Reverse Genetics, Virotherapy, and Vaccine Development Training for MSc and PhD Students in Biology and Biotechnology

Are you an MSc or PhD student, or an early-career researcher in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Medicine, or Veterinary Sciences? The Institut Pasteur Montevideo is hosting a six-day immersive training course on "Reverse Genetics of Viruses & Applications in Virotherapy and Vaccine Development" in May 2026. This program is designed to deepen your expertise in virology, viral engineering, and biotechnology, and is ideal for those interested in the design and manipulation of viral infectious clones, oncolytic virotherapy, and innovative vaccine platforms. The course features high-level lectures on viral genome manipulation, mutagenesis strategies, structural virology, and the development of viral and mRNA-based vaccines. Afternoons are dedicated to intensive laboratory sessions, where participants will gain hands-on experience assembling and validating viral genomes, performing infection assays, evaluating cytopathic effects, and quantifying viral replication. The program also includes an introduction to in vivo experimental design, providing a comprehensive practical training experience. By the end of the course, you will be able to design and manipulate viral infectious clones, apply reverse genetics approaches to scientific questions, evaluate oncolytic viral activity, and conceptualize vaccines and other viral-based biotechnological tools. The course is an excellent opportunity to learn directly from leading regional and international virologists, build collaborative networks, and expand your research into therapeutic applications. Applications are open until March 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official course page or contact the organizers at [email protected]. Join us in Montevideo for a week of discovery, experimentation, and scientific growth—where viruses become tools, and ideas turn into innovation.