The 6th Symposium of the Canadian Society for Virology, CSV2026, will be held between May 31-June 4, 2026 on the University of Guelph Campus in Ontario. 

This 4-day symposium provides an opportunity for people of all levels of scientific research to present their research in person. Oral presentations and posters will be selected by the abstract review committee from submitted abstracts, based on eight topics: Emerging Viruses, Vaccines and Antivirals, Virus-host interactions, Fundamental virology, One Health, Virus Evolution, Putting Viruses to Work, and Veterinary Viruses.

The symposium includes a trainee network dinner where trainees can ask mentors questions to help them further their careers and an off-site banquet dinner to bring the symposium to a close. 

Symposium Chairs

  • Dr. Sarah Wootton, University of Guelph
  • Dr. Selena Sagan, University of British Columbia
  • Dr. Jennifer Corcoran, University of Calgary
  • Dr. Leonardo Susta, University of Guelph

Abstract Submissions

Abstracts must be submitted online. The abstract review committee will rate abstracts only on the information provided, so please complete your submission carefully. Late abstracts are not guaranteed to be considered, so please submit your abstract by the deadline February 15, 2026. You will be able to modify your submission until the abstract deadline.

Topics

Breaking & Entering

Expressing & Multiplying 

Suppressing & Conquering

Building & Escaping

Damaging & Spreading 

Fighting & Responding 

Discovering & Evolving

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Sponsorship Opportunities

View the Prospectus

Accomodations

The 6th Symposium of the Canadian Society for Virology will be held at the University of Guelph. A limited number of discounted rooms are available at the nearby Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre. Discounted rates are available until April 15, 2026 (while supplies last). 

University of Guelph dorms will be available for booking in mid-January. 

June 1 Evening Activities

Guelph Dine-Around (Non-Trainees)

We’re hosting a dine-around on June 1st, and you’re invited to join us for an evening of good food and great conversation. Attendees will be placed into small groups and assigned to one of our partner restaurants closer to the event date

A shuttle will run between the Delta Hotel and each restaurant for easy transportation. This is a relaxed opportunity to meet and network with attendees you may not already know—no prep required, just show up hungry!

Trainee Dinner

Join fellow trainees for an evening of connection, conversation, and community building. This informal dinner provides a chance to meet peers from across Canada and beyond, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network in a relaxed setting.

Registration for the Trainee Networking Dinner is within the main registration form.

Scientific Program

3:30 PMRegistration Open
5:15 PM - 5:45 PMWelcome Reception
5:45 PM - 6:00 PMWelcome Remarks
6:00 PM - 7:00 PMKeynote: Dr. Andrea Gamarnik
7:00 PM - 9:00 PMOpening Networking Reception
8:30 AM - 10:00 AMSession 1: Breaking and Entering
10:15 AM - 10:45 AMCoffee Break
10:45 AM - 11:45 AMCHIR Update
11:45 AM - 12:00 PMRapid-Fire Trainee Presentations
12:00 PM - 12:45 PMLunch
12:45 PM - 2:15 PMPoster Session
2:15 PM - 3:45 PMSession 2: Expressing & Multiplying
3:45 PM - 4:15 PMCoffee Break
4:15 PM - 5:15 PMSession TBD
5:15 PM - 5:30 PMClosing Remarks
5:30 PM - 6:00 PMFree time
6:00 PM - 8:00 PMTrainee Networking Dinner
6:30 PM - 9:00 PMDine Around Guelph
8:30 AM - 8:45 AMWelcome Remarks
8:45 AM - 10:00 AMSession 3: Suppressing & Conquering
10:00 AM - 10:30 AMCoffee Break
10:30 AM - 12:00 PMSession 4: Building & Escaping
12:00 PM - 12:15 PMRapid-Fire Trainee Presentations
12:15 PM - 1:00 PMLunch
1:00 PM - 2:15 PMPoster Session
2:15 PM - 3:45 PMSession TBD
3:45 PM - 4:15 PMCoffee Break
4:15 PM - 5:15 PMKeynote: Dr. Roy Duncan
5:15 PM - 7:30 PMPoster Reception
8:30 AM - 8:45 AMWelcome Remarks
8:45 AM - 10:15 AMSession 5: Damaging & Spreading
10:15 AM - 10:45 AMCoffee Break
10:45 AM - 12:15 PMSession 6: Fighting & Responding
12:15 PM - 12:30 PMRapid-Fire Trainee Presentations
12:30 PM - 1:15 PMLunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PMPoster Session
2:30 PM - 4:00 PMSession TBD
4:00 PM - 4:15 PMClosing Remarks
4:15 PM - 6:00 PMFree time
6:00 PM - 11:00 PMBanquet
8:30 AM - 8:45 AMWelcome Remarks
8:45 AM - 10:15 AMSession 7: Discovering & Evolving
10:15 AM - 10:45 AMCoffee Break
10:45 AM - 11:15 AMCSV Business Meeting
11:15 AM - 11:45 AMCSV Awards
11:45 AM - 12:00 PMClosing Remarks

Register Now

Early Bird registration ends April 1, 2026

Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Information

Symposium language
The official language of the Symposium is English. No translation of sessions will be provided at the event.

Currency
CAD

Flight
The main international airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Shuttles
Discounted/subsidized shuttles will be available from the Toronto Pearson International Airport on May 31 at 12:00pm and 2:00pm and on June 4th at 1:30pm. Shuttle transfers are $10 per trip and available for reserving through the registration form. 

Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to info@benchtopevents.com. A $100 cancellation fee will apply to all cancelled conference registrations after March 15, 2026.

In an effort to be environmentally friendly, we will only be providing digital copies of the abstract book for the conference. You can access it online before and during the event.