Virology in the Spotlight: A Look at the 2024 AVS Meeting

The Australasian Virology Society (AVS) is a group that loves to bring together scientists from different fields. Every two years, they host a big meeting to talk about viruses and how to fight them. This year, the 12th meeting, called AVS12, took place from December 2 to 5, 2024. It was held in Creswick, Victoria, Australia, on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. The event was led by three people: M. Tate, J. Fraser, and G. Moseley. They wanted to make sure that everyone, especially those just starting their careers, felt welcome and included. The AVS has been around for a while, and it has a rich history. The society is always looking for ways to improve and support its members. At AVS12, there were some really interesting panel discussions. One of them was about how to build a successful career in virology. Another one focused on the importance of including Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in virology research. These talks were a great way to learn and think about new ideas. Two big-name speakers also shared their insights at AVS12. Joe Grove and Chantal Abergel are both well-known in the field of virology. They gave presentations that were both informative and inspiring. Their talks showed how much there is still to learn about viruses and how they affect us. The meeting also celebrated the hard work and achievements of many researchers. There were lots of awards given out to recognize the best presentations and posters. This is a big deal because it encourages everyone to keep pushing the boundaries of what we know about viruses. The AVS12 meeting was a great success. It brought together people from all over the world to share their knowledge and ideas. The event showed that collaboration and inclusion are key to making big strides in virology. It also highlighted the importance of supporting early-career researchers and including Indigenous perspectives in research. The AVS is always looking for ways to improve and support its members, and AVS12 was a great example of that.