Centre for Virus Research Hosts Second Symposium on Virus Research

By Stella Njung’e

The Kenya Medical Research Institute’s Centre for Virus Research (CVR) successfully held its second annual symposium under the theme “Dynamics in Virus Research: Emerging Technologies and Implementation.”

The three-day event, hosted at KEMRI Headquarters in Nairobi, brought together scientists, graduate students, partners, and collaborators from across the region in a platform dedicated to advancing innovation, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the fight against viral diseases.

Opening the symposium on behalf of KEMRI’s Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, Dr. Martin Bundi commended CVR for spearheading Kenya’s efforts in virus research and surveillance. He noted that CVR holds a strategic position in the region through both its technical expertise and global collaborations.

“CVR is strategically placed to carry out cutting edge research using new technologies such as metagenomics. The Centre is at the forefront of outbreak response, while also housing the newly commissioned WHO-accredited laboratories for polio and viral haemorrhagic fever research. This symposium demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing public health,” said Dr. Bundi.

He also used the occasion to highlight the inauguration of a newly expanded polio laboratory that was only commissioned on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, a day before the symposium kick -off by CS, Health, Hon. Aden Duale, established through the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding by the Gates Foundation, describing it as a milestone that underscores the potential of partnerships in strengthening research infrastructure.

Over two days, researchers presented cutting-edge findings spanning molecular virology and genomics, public health and vector biology, and health products and technologies.

Presentations on molecular virology provided new insights into the genetic diversity of viruses such as monkeypox, measles, rubella, HIV, and respiratory pathogens. Scientists demonstrated how sequencing technologies are transforming outbreak detection, enabling real-time data to inform public health policy.

Sessions on public health and vector biology addressed mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever, as well as emerging threats from tick borne viruses in Kenya’s pastoral regions. The studies highlighted the urgent need for integrated surveillance systems that account for ecological and environmental factors, while emphasizing the role of environmental surveillance in tracking poliovirus and other enteroviruses.

Equally central were discussions on health products and technologies, showcasing innovations such as rapid diagnostic kits, medicinal plants with antiviral properties, and computational methods for drug discovery. One Health perspectives were also explored, with researchers examining zoonotic viruses linked to bats and livestock, reinforcing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Graduate students were a strong feature of this year’s symposium, delivering a significant share of the presentations. Acting Deputy Director of CVR, Dr. Samoel Khamadi, underlined the importance of mentorship, describing the symposium as both a scientific forum and a training ground.“Our scientists are showcasing impactful research that directly benefits communities, while MSc and PhD students are also taking the stage. Mentorship is at the heart of what we do, ensuring that young scientists are trained to carry forward Kenya’s research mandate,” he said. Dr. Khamadi emphasized that nurturing young scientists is critical to sustaining research excellence and ensuring continuity in tackling evolving health threats.

Keynote addresses from international experts, including representatives of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO, placed the discussions in a global context, linking local findings to continental and international pandemic preparedness.

The event was supported by WHO, Illumina, F & S Scientific Ltd, Excella Biotechnologies Limited, Africa Biosystems Limited, Inqaba Biotec, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), and the RNA Society, whose contributions were acknowledged as vital to the symposium’s success.

As the symposium closed, participants reaffirmed the centrality of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in shaping the future of virus research. Organizing Committee Chair, Dr. Joseph Mwangi, described the event as a dynamic marker of excellence in research and an inspiration for broader participation in future editions.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to all presenters, sponsors, and participants for their invaluable contributions,” he said.

With its deliberate focus on integrating emerging technologies and nurturing young scientists, CVR continues to position itself at the forefront of Kenya’s and Africa’s fight against emerging and re-emerging viral threats, underscoring the country’s growing role in global health security.