Important Deadlines 

Early Registration Deadline: December 3, 2026 

Scholarship Deadline: October 7, 2026 

Short Talk Abstract Deadline: October 7, 2026 

Poster Abstract Deadline: January 12, 2027 

Meeting Summary 

Title: Vector-Pathogen Interactions: From Vector Biology to Innovative Control Strategies 

Date: February 1 - 4, 2027 
Location: Crown Plaza Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland 

Scientific Organizers: Doug E. Brackney, Flaminia Catteruccia, Utpal Pal, and Sarah Merkling 

Keynote Speaker(s): Erol Fikrig, Yale University School of Medicine 

Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to human health worldwide, as highlighted by the increasing incidence and sustained transmission of malaria, dengue, and other arboviral diseases, Lyme disease, and trypanosomiasis. Vaccines and therapeutics are limited or not available for these diseases, and traditional vector control methods have proven insufficient. Gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that govern vector-pathogen interactions could lead to novel control strategies targeting critical processes within these systems. Recognizing this need, the Keystone symposium on vector-pathogen interactions will provide a crucial opportunity for scientists in vector biology, virology, bacteriology, and parasitology to collaborate, exchange scientific advancement,s and address existing challenges across a variety of biological systems. Furthermore, the symposium aims to cultivate a supportive atmosphere for new and junior researchers entering this field of research. The meeting's agenda includes research breakthroughs on the interactions between diverse vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and tsetse flies, and the viral, parasitic, and bacterial microorganisms they harbor and transmit. This conference brings together experienced and junior scientists to discuss the latest developments in cellular and molecular biology, development, physiology, immunity, microbiota, and genomics applied to the field of vector biology, with a focus on the mechanistic principles underpinning novel control strategies. 

*This meeting will be held jointly with Global Virome in Health and Disease: From Individuals to Ecosystems 

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*Keystone Symposia Scholarships & Awards* 

Keystone Symposia offers discounted registration to students in undergraduate, M.S., Ph.D., or M.D. programs, providing access to the latest scientific advances, technologies, and approaches to further research and careers.  

In addition, several financial aid opportunities are also available to support attendance at its scientific meetings: 

• Student and Postdoctoral Scholarships provide up to $1,200 to help defray travel, lodging, registration, and related costs when presenting a poster at an in-person conference. Awards are competitive, based on the abstract’s scientific quality and relevance, and you must apply by the individual scholarship deadline for the desired meeting (abstract + mentor letter required).   

• Early-Career Travel Awards (ECITAs) support early-career investigators with funding to attend meetings; these also require application by the posted deadline for each conference.  

• Global Health Travel Awards (GHTAs) provide financial aid for scientists, clinicians, fellows, and students from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to participate in select Keystone Symposia meetings, especially those focused on global health topics. These awards may cover registration, lodging, airfare, and ground transportation, and applications are submitted through the Financial Aid Portal by the listed meeting deadlines. Learn which meetings have in-person GHTAs available: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid/global-health-awards/ghta-listing 

For details on eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for financial aid, visit: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid.