molecular biology, pathogenesis, evolution and epidemiology, immunology and vaccine development. The major costs of the symposium will be covered by the registration fees and donations from private industry. This proposal requests funds to support travel awards for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. These awards will provide opportunities for young scientists to interact with establish investigators and exchange ideas with the international community of scientists.
