Influenza remains a source of public health concern. Though the disease may not always be dominating the headlines, influenza confronts scientific researchers and policy experts with major challenges. In the 2016/17 season, for instance, influenza has put further strain on already besieged hospital services in many European countries, while the contagious H5N8 bird flu strain has had a major impact on the European poultry sector.

Since there is no time for complacency, the Sixth ESWI Influenza Conference will provide a highly needed platform to discuss Europe’s preparedness and response for influenza outbreaks. Public health officials, policy makers and influenza experts are kindly invited to join the discussions in the Science Policy Interface at the Sixth ESWI Influenza Conference.

The Science Policy Interface track is a separate programme specifically designed to foster the exchange of evidence and practice at the interface of science and health policy. In seven sessions, the world’s leading experts will address some of the most intriguing issues, while distinguished public health professionals will share their insights and experience.

Download the Science Policy Interface brochure via this link or visit the conference website for more information about the conference concept, programmes and participants’ guidelines.

The scientific quality of this year’s submissions for ESWI’s Best Body of Work Award was of an exceptionally high level. The Evaluation Committee members fully agreed that it is a great pleasure to see so many talented young flu researchers and to review their work. But it also made their task to assess the applications a complex and difficult one. After thorough deliberation, the Evaluation Committee members have decided to award the fourth edition of ESWI’s prize to Dr. Debby van Riel, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She will receive an invitation to speak during the Young Scientists Plenary session at the upcoming 6th ESWI Influenza Conference in Riga.

In light of the quality of their work, several applicants will be invited to co-chair a scientific session at the 2017 Riga Conference, as indeed, appointing promising scientists as programme session co-chairs is also part of ESWI’s objective to stimulate the careers of promising researchers.

14 December 2016 was the deadline for participation in the 2017 ESWI Best Body of Work Award competition. No less than 19 young scientists have entered the competition and from these entries one award winner will receive a cash award of €10,000 and an invitation to present at the Sixth ESWI Influenza Conference (Riga, September 2017). Eight renowned influenza scientists have agreed to lend their name and expertise to the award and to evaluate the applications:

• Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
• Yoshi Kawaoka, University of Wisconsin, USA
• Hans-Dieter Klenk , Marburg University, Germany
• Jonathan Yewdell, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, NIAID, USA
• Larisa Rudenko, Saint Petersburg Institute of Experimental Medicine, Russia
• Ron Fouchier, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• David Swayne, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Janet McElhaney, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Canada

This Evaluation Committee is currently assessing the submitted applications. The award winner will be announced on 1 February 2017.

A global influenza meeting was held in Chicago on 24 August 2016, with representation from the three different Summits – the ESWI Science Policy Flu Summit, the APACI Flu Summit, and the US National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit. The discussion, however, progressed into broader issues of mutual interest that could ultimately improve the control of influenza at the global level. Topics included the notion of harmonising global influenza recommendations (such as they relate to displaced populations, long sporting events, or Haj), improving surveillance, and establishing a Global Repository of Best Practices. It was agreed that there was enormous potential in pursing these objectives, and work will continue behind the scenes to keep the agenda moving.