ONWARD launches its first Advanced Training School on ratHEV diagnostics, serology, sequencing and genomic interpretation. The course will take place in Cordoba, Spain, from 9 to 11 September 2026 and will provide practical training in serology, qPCR, Sanger interpretation and NGS dataset analysis for young researchers working on zoonotic hepeviruses. Applications will be open from 5 June to 3 July 2026.

The ONWARD COST Action (CA24140) is pleased to launch its Advanced Training School on ratHEV Diagnostics, Serology, Sequencing and Genomic Interpretation, which will take place in Cordoba, Spain, from 9 to 11 September 2026. The course will be hosted at the Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC) and is designed as a highly practical training activity for young researchers working on zoonotic hepeviruses.

RatHEV is an emerging zoonotic cause of hepatitis whose real burden remains underestimated, largely because diagnostic capacity remains uneven across Europe. This Training School has been conceived as a hands-on course focused on the practical implementation of ratHEV diagnostics, including serology screening and confirmation, qPCR workflows, sequence interpretation, genotype/subtype assignment, and NGS dataset analysis and interpretation.

Programme overview

The course is structured over three days (full program link):

• Day 1: Serology, confirmatory assays and antibody determination
• Day 2: Molecular diagnosis, qPCR and Sanger sequencing interpretation
• Day 3: NGS dataset analysis and interpretation

Who should apply

This Training School is aimed at Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) involved in zoonotic hepevirus diagnosis, surveillance or translational implementation. Basic PCR experience is required, but no prior hands-on experience with ratHEV-specific assays is required. ONWARD will cover the cost of 20 out of 24of the available seats.

Key dates

• Training School: 9-11 September 2026
• Call opening date: 5 June 2026
• Application deadline: 3 July 2026

Faculty

• Reimar Johne – German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. (Berlin, Germany)

Molecular diagnosis, sequence interpretation and NGS framework

• Siddharth Sridhar – The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China)

Serology, clinical relevance and ratHEV interpretation

• Jianwen Situ – The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China)

ELISA, antibody determination and serology practical session

• Javier Caballero-Gomez – Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba. (Cordoba, Spain)

Animal surveillance, qPCR practical and diagnostic interpretation.

• Katja Schilling-Loeffler – German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. (Berlin, Germany)

Guided NGS dataset analysis and live demonstration

• Antonio Rivero-Juárez – Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba. (Cordoba, Spain)

Chair/host and local organiser

 How to apply

Applicants should submit the following documents (templates available):

• Short CV
• Motivation letter
• Support letter from supervisor
• Budget plan

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!