When: 8-12 June, 2026
Where: Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
Registration deadline: 27 April, 2026
Abstract submission deadline: 11 May, 2026
Program: TBA
A limited number of spots are available and full NDP-VIP members will have priority over associate members. Register now to save a spot, submit your abstract by 11 May. NOTE: A poster presentation abstract is mandatory to attend the course. Download the required abstract template here: Abstract template
Content Overview
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Suggested ECTS: 2 ECTS (this must be discussed with your home university)
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Level: PhD students and postdocs
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Language: English
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Course leaders: Olivia Wesula Luande (olivia.lwande@umu.se) and Kiran Dhobale (kiran.dhobale@umu.se)
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Course lecturers: National and international renowned researchers
This 5-day intensive course provides a comprehensive introduction to virus–host–vector interactions and the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases. Focusing on major mosquito vectors and pathogens including arboviruses (dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, West Nile) as well as selected bacteria and parasites, the course covers essential concepts in vector biology, pathogen transmission, surveillance, and integrated control strategies.
Participants will gain theoretical and practical skills in vector surveillance, species identification, diagnostics, and the use of modelling, genomic, bioinformatic, and chemical ecology tools. Case studies from Senegal, Kenya, Thailand, and Sweden illustrate how mosquito-borne disease dynamics vary across ecological and socioeconomic contexts and how climate change is reshaping vector ecology and disease risk.
The course emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and provides opportunities for networking across entomology, epidemiology, ecology, medicine, environmental science, and public health. By the end of the program, participants will have strengthened their skills and knowledge for research, prevention, and control of mosquito-borne diseases.
At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:
- Explain virus-host interactions and mechanisms of zoonotic disease transmission
- Describe clinical aspects of major viral diseases and their impact on human health
- Apply epidemiological models to predict vector-borne disease spread under different climatic scenarios
- Conduct mosquito surveillance and apply laboratory techniques for vector identification and vector competence testing
- Assess vector ecology and associated disease risks in diverse environments, including northern and tropical regions
- Implement hands-on field and lab methods for mosquito biology and behaviour studies
- Analyse climate–vector–disease interactions using field and statistical data
- Evaluate the role of vector behaviour and chemical ecology in disease transmission
- Interpret genomic and bioinformatic data relevant to virus–vector studies
- Design and assess vector control strategies in the context of specific pathogens like arboviruses, bacteria and parasites
- Engage with networks of professionals and invited experts to foster regional and international partnerships for research, policy and vector control initiatives
- Interpret entomological and epidemiological data to inform public health decision-making and outbreak preparedness
Course Details
Types of instruction:
The course consists of lectures, group discussions, field work, and poster presentations.
Accommodation:
Course registration is free of charge for NDP-VIP members who participate in all course activities. Course registration includes: full accommodation from the 8-12 of June, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Default accomodation for participants is a shared double room. Participants may request single-room accommodation, however, they will be responsible for covering the additional cost.
Travel:
Travel to the course must be arranged by the participating student. Full NDP-VIP members can apply for co-funding after the course has been finalized. Please read the instructions on the co-funding page before making any arrangements NDP-VIP Co-funding Policy
Do not make any travel arrangements before receiving confirmation of admittance.
Registration
NDP-VIP members can register below. In case of oversubscription, PhD students are prioritized. Priority will also be given to applicants in relation to how relevant the course is for their research project. We also aim for an even distribution of participants from different research groups and universities.
Non NDP-VIP members: please contact anna-sara.lenman@umu.se to announce your interest in attending the course.
Cancellation Policy
The registration for this course is binding, and you are required to join the full course to register. Cancellation of participation is free of charge until 27 April. Thereafter a cancellation fee of 4,600 SEK (cost for the full board) will be applied.
NOTE: You must submit a signed letter from your supervisor confirming that the cancellation terms are accepted.
Use this template: Cancellation fee agreement