World Flu Day Symposium
Description
The World Flu Day 2026 Symposium is a major international scientific event bringing together leading experts in influenza research from Australia, China, Japan and beyond. Hosted jointly by the Doherty Institute and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, the symposium will explore the latest advances in influenza epidemiology, transmission, virology, immunology and vaccines.
Held for the first time outside of China and Japan, this two‑day symposium will feature keynote presentations, an emerging researcher session, and an evening poster and networking event.
World Flu Day (observed annually on November 1st) highlights the ongoing global burden of influenza and the importance of scientific innovation, preparedness and international collaboration. The symposium provides a unique forum to share knowledge, strengthen global research connections and contribute to the future of influenza prevention and control.
Keynote speakers include:
Professor Patrick Reading (WHO CCRRI, University of Melbourne) – Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, with expertise in respiratory pathogen surveillance, innate immune responses, and pandemic preparedness
Professor Ben Cowling (University of Hong Kong, HKU) – Head of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Co-Director of a WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease and Control, internationally recognised for work on influenza transmission and prevention
Professor Jane Davies (Menzies School of Health Research) – Infectious diseases physician and clinician-researcher focused on influenza and respiratory disease in First Nations Australians
Professor Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London) – Leader in molecular and cellular mechanisms of influenza transmission, zoonotic spillover, and antiviral resistance
Professor Paul Thomas (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center) – Viral immunologist specialising in vaccine design using computational, quantitative and experimental approaches
Associate Professor Adam Wheatley (Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne) – Expert in antibody-mediated immunity, B-cell biology, vaccine evaluation, and pandemic preparedness
Professor Allen Cheng (Monash Health) – Clinician-researcher leading respiratory virus and hospital infection programs, with expertise spanning surveillance, vaccine effectiveness, and clinical trials
The World Flu Day 2026 Symposium will run from the Thursday 29th October (8am - 8pm) to Friday 30th October (8:45am - 2pm).
Symposium - Program Overview
To view the program, please follow this link: World Flu Day Symposium
Spaces are limited and registration is required by 30th September 2026.
Submit an Abstract
Researchers are invited to submit abstracts to be considered for oral or poster presentation at the World Flu Day 2026 Symposium at the Doherty Institute. We welcome submissions covering influenza epidemiology, transmission, virology, immunology, vaccines, preparedness, and related fields. Abstracts from emerging researchers are strongly encouraged.
Abstracts selected for oral or poster presentation will be featured during the symposium’s poster viewing and networking session. Submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee based on scientific quality, relevance, and originality.
Abstract submissions must be submitted through the online form (link below).
Submit your abstract here: World Flu Day Abstract Submission
Abstract submission deadline: 31st July, Friday, 2026
Notification of outcomes: 25th September 2026
Further details, including oral and poster presentation guidelines, will be provided upon release of outcomes.
FAQs
- How do I get to the Doherty Institute?
Where is the Symposium being held?
At the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute), which is a joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Their vision is to improve global health through discovery research, as well as the prevention, treatment, and cure of infectious diseases.
For more information, visit: Doherty Institute WebsiteThe event will take place in The Auditorium.
How do I get to the venue?
The Doherty Institute - The Auditorium, is located at 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, within the University of Melbourne precinct.
Public Transport Options:
Trams: The closest tram stop is Stop 10 - Royal Melbourne Hospital on Elizabeth Street. Tram routes 19, 58, and 59 all stop here and provide easy access from Flinders Street Station and other parts of the city.
Buses: Several bus routes also serve the area, including 401 (North Melbourne Station - University of Melbourne) and 402 (East Melbourne - Footscray).
Train: The nearest train station is Melbourne Central, from which you can take a tram up Elizabeth Street to the venue.
For real-time transport updates, we recommend using the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) app or website.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Trams within the Free Tram Zone in Melbourne CBD are free of charge. However, if traveling outside this zone, you will need a myki card, which can be purchased at stations, convenience stores, or online.
- Using Ticket Access Codes
Do I need an access code to register?
Access codes are only required for certain ticket types (e.g. sponsors or invited guests). General admission tickets do not require a code.How do I use an access code?
When registering, enter your access code in the “Access Code” field at the top of the ticket page. Once applied, the relevant ticket type will appear.My access code isn’t working — what should I do?
Please check that the code has been entered exactly as provided (including capital letters). If issues persist, contact the event organisers.Can I share my access code?
Access codes are intended for invited individuals only.Who do I contact for help?
For registration or access code questions, please contact the event team via the details on this page. - Ticket Access Code for Doherty Staff and Students
All Doherty staff and students have been provided with a unique access code via their Doherty (University of Melbourne or Melbourne Health) email to register for tickets.
If you are unable to locate this code, please contact the events team via the details on this page.
- Is the venue accessible?
The Doherty Institute has an accessible entrance via Elizabeth St.
The seminar rooms can also be accessed on street level via Berkeley St. There is one flight of stairs to come up to the mezzanine seminar rooms from the auditorium.
If you have other accessibility requirements, please reach out.
- Key contacts (Events Team)
For any queries please reach out to:
Bridie Clemens at bridie.clemens@unimelb.edu.au or Danielle LeBlanc at d.leblanc@unimelb.edu.au
Our Sponsors
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
