Nordic Disease Ecology Workshop 2026 - Disease Ecology of Wildlife-originated Zoonoses in the Nordic Region: Current Challenges and Emerging Threats

Time: 11.2.-14.2.2026

Organizing team: Dr. Eva Kallio and Dr. Saana Sipari, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Contact information: saana.m.sipari@jyu.fi

Location: Konnevesi Research Station, Konnevesi, Finland

The event promotes international and interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to strengthen understanding of zoonotic pathogen circulation and dynamics in these rapidly changing environments.

Northern ecosystems, including Fennoscandia and the Arctic, are shaped by extreme seasonality, fluctuating host populations, and accelerating climate change—all of which influence host–pathogen–vector interactions and disease transmission. Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting and mitigating future zoonotic risks.

The workshop will be organized as an independent part of the traditional Winter School of Ecology, held annually by the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, at the Konnevesi Research Station. The program will include keynote talks by leading Nordic experts, research presentations, and interactive discussion sessions. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating modern ecological and epidemiological tools—such as molecular diagnostics and ecological modelling—into zoonotic disease research. An important goal of the workshop is to encourage early-career researchers to share their work, exchange ideas, and build collaborative networks.

The event will host approximately 50 participants, and it welcomes both students and researchers, providing an excellent platform for networking, sharing findings, and initiating collaborative projects on disease ecology in northern ecosystems.

Prof. Frauke Ecke (University of Helsinki/Sveriges Lantbruks Universitet)

Prof. Lene Jung Kjær (University of Copenhagen)

Prof. Tarja Sironen (University of Helsinki)

Assoc. Prof Jenny Hesson (Uppsala University)

Dr. Solveig Jore (Norwegian Institute of Public Health)

Round table discussion: Panel members will be announced later.

Wednesday, 11 February
Arrival of participants, dinner and informal get-together. Sauna.

Thursday, 12 February
Welcome session followed by the scientific program (Day 1). Sauna.

Friday, 13 February
Scientific program (Day 2), expert round-table discussions, banquet dinner, and Sauna.

Saturday, 14 February
Breakfast and participant departures

Please use the online registration form to register for the workshop. The deadline for registration is 31 December 2025. After the registrations have been processed you will be informed about acceptance to the workshop by email.

Please note that students who wish to take part in the workshop as part of the Winter School of Ecology and complete study credits should follow the registration instructions available on the Winter School website.

Accommodation is organised at the Konnevesi Research Station. Workshop participants are accommodated in shared dormitory rooms for 2-3 persons. However, if space allows, there may be an option for a private room. Private accommodation cannot be guaranteed, but we will try to arrange it if possible. If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation outside the research station, there is a small hotel in the center of Konnevesi called Mierontie, where you can inquire about available rooms.

Accepted workshop participants will be requested to pay the participation fee. The participation fee includes accommodation, meals and a banquet dinner during the workshop. More information about accommodation and prices can be found on the accommodation website.