10-23-2026
Respi-DART 2026 & HIV Persistence 2026 — December 6–11, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
We are pleased to highlight two upcoming conferences, held back-to-back at the Hacienda del Mar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:
12th International Conference on HIV Persistence & Eradication (in partnership with HIV-DART)
December 6–9, 2026 — An abstract-driven workshop focused on cutting-edge HIV persistence and cure research, with an emphasis on early-career investigators.
Respi-DART 2026
December 9–11, 2026 — The 29th meeting in the DART series, uniquely bridging basic science and clinical medicine across biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research, with a focus on drug development for respiratory and emerging viruses.
Both programs feature plenary lectures, oral and poster abstracts, panel discussions, and extensive networking opportunities.
For more information, registration, and abstract submission, visit https://informedhorizonseducation.com/hiv-respidart-2026-1
10-15-2026
New "Cell" Study Co-Authored by Drs. Raymond F. Schinazi, Baek Kim, and Sijia Tao Reveals Role of DNA-Embedded Ribonucleotides in Gene Regulation
A new study published in Cell (15 October 2026), co-authored by University of Bath alumnus and benefactor Drs. Raymond F. Schinazi, Baek Kim, and Sijia Tao, sheds light on how ribonucleotides embedded in DNA act as epigenetic modulators of transcription-associated DNA supercoiling in human cells.
The researchers present high-resolution maps of approximately one million ribonucleoside monophosphates (rNMPs) per genome across diverse human cells, revealing a non-random nuclear "ribome" enriched in GC-rich regions, regulatory elements and telomeres. These ribonucleotide-enriched zones cluster near transcription start sites and coincide with CpG islands, R-loops and G4 structures, scaling with gene expression. The team further showed that RNase H2 deficiency and Top1 depletion alter rNMP accumulation and DNA supercoiling at these sites.
The findings identify embedded rNMPs as epigenetic modulators linked to DNA sequence and transcription, revealing a connection between ribonucleotide processing and transcription-associated DNA topology in human cells.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42664971/
Professor John Bower Appointed Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair of Science
28-9-2026
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor John Bower as the new Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair of Science. A leading synthetic and medicinal chemist, Professor Bower joined Bath in September 2026 from the University of Liverpool, where he was Regius Professor of Chemistry.
His research combines synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis and molecular design to develop sustainable processes for biologically active molecules, strengthening Bath's capabilities in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, including the new Centre for Drug Discovery.
The Chair was established in 2023 through a £2 million gift from Bath alumnus Professor Raymond F. Schinazi, whose research led to antiviral medicines for HIV and hepatitis. Professor Schinazi said Professor Bower is "an outstanding scientist who is exceptionally well placed to help advance Bath's research strengths in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery."
3-19-2026
Congratulations to George Dangas on His Outstanding Teaching Award
We are delighted to share the exciting news that George Dangas, a PhD student in Dr. Michailidis's lab, has received the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student Award for Teaching and Learning. This is a campus-wide honor, recognizing exceptional contributions to teaching and learning among all PhD students at the LGS. Please join us in congratulating George on this well-deserved achievement.
02-09-2026
Research in Conversation: Schinazi, Liotta, and the Next Generation at Emory
Catch a glimpse of the passion and partnership driving our research community. In an intimate dinner hosted by Emory’s most prominent biomedical researchers, Raymond Schinazi and Dennis Liotta —co-developers of life-saving HIV therapies—emerging scientists share their bold visions and daily challenges. Get inspired by their stories and see why collaboration remains at the heart of progress. Dinner with a Doctor, After Hours
01-28-2026
Emory Scientist: Patent Tax Threatens Future Cures Like HIV Drugs
Dr. Dennis Liotta, an Emory University chemist who helped develop the first HIV treatments, argues in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution piece that Secretary Lutnick's proposal to tax university patents would be disastrous for innovation. He explains that the current Bayh-Dole system successfully turns taxpayer-funded research into lifesaving products, like the HIV drugs that saved millions, because universities use licensing revenue to fund future research and partnerships with companies. Lutnick's plan to cut this revenue in half would cripple universities' ability to patent and commercialize new breakthroughs, causing future cures to languish in labs and wasting public investment.
11-10-2025
Student Spotlight: Vanessa Fan Presents Research at CCIV Symposium
We are proud to announce that our student researcher, Vanessa Fan, successfully presented her poster at the recent CCIV symposium. Vanessa's work focuses on medicinal synthesis, and she received valuable feedback from a diverse audience, engaging in numerous insightful discussions.
She demonstrated great skill in communicating her research and responding to technical questions, gaining experience that is crucial for a young scientist. The entire group is excited to see her continue to develop and represent our team at future conferences.
Congratulations to Vanessa on this excellent achievement!
11-07-2025
James Watson, Co-Discoverer of DNA's Structure, Dies at 97
James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, a breakthrough that forever changed biology and medicine, has died at 97. His 1953 discovery with Francis Crick unveiled the secret of life's blueprint, paving the way for everything from modern genetics to personalized medicine. For this, he was celebrated as a monumental figure in 20th-century science.
While his later years were marked by personal views that sparked widespread controversy and distanced him from the scientific community, his fundamental contribution to our understanding of life remains an undeniable and enduring legacy.
10-13-2025
We are pleased to announce the upcoming CVC seminar, scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM in HSRB II N600.
09-08-2025
Dr. Schinazi giving out travel awards for students/fellows from underrepresented countries at the 40th Intl HBV meeting in Berlin, Germany.
09-08-2025
Dear CVC family,
We are overjoyed to share the wonderful news of the arrival of our precious daughter,
" Aaviyah Abhishek Bansode " (Aaviyah means The Lord is my Father and Shepherd in Hebrew and First Ray of the Sun in Hindi)
Born on 09/03/2025 at 11.12 pm weighing 6 pounds .
Both mom and baby are doing well and recovering beautifully. This little update took a bit longer to share —but our hearts have never been fuller. 💕
Thank you for your love and support throughout my pregnancy and this special time.
Best,
Asha Maria Mathew and Abhishek Ahron Bansode
Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides
Gordon Research Conference
Challenges at the Interface of Structure, Function and Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleic Acids
We are delighted to share that Dr. Mahesh Kasthuri from LOBP recently represented our team at the 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides - one of the premier gatherings for nucleic acid research worldwide.
During the conference, Dr. Kasthuri presented his groundbreaking work on discovery of nucleoside antiviral agents, sharing the stage with field leaders including Dr. Suzanne Peyrottes (pictured with Dr. Kasthuri). This event brought together the world's foremost experts to advance cutting-edge discoveries in nucleic acid chemistry and therapeutic development.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kasthuri for this outstanding achievement and for elevating LOBP's research profile on this prestigious international platform.
WELCOME TO HEP-DART 2025
Hilton Hawaiian Village / Honolulu, Hawaii
7-11 December 2025
We are pleased to announce Hep-DART 2025 will be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village from December 7-11, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
This year will mark the 30th anniversary for the conference.
The DART series is and in-person meeting designed for vibrant scientific presentations and discussion, as well as for new investigators to meet leaders in their field, benefiting from educational feedback on their work.
The aim of HEP-DART 2025 is to assemble clinicians, researchers, basic scientists, nurses and physician assistants together to advance our knowledge of the ongoing drug development processes in the treatment of viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV, HDV, HAV and HEV), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This CME-accredited workshop will uniquely blend the areas of biology, chemistry, pharmacology and clinical research to provide the scientific community with an increased understanding of the current and future challenges in therapeutics for liver infection, disease and cancer.
We hope to see you in December!
https://informedhorizonseducation.com/hep-dart-2025
Invitation to Virtual Conference – Bridging the Sciences: New Approaches to Child Protection
June 2nd and June 3rd, 2025
We are pleased to share an important opportunity to engage with a groundbreaking perspective on child protection as a public health priority.
The conference, "Bridging the Sciences: New Approaches to Child Protection," challenges the traditional view of child protection as solely a policy issue. Instead, it highlights the deeper, systemic nature of these concerns—requiring multidisciplinary solutions.
Hosted by the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) in collaboration with Childlight and the Emory Department of Pediatrics (with partnership from Dr. Raymond Schinazi), this event will explore innovative strategies to address this urgent public health challenge.
Key Details:
📅 Date: June 2nd and June 3rd
📍 Format: Virtual (Free Registration)
🎓 CME Credits: Available for eligible participants
🔗 Learn More & Register: [Bridging the Sciences]
(Space is limited—early registration encouraged.)
For background on the organizers, visit:
- ICMEC: https://www.icmec.org/
- Childlight: https://childlight.org/
We encourage you to attend and contribute to this critical dialogue. Please share with colleagues who may be interested.
05-19-2025
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kim and postdoctoral researcher Nathalie Garnier will be representing our institution at the 2025 Cold Spring Harbor Retroviruses Meeting
04-26-2025 CVC Team’s 2025 Achievement Celebration Dinner
04-18-2025
Emory University, Office of Technology Transfer. The Technology Partnership Forum: Partnership, Technology and Faculty Honors
Start-Up of the Year
Aligos Therapeutics
Raymond Schinazi, PhD; Franck Amblard, PhD; Leda Bassit, PhD
04-14-2025
Celebrating Our Outstanding CVC Award Winners!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news. The Laney Graduate School honored exceptional students and faculty with their annual awards—and we’re proud to announce that two of our very own PhD students were recognized for their outstanding achievements!
🌟 George Dangas (Dr. Michailidis’s student) received the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award—a testament to his dedication, research excellence, and contributions to our community.
🌟 Shreya Ravichandran (Dr. Sarafianos’s student) was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, celebrating her exceptional teaching and mentorship.
Both George and Shreya are part of the BCDB program, and these are highly competitive, campus-wide honors—a reflection of the incredible talent and hard work within CVC.
Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition! Let’s celebrate their achievements and the pride they bring to our team.
Cheers to George and Shreya! 🎊
04-11-2025
We were delighted to receive Dr. Barkin Shari, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, for a tour and discussion at our Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology
Meet the Team
Raymond Schinazi, PhD, Hon D.Sc.
Senior Advisor of Center for ViroScience and Cure (CVC)
Stefan Sarafianos, PhD
Co-Director of Center for ViroScience and Cure (CVC)
Baek Kim, PhD
Co-Director of Center for ViroScience and Cure (CVC)