Training on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics, Rome, 29–31 October 2025
We are pleased to announce the first training course organised by the EURL-PH-ERZV. The training will take place from 29 to 31 October 2025 at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (INMI), Rome, Italy. It consists of a three-day in-person theoretical and practical course.
Key focus: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics applied to emerging and zoonotic viruses.
The course provides a comprehensive learning experience through lectures and hands-on sessions, covering NGS protocols—from library preparation to data analysis and interpretation— for the genomic characterisation of emerging and zoonotic viruses. The main focus will be on mpox, with additional case studies on sequencing of lyssaviruses, filoviruses, and arenavirus.
The training aims to achieve the following learning objectives:
- Increase understanding of the impact and utility of NGS in public health, particularly for emerging, zoonotic, and rodent-borne viruses.
- Enhance knowledge of different NGS approaches and technologies.
- Improve understanding of metagenomics as a valuable approach for managing suspected cases of Disease X.
- Increase understanding on the application of the appropriate NGS protocols based on sequencing objectives and specific viral targets.
- Improve understanding of different bioinformatic approaches for data analysis.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange on NGS methodologies for emerging, zoonotic, and rodent-borne viruses among participating laboratories within public health laboratories.
Target participants
Professionals with good molecular biology experience, employed at an institution that operate – or plan to establish sequencing facilities.
Participant selection
Applicants should provide a brief CV, a motivation letter, and in case they are not members of the disease network supported by the EURL-PH-ERZV, a letter of endorsement from their National Disease Network Laboratory Contact Point.
How to apply
Applications are coordinated through the national Operational Contact Points (OCPs) or National Focal Points (NFPs) within the EURL-PH-ERZV network.
If you are interested in participating, please contact your national OCP or NFP for more information about the application process and nomination procedure.
Application deadline
30 July 2025
We look forward to welcoming participants from across the network!
Logistical information
- Date: 29–31 October 2025
- Venue: National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (INMI), Via Portuense, 292 – 00149 Rome, Italy
Preliminary agenda
Day 1 – Theoretical foundations
- Welcome and opening remarks
- Introduction to NGS technologies, metagenomics, and bioinformatic analysis
- Case examples from public health applications
- Introduction to the Open pipeline (CINECA)
Day 2 – Wet-lab practicals and case studies
- Sample and library preparation (hands-on session)
- Case study presentations: lyssaviruses, filoviruses, arenaviruses
- Group discussions and wrap-up
Day 3 – Bioinformatics practicals and troubleshooting
- Hands-on bioinformatics training sessions
- Case studies on mpox sequencing and protocol troubleshooting
- Final wrap-up and conclusions