Recent Advances in Emergency Animal Diseases Symposium & Snowdon Oration 2026

For over 40 years, CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has been a world leader in scientific research for prevention, preparedness, surveillance, and response against new and emerging infectious disease. Join us this October in Geelong for two very special events in the fields of One Health and emergency animal disease.

In 2026, both events will be held offsite, in person only in Geelong at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (The Dome).

Event Details

The Snowdon Oration

Tuesday 27 October 2026, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

For three decades, the biennial Snowdon Oration has showcased esteemed presenters in the fields of animal and zoonotic disease research. Held on the evening prior to the Emergency Animal Disease Symposium, this year’s orator will be Professor Paul Wood AO.

Professor Wood has earned international recognition as a leading scientist and innovator in commercial R&D; distinguished by his unique discoveries in the field of human and bovine tuberculosis diagnostics. Professor Wood will reflect on his experiences in translating science into commercial technologies and how to optimise commercial investment into One Health priorities.

Canapes and drinks will be provided.

Recent Advances in Emergency Animal Diseases Symposium

Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 October 2026

The Recent Advances in Emergency Animal Diseases Symposium features presentations from world-leading veterinary and scientific experts on current and emerging animal diseases and provides updates from Australian and international perspectives. The symposium is targeted towards veterinary professionals in the fields of veterinary, animal disease research, government programs and policy and animal industry bodies.

This year’s EAD Symposium will showcase the latest developments in emergency animal disease preparedness, response and research. Sessions will cover global and local EAD updates, the ongoing response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, surveillance and preparedness programs in Australia and the region, EAD vaccine development and implementation, bat health and bat-borne diseases, zoonotic disease surveillance and case studies, and other emerging animal health and biosecurity challenges.

Full catering on Day 1 will be provided. Only morning tea will be provided on Day 2.

EAD Symposium social event

The event also features a social gathering for event delegates on the Wednesday evening, to be held nearby at Frankie. Bar & Eatery in Geelong CBD. Canapes will be provided, with drinks available for purchase. As places are limited, please ensure to select this ticket option to attend.

Intro to CSIRO ACDP site visit

This year, we are also accepting expressions of interests for attendees to visit the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) for an introductory site tour, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn about the ACDP facility.

This will take place on the Thursday afternoon, immediately following Day 2 of the EAD Symposium. Bus transport to and from ACDP will be provided, departing Geelong Library at 1.15pm and returning by 5pm. Lunch will be provided upon arrival at ACDP.

Places will be limited, but we will notify you if you are successful within 2 weeks of your registration.

Registration

To attend one or more events, please follow the registration link and RSVP before tickets run out. Once registered you will receive an automated email confirming your booking and selected ticket options.

Due to high demand, once ticket limits are reached, registration options will change to sign up for waitlist only. Please note the registration link may be temporarily unavailable while these options are updated.

Please contact us if you have registered but are no longer able to attend.

Pricing

• Snowdon Oration: canapes and drinks provided | EAD Symposium: Day 1 – full catering provided, Day 2 – morning tea only | Social event: canapes provided, drinks available for purchase

  Free

Dates and Times

Contact

ACDP EAD Symposium

More information

Access and Parking

Public transport

• The venue is a 10min walk from Geelong VLine Railway station

Evening Parking

• Free, on-street parking is available surrounding the venue, however may be limited in availability
• Afterhours parking is available at Geelong VLine Railway station (10 min walk)
• Paid parking is available at the Wilson Parking multi-level car park (Corner of Gheringhap and Malop Street, 3 min walk)

Daytime Parking

• Early, unreserved parking is typically available at Geelong VLine Railway station before 8am (10 min walk)
• All-day paid parking is available at:
  • Wilson Parking multi-level car park (Corner of Gheringhap and Malop Street, 3 min walk)
  • Westfield shopping centre (10 min walk)
  • Market Square Shopping Centre (10min walk)
• Please note: no all-day on-street parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the venue

Conditions

Privacy statement

Your personal information is protected by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). CSIRO will handle the personal information you provide in accordance with the Privacy Act, or as otherwise required by Australian law.

For further information on how CSIRO handles your personal information and our access, correction and complaints process please read our privacy policy available on our website (http://www.csiro.au/en/Privacy) or by contacting us at privacy@csiro.au.

When registering for this event, you consent to CSIRO’s collection and handling of your personal (including sensitive) information in accordance with this Privacy Statement and CSIRO’s privacy policy.