The South Wilts Virus Group (SWVG) is a forum for virologists in the Wiltshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire region. It was started in 1952 at the Common Cold Unit (CCU) at Harnham Down near Salisbury (hence the name South Wilts Virus Group) as an informal gathering of scientists in the area to discuss virological topics. These meetings consist of several short, informal talks and the opportunity to have a drink and chat with staff from the other sites.
Members include:
- The Pirbright Institute (Pirbright, Surrey)
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge, Surrey)
- Public Health England (Porton Down, Wiltshire)
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Porton Down, Wiltshire)
- Influenza Group at Imperial College (London)
- University of Surrey (Surrey)
There are three meetings each year rotating between PI, APHA, HPA, DSTL, CEH, the Imperial College Influenza Group and Surrey.
On Wednesday 23rd February 2016 The Pirbright Institute hosted a South Wilts Virus Group Meeting. The day consisted of two workshops and a tour around the institute’s insectary hosted by Dr Simon Carpenter followed by an afternoon of presentations detailing research carried out at The Pirbright Institute.
Dr Pippa Hawes, Group Leader in Bioimaging hosted a workshop on Bioimaging at The Pirbright Institute and beyond whilst Dr Paolo Ribeca, Head of integrative Biology hosted a workshop on the application of high-throughput sequencing techniques for virology.
The day was a great success, showcasing research that takes place at The Pirbright Institute and the chance to network with other researchers from different institutes in the UK.
For more information on South Wilts Virus Group and future meetings please see www.swvg.org.uk
Written by Madeleine Clark; for the full article please visit the Veterinary Vaccinology Network website.