2001 saw the first edition of the Orthomyxovirus Research Conference. A meeting which was wall-to-wall science from early to late, especially designed for young scientists. ESWI sponsored the meeting without a moment’s hesitation, and have done so for each subsequent meeting in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2015. The ESWI prizes for best presentations at the Orthomyxovirus Research Conferences include a full scholarship and a talk in the Young Scientist Plenary Session at the European Influenza Conferences.