Meeting reports

Bunya2024, a Biochemical Society-sponsored event, was held on 15 and 16 July 2024 and was the third in a series of bunyavirus-specific meetings. 150 people attended the event, which provides a forum to exchange cutting-edge expertise and knowledge to all those interested in bunyavirus-related topics and to strengthen the network of bunyavirologists.

Given the breadth of the sessions during Bunya2024, many interesting discussions were held, from potential future bunyavirus pandemics to structure/function insights on neutralising antibodies. Within the Virus Replication session, which was supported by the Biochemical Society, the key points of discussion were around structural studies on bunyavirus polymerases.

New research presented included novel polymerase structures (e.g., the CCHFV polymerase, which has resisted previous attempts at characterising it) and novel conformations of hantavirus polymerases at different stages of RNA synthesis.

A key takeaway from the meeting was that there is a strong bunyavirus community around the world and that we should have further bunyavirus conferences in the future.

In addition, a satellite meeting focused on Oropouche virus research was held, which discussed the risks of virus spread and agreed different lines of research. We also agreed to apply for funding to support further research on Oropouche virus.

More information about BUNYA2024 can be found here.