Viruses of Microbes UK (VoM-UK) Conference 2026

Join us again in January 2026 for a two-day conference for the UK Viruses of Microbes community.

Our VoM-UK events are designed to support the development of postgraduate and early careers researchers, offering interaction with group leads and networking with peers. The meeting is open to academia and industry interested in Viruses of Microbes.

Conference Day 1

Thursday 22nd January 2026, 10:00-18:00

Followed by complimentary drink and buffet dinner in Northumbria Students' Union, 6pm - 10pm.

Conference Day 2

Friday 23rd January 2026, 10:00-16:00

Phage Genomics Workshop - TBC

In previous years, a practical Phage Genomics Workshop has taken place the day before the conference. Full details will be available shortly.

Conference details

Hear from invited keynote speakers and over 100 postgraduate researchers talking about their current projects. Join in discussions, build collaborations, and be part of the developing VoM network across the UK.  Abstracts will be considered for talks and posters. Keynote Speakers will be confirmed in due course.

Conference Schedule

A full schedule with speakers and abstracts will be circulated to registrants near the event date.

Submit an abstract for oral presentation

Interested postgraduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers or fellows, please submit a title, author/author list and a 200-word abstract to the link below. Abstracts will be chosen based on their subject areas to illustrate the diversity of research within the field. Attendees get to hear, support and discuss all the work that is presented rather than theme-specific sessions.

Deadline: Friday 19th December 2025 . SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT HERE

Contribute a poster to the exhibition

You are welcome to contribute a poster for the conference. Poster boards will be provided in the main breakout space. Boards measure 1775mm high x 878mm wide and can fit a poster up to A0 portrait dimension (1189 mm high x 841 mm wide) or smaller. For accessibility, please ensure posters are easily readable with clear contrasts between font and background. If you plan to bring a poster CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR POSTER

Conference fees for January 2026

• PGR Student £75.00
• PDRA/Fellow £100.00
• PI £125.00
• Please note that fees to attend are the same regardless of how many days you choose to attend.

Registration and Card Payment (Preferred)

Registration is now open. The default method of payment is secure card payment: REGISTER HERE

Registration deadline: Friday 9th January 2026.

Alternative Methods of Payment

Card payment is preferred. If you are unable to pay by card and require an invoice, please fill in this form to register, and we can arrange for an invoice to be sent out: INVOICE REQUEST FORM

If you are a member of staff or student at Northumbria and have agreed with your department that the University will cover your fee, please fill in this form to arrange an internal transfer: INTERNAL TRANSFER FORM

Queries

For any queries about this event, please contact the event lead, Andrew Nelson andrew3.nelson@northumbria.ac.uk

Wanting greater profile at the conference:

Sponsorship Packages available:

Bronze Package (£500): One display table (approx. size: 180cm x 75cm) to exhibit outside of the main conference seminar room and in close proximity to poster presentation area and coffee break area. Includes one delegate pass for attendance to the full conference programme and conference dinner. 

Silver Package (£700): One display table (approx. size: 180cm x 75cm) to exhibit outside of the main conference seminar room and in close proximity to poster presentation area and coffee break area. Includes one delegate pass for attendance to the full conference programme and conference dinner. PLUS inclusion on the conference holding page and promotional material.

Gold Package (£1000): One display table (approx. size: 180cm x 75cm) to exhibit outside of the main conference seminar room and in close proximity to poster presentation area and coffee break area. Includes one delegate pass for attendance to the full conference programme and conference dinner. Inclusion on the conference holding page and promotional material. PLUS opportunity to present data/promotional material in the conference programme.

Opportunities are also available to sponsor a coffee break (£300) and conference dinner (£1500), please enquire for further information.

Extra delegates are able attend but would be charged at Senior Academic Rate (£150) and would include one delegate pass for attendance to the full conference programme and conference dinner.