ONWARD's Advanced Training School on ratHEV diagnostics, serology, sequencing and genomic interpretation

ONWARD is pleased to announce its Advanced Training School on ratHEV diagnostics, serology, sequencing and genomic interpretation, to be held in Córdoba, Spain, from 9 to 11 September 2026.

RatHEV is an emerging zoonotic cause of hepatitis whose real burden remains underestimated due to uneven diagnostic capacity across Europe. This Training School is designed as a practical, hands-on course focused on the implementation of ratHEV diagnostics, including serology screening and confirmation, qPCR workflows, sequence interpretation, genotype/subtype assignment, and guided interpretation of NGS datasets.

The programme is organised over three days:
Day 1: Serology, confirmatory assays and antibody determination
Day 2: Molecular diagnosis, qPCR and Sanger sequencing interpretation
Day 3: NGS dataset analysis and interpretation

 The Training School is aimed at Young Researchers and Innovators involved in zoonotic hepevirus diagnosis, surveillance or translational implementation. Basic PCR experience is required, while no prior hands-on experience with ratHEV-specific assays is required. There will be a maximum of 24 participants, of which 20 will be funded.

Applications can be submitted from 5 June to 3 July 2026.
More information and application documents: https://hev-onward.eu/trainingschool/
Required documents:
Short CV
Motivation letter
Support letter from supervisor
Budget plan