In March 2025, the Advanced Infectious Diseases course was held in the Auditorium of the O2 building at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc. Organized and supported by AI&I, the 4-day program was developed for PhD students affiliated with AI&I.
The course explored the latest developments and interdisciplinary insights in infectious disease control and research. It addressed key scientific challenges and advanced methodologies in microbial pathogenesis, host adaptation, and immune evasion at the molecular level. Topics also included the development and implementation of innovative therapeutics and vaccines, and the historical and contemporary impact of pandemics within the context of global public health.
Program highlights
Lectures were delivered by national experts, with a strong presence from Amsterdam UMC. Over 50 AI&I PhD students participated, bringing diverse expertise, from molecular microbiology to public and global health.
Course highlights included sessions on One Health, vaccine development, pandemics (past and present), diagnostics, host–microbe interactions, and therapeutics. Each session featured interactive discussions, which were highly valued by participants
Engaging elements such as the Infectious Disease Bingo during the welcome reception and the closing quiz Fake News or Real Results? added to the course’s dynamic atmosphere, sparking lively and fruitful conversations.
Takeaways and feedback
Taken together, the course provided an excellent opportunity for our PhD students to broaden their knowledge beyond their own area of expertise and to foster future collaborations with peers from diverse disciplines.
We are proud of this successful first edition, supported by AI&I, and look forward to the next edition. We aim to organize the course again in March 2026. In addition to the valuable feedback received during the course evaluation, we welcome any further suggestions at: aii@amsterdamumc.nl.
On behalf of the organizing committee
(Karin van Dijk, Bram Goorhuis, Janneke Heijne, Maria Prins (coordinator), Constance Schultsz, Kwinten Sliepen, and Steven de Taeye)
Yvonne Pannekoek – Course Coordinator and Principal Educator of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention