Pandemic intelligence conference
International conference on pandemic preparedness, epidemic intelligence and evidence-informed public health policy
21 - 23 October 2026, Hasselt, Belgium
How can science, data, and policy work together to strengthen preparedness for future infectious disease threats?
This international, interdisciplinary conference will bring together researchers, public health professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to pandemic preparedness, epidemic intelligence, infectious disease modelling, data governance, and evidence-informed public health policy.
Through scientific sessions, open presentations, and high-level panel discussions, the conference will create a forum for exchanging best practices, exploring new methods, and strengthening the translation of scientific knowledge into effective public health action.
CONTENT
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for stronger pandemic intelligence systems: systems that can connect timely data, robust analytical methods, scientific expertise, and policy needs. This conference builds on that experience by focusing on how countries and research communities can improve preparedness for future infectious disease threats.
The meeting is closely aligned with the ambitions of the BE-PIN and ESCAPE projects, which aim to strengthen pandemic intelligence capacities at national and European level. It will create space for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and discussion on how research can more effectively support public health decision-making and preparedness.
We aim to include studies on novel approaches and retrospective analyses on epidemic management in the following key themes:
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Collaborative surveillance and epidemic intelligence for emerging infectious threats
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Data preparedness, data governance, and integrated data systems for rapid response
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Transmission dynamics, epidemiology, and modelling of pathogen spread
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Evaluation of intervention strategies, including behavioural, pharmaceutical, and non-pharmaceutical measures
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Societal, economic, and health impact analysis for evidence-informed policy
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Communication, public trust, knowledge brokering, and capacity building
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Governance, implementation, and science-to-policy frameworks for pandemic preparedness
Programme
The conference programme will offer a mix of scientific presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for exchange between researchers, public health professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Part of the programme will be shaped through an open call for presentations, inviting researchers and practitioners to share new findings, methodological developments, practical experiences, and policy-relevant insights related to pandemic intelligence and preparedness. You can submit your proposal for a presentation in the registration form. This will be reviewed by the scientific committee.
Two panel discussions will address key open challenges in the field: timely access to relevant data for scientists, including the scientific value of novel data approaches such as participatory surveillance and digital contact tracing; and the organisation of scientific advice for the future, including the role of academia.
The last day of the conference will focus on connecting with the pandemic intelligence ecosystem, like policy-makers, public health institutions, ...
A detailed programme will be published closer to the conference date.
Registration and fee
Registration is possible until 6 October 2026. The early-bird fee is available until 15 September 2026.
Registrations fees are:
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PhD
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Early bird (before 16/09): €120
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Normal: €180
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General
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Early bird (before 16/09): €200
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Normal: €250
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The conference dinner can be added optionally during registration for €70. More information about the dinner is available in the practical information below.
During registration, participants will also have the opportunity to indicate whether they would like to submit an abstract for consideration in the scientific programme. You will also need to specify to which of the themes above you think your work suits best.
Abstract submissions are invited from researchers, public health professionals, policymakers, and practitioners working on topics related to pandemic intelligence and preparedness. Contributions may present new research findings, methodological developments, practical experiences, or policy-relevant insights.
If you are no longer able to attend, please contact us at escapepandemics@uhasselt.be as soon as possible. Cancellations after 6 October 2026 will not be refunded.
Practical Information
Location
The conference will take place at Holiday Inn Hasselt, located in the city centre of Hasselt, Belgium.
Venue address
Holiday Inn Hasselt
Kattegatstraat 1
Hasselt, Belgium
Travel
Hasselt is located in the east of Belgium and is accessible by train and car from several major Belgian and international transport hubs.
Participants travelling by plane can reach Hasselt via Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, or other nearby international airports. From Brussels Airport, Hasselt can be reached by train with a connection through Brussels or Leuven. Participants arriving by train can travel to Hasselt railway station, from where the venue is a short walk or taxi ride away.
Accomodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. A reduced rate is available for conference participants at selected accommodation options. More information will follow soon.
As availability may be limited, participants are advised to book their accommodation early.
Conference dinner
The conference dinner is optional and can be added during the registration. Further details about the dinner venue and timing will be provided soon.
Language
The conference language is English
Contact
For practical questions, please contact: escapepandemics@uhasselt.be
Committees
The conference is supported by a scientific committee and an organising committee bringing together expertise in infectious disease modelling, epidemiology, public health, pandemic preparedness, data governance, and science-to-policy translation.
Scientific committee
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Niel Hens, Hasselt University
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Christel Faes, Hasselt University
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Simon Dellicour, Université Libre de Bruxelles
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Erika Vlieghe, University of Antwerp
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Philippe Beutels, University of Antwerp
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Wim Van Bortel, Institute of Tropical Medicine
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David Domingo, Université Libre de Bruxelles
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Eveline Cleynen, Sciensano
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Miriam Saso, Sciensano
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Vittoria Colizza, INSERM
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Ciro Cattuto, ISI Foundation
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Jacco Wallinga, RIVM
Organising committee
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Niel Hens, Hasselt University / University of Antwerp
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Simon Dellicour, Université Libre de Bruxelles
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Christel Faes, Hasselt University
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Andrea Torneri, Hasselt University
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Steven Abrams, University of Antwerp / Hasselt University
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Lisa Hermans, Hasselt University
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Jeroen Wynen, Hasselt University
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Sarah Vercruysse, Hasselt University
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Katrien Thijs, Hasselt University
Support
This conference is closely connected to the research ambitions of the BE-PIN and ESCAPE projects, which aim to strengthen pandemic intelligence capacities. Therefore we gratefully acknowledge the support of the Belgian Science Policy Office BELSPO, in the frame of the POST-COVID programme (TD/231/BE-PIN) and the European commission, funder of the ESCAPE project (101095619).
We also gratefully acknowledge support from the Research Foundation Flanders, FWO.
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