From 17–20 September, our team had the pleasure of attending the European Society for Clinical Virology (ESCV) Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece. This specialist international event brought together around 600 delegates, all focused on the latest advances and challenges in virology.
For MWE, ESCV is a vital opportunity to introduce our solutions to new virologists, strengthen relationships with dealers and distributors across global supply chains, and contribute to important scientific conversations about the future of diagnostics and pandemic preparedness.
Showcasing Innovation at Booth E3
Representing MWE at Booth E3 were Richard Seuke (Export Sales Director) and Richard Farmer (Export Sales Manager), who welcomed delegates from across the world to discuss our sampling and transport solutions.
Our SIGMA liquid range drew particular attention, with SIGMA-VIROCULT® and SIGMA-MM™ taking centre stage in discussions around pandemic preparedness and Disease X.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a scientific poster from the University of Crete, where researchers Giasemi Eptaminitaki, Alexandros Zafiropoulos, and George Sourvinos demonstrated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples using Σ-MM™ inactivation medium at both room temperature and -80°C over 90 days. Their findings reinforced the critical role of both SIGMA MM™ and SIGMA VIROCULT® in preparedness strategies should the next pandemic strike.
From Disease X to AI Diagnostics
The ESCV programme explored several timely themes. Some highlights include:
- Future pandemics and preparedness, including strategies for responding to unknown pathogens.
- Seasonal respiratory viruses, with heightened focus as the northern hemisphere enters winter and demand for sampling increases.
- Advances in diagnostics, including tools incorporating AI to support faster, more accurate detection.
These discussions aligned perfectly with MWE’s mission: to provide resilient, reliable solutions for virology sampling and transport. The University of Crete’s work with Σ-MM™ was an especially strong validation of how our products can help laboratories face these challenges with confidence.
Conversations Beyond the Stand
ESCV also gave us the chance to connect directly with virologists, laboratories, and distributors, sparking insightful conversations about real-world challenges in diagnostics.
Delegates were particularly interested in how SIGMA-MM™ supports safe, effective inactivation of pathogens – a key factor in pandemic preparedness when the identity of a pathogen may be unknown. We also introduced the virology community to our U-SWAB™ Self-Collection range, expanding the conversation into the growing area of flexible, patient-led diagnostics.
Looking Ahead
Our team left Thessaloniki inspired and energised by the connections made and the innovative science presented. We’re already looking forward to continuing these conversations and showcasing more of our microbiology solutions at Medica in Düsseldorf, Germany (17–20 November 2025).
Didn’t make it to the booth? Get in touch with us today to discuss how MWE’s solutions can support your virology and diagnostic workflows.
