The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association

Abstract

Located 50 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University's Mountain Campus in Pingree Park hosted the 23rd annual Rocky Mountain Virology Association meeting in 2023 with 116 participants. The 3-day event at the end of September consisted of 28 talks and 43 posters that covered the topics of viral evolution and surveillance, developments in prion research, arboviruses and vector biology, host-virus interactions, and viral immunity and vaccines. This year's Randall Jay Cohrs keynote presentation covered the topic of One Health and emerging coronaviruses. This timely discussion covered the importance of global disease surveillance, international collaboration, and trans-disciplinary research teams to prevent and control future pandemics. Peak fall colors flanked the campus and glowed along the multiple mountain peaks, allowing for pristine views while discussing science and networking, or engaging in mountain activities like fly fishing and hiking. On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association, this report summarizes select presentations from the 23rd annual meeting.

Keywords: One Health; arboviruses; coronaviruses; host–virus interactions; prions; vaccines.

Figure 1

Attendees of the 23rd Rocky Mountain Virology Association meeting.

Figure 2

CSU Mountain Campus, showcasing the vibrant aspens that call this area home. Photo by Kathryn Coffin, undergraduate at Colorado State University.