Project Summary/Abstract
The International Workshop on Retroviral Pathogenesis, now in its 33rd year, has long served as
a forum for the exchange of new research findings and concepts on all aspects of retroviral
pathogenesis from molecular mechanisms to the immunological parameters of host-virus
interaction. The conference will continue a tradition of intimate, engaged scientific interaction on
all aspects of retroviral pathogenesis with strong emphasis on animal retroviruses as models for
human disease. Retroviral pathogens of humans and animals in all retroviral genera are the
subject of scientific presentation and vibrant discussion. Topics at the workshop will include
retrovirus entry and integration, replication and restriction, assembly, immune responses,
oncogenesis, pathogenesis, new and emerging pathogens, endogenous retroviruses, and animal
models of disease. Approximately 100 participants are anticipated, including principal
investigators, postdoctoral trainees and graduate students. Planned for December 4-7, 2023 in
Trento, Italy, the small size and format of the conference supports concentrated interaction and
deep scientific engagement. The conference fosters the professional development of junior
investigators by affording them the opportunity to present their current work to a panel of engaged
colleagues and to serve as Session Chairs. The overarching goal of the conference is to provide
a forum that fosters continued scientific engagement leading to innovative conceptual advances
and research in the area of retroviral pathogenesis, broadly defined. The conference will address
this goal through three specific aims: (1) Bring together national and international scientific leaders
in the field, together with junior investigators, postdoctoral and student trainees; (2) Provide
opportunities for four invited keynote scientific presentations and discussions as a group,
interspersed with more intimate opportunity for discussion and interaction; (3) Provide platform
opportunities for junior investigators, women and underrepresented minority scholars through
scientific presentation and/or designation as Session Chairs; and (4) Provide Writing Workshop
covering topics such as how to frame research findings for publication, the steps a manuscript
goes through in the editorial process, the mechanics of writing and research and publication
ethics.