8–9 October 2026: Twinning on nucleic acid quantification methods with a focus on digital PCR, Rome, Italy

The twinning will take place from 8 to 9 October 2026 at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (INMI), Rome, Italy. It will consist of a two-day in-person theoretical and practical course.

Key topic: Nucleic acid quantification methods with a focus on digital PCR (dPCR).

The course provides comprehensive learning experience through lectures and hands-on sessions aimed at improving nucleic acid detection and quantification skills as applied to the molecular diagnosis of emerging and zoonotic viral pathogens. The focus will be on dPCR with application to orthopoxviruses (i.e. Monkeypox Virus – MPXV and Borealpox virus - BRPV).

The twinning aims to achieve the following learning objectives:

• Development of expertise in molecular detection technologies, with a particular focus on dPCR workflows and applications.
• Application of advanced molecular quantification techniques to pathogens of priority concern, particularly for emerging, zoonotic, and rodent-borne viruses.
• Enhancement of knowledge of different dPCR approaches and technologies.
• Integration of viral nucleic acid quantitative methods within broader genomic protocols and workflows such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) activities.
• Improvment of the expertise in analysis and interpretation of molecular assays data.
• Promotion of collaboration and knowledge exchange on nucleic acid quantification methods for emerging, zoonotic, and rodent-borne viruses among participating laboratories within public health laboratories.

Target participants

Professionals with experience in molecular biology employed at an institution involved in molecular diagnostics, public health surveillance, or research, which applies or intend to implement quantitative nucleic acid technologies.

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 not OCP or NFP and are interested in participating, please contact your national OCP or NFP for more information about the application process and nomination procedure.

Application deadline: 15 July 2026, 17:00 CET

We look forward to welcoming participants from across the network!

Programme

Day 1

• Welcome coffee
• Welcome remarks and opening
• Introduction to INMI and the EURL-PH-ERZV project
• Overview of molecular methods for emerging zoonotic viruses detection
• General principles of digital PCR: concepts, workflow, strengths and limitations
• Open discussion
• Lunch break
• Digital PCR platforms and technical solutions: Nanoplate-based dPCR
• Applications and experience at INMI: nanoplate-based dPCR for BRPV nucleic acid quantification
• Practical session 1: nanoplate-based dPCR setup, run and data analysis
• Open discussion
• Social Dinner

Day 2

• Droplet dPCR platforms and technical solutions
• Applications and experience at INMI: droplet dPCR
• Use of digital PCR for viral integrity assessment
• Coffee break
• Practical session 2: droplet PCR run
• Lunch and group photo
• Practical session 3: data analysis and interpretation
• Wrap-up discussion, feedback and closing remarks