Events

The 3rd International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) Scientific Symposium was held on September 8–9, 2025 , at the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (FCT, Abuja). This year’s symposium featured a rich program of scientific discussions, with a special focus on Mpox research and progress in Nigeria.
One of the highlights of the event was the Mpox parallel session, chaired by Professor John Oladapo (Director General of Nigeria) and was ably represented by Professor Rosemary Audu, Director of Research at NIMR and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Canadian Africa Mpox Partnership (CAMP). She was joined by Dr. Oluwafemi Daodu, also a PI on the CAMP project, ensuring strong leadership for the session.

The session brought together leading researchers and experts who shared cutting-edge findings and ongoing studies. Topics covered included:

• The history and epidemiology of Mpox in Nigeria
• Animal reservoir surveillance: lessons learned from monitoring monkeypox virus in Nigeria
• Effectiveness of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara–Bavarian Nordic vaccine against Mpox: a trial emulation study.
• Silent transmission of Mpox and residual smallpox immunity in Nigerian populations (ISS015).
• Detection and phylogenetic analysis of circulating Mpox clades in human and environmental samples.
• Beyond diagnosis: lived experiences, stigma, and naming of Mpox – insights from the VERDI Nigeria qualitative study.

This vibrant exchange of knowledge not only showcased Nigeria’s leadership in Mpox research but also highlighted the collaborative efforts being made to address this pressing global health challenge.