15 December 2025 Articles

Strengthening virology capacity in Nepal through partnership

In November 2025, ITM researchers partnered with Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal, to organise the two-week BasVir training course, a short course on basic virology and cell culture techniques. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to long-term collaboration, skills sharing and locally anchored research.

From 14 to 28 November 2025, ITM researchers Dr Marco Brustolin (Entomology Unit) and Dr Koen Bartholomeeusen (Virology Unit) travelled to Kathmandu, Nepal, to deliver a training course at the Central Department of Microbiology of Tribhuvan University. The BasVir course marked an important step towards strengthening the local virology capacity at the institute.

Dr Marco Brustolin and Dr Koen Bartholomeeusen

Over the two-week programme, an operational cell-culture laboratory was successfully established, equipped to support routine virological work. Four junior faculty members received hands-on training and close mentoring, building practical expertise in essential virological techniques. Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells were successfully introduced and maintained, and reliable workflows for dengue virus manipulation, particularly routine handling of DENV-2, were put in place.

All participants received extensive biosafety training, and a technical review of the national biosafety guidelines for BSL-2 virology laboratories was carried out. Work began on the development of laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) tailored to local infrastructure, laying the groundwork for safe, standardised and sustainable future operations. The ITM team has committed to providing continued remote support to review these documents and offer constructive feedback in the coming months.

The enthusiasm and dedication of the participants were clear: all successfully passed the final assessment and expressed a strong motivation to further develop the laboratory and pursue research lines grounded in the newly acquired skills. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their collaborative ties and exploring future joint activities to further consolidate virological capacity in Nepal.

The training course reflects the shared commitment to long-term collaboration, skills sharing and locally anchored research. It was made possible with the support of the staff mobility initiative of the Alliance for Education in Tropical Medicine and International Public Health.

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