As a professional reporter covering the global HIV research & viral-disease field, I’m pleased to highlight the CROI 2026 conference in Denver (22–25 Feb 2026) as a premier gathering of researchers and clinicians focused on HIV, hepatitis, SARS-CoV-2 (including long COVID), mpox and related conditions. Organised by the CROI Foundation in partnership with IAS–USA, the event brings together leading basic scientists and clinical investigators to present the latest breakthroughs in retrovirus epidemiology, biology and treatment.