2026 Vector Encounter

The 29th Vector Encounter is a two-day gathering hosted by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, to discuss the biology of disease vectors and the latest research driving this exciting field.

This year's Vector Encounter takes place on Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29, 2026. During this engaging get-together, investigators present their labs' latest vector research in Chalk Talk and Short Talk formats, emphasizing ideas and latest discoveries. Chalk Talk presentations in the main session are limited to one investigator per lab, by the PI or a team member. Non-PIs can also present research in Short Talk format in a breakout session; more than one lab member can present. See details below. 

Chalk Talks

• Limited to 15 minutes per lab
• Can be presented by the PI, or a designated team member
• Presentation should provide an overview of the current lab projects
• Presentations need to be made using the chalkboard only

Short Talks

• Limited to 15 minutes total, including questions
• Multiple individuals from the same lab can present individual short talks on their projects
• These presentations occur in breakout focus groups and are casual and dynamic in format to promote discussion and feedback
• Short talks can be made using any of the following: a whiteboard (markers provided), 1-3 slides emphasizing data, or all. Creativity in presentation format welcome

Networking and Fun

No visit to Baltimore is complete without some of our famous steamed crabs! Chesapeake Blue Crab dinner at Captain James Landing - 2121 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231 (Thursday, May 28, 6-8 pm). Then, on Friday, we'll host a fun mixer at the Ministry of Brewing - 1900 E Lombard St. Baltimore, MD, 21231 (Friday, May 29,  4-6 pm). 

Direct questions to: Dr. Conor McMeniman | cmcmeni1@jhu.edu  or Deirdre Watson | dwatso36@jh.edu or Patrick Smith I psmith88@jhu.edu

Directions and Campus Map
Parking: Parking is $15.00 per day at the Washington Street Garage