Life Sciences Awards Austria - Deadline: May 27

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 02:03

Life Sciences Awards Austria

The Annual Meeting 2026 will once again celebrate excellence in Austrian life sciences through the Life Sciences Awards Austria. These prestigious awards recognise outstanding achievements by researchers and innovators who are shaping the future of the life sciences in Austria and beyond. Find details on award categories and nomination procedures here. Deadline for submission: May 27, 2026

18th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting 2026 | FEMS Regional COLLAB & FEBS3+ Meeting, Vienna

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 01:59

Registrations Now Open!

18th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting 2026 | FEMS Regional COLLAB & FEBS3+ Meeting, Vienna

Dear Members of the ÖGMBT,

There are moments in the life of a scientific society that make all the effort worthwhile — moments that justify the countless late evenings, the intense negotiations, the revisions, the setbacks, and the stubborn, unwavering belief that something truly new is possible. Today is one of those moments.

We are immensely proud — and genuinely moved — to share with you that after month of intense work, and more than a few drops of blood, sweat, and tears, we have succeeded in creating something our community has never seen before: a truly international, interdisciplinary format that bridges societies, disciplines, and nations under one roof.

The 18th ÖGMBT Annual Meeting 2026 is not just another conference. It is the result of a shared dream — forged in close partnership with four European scientific societies and backed by two of the continent's most prestigious federations. It is proof that when scientists collaborate, remarkable things happen.

And now, at long last, the doors are open.

We warmly invite you — our members — to be among the first to register.

A Unique International Split Format

This year's meeting combines two interconnected scientific events in Vienna, with a shared programme day bringing all participants together:

FEMS Regional COLLAB
14–15 September 2026

organized together with the Slovenian Microbiological Society and the Croatian Microbiological Society & designed to help microbiologists build meaningful, long-lasting collaborations across Central Europe.

FEBS3+ Meeting
15–17 September 2026
organized together with the Czech Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Slovenian Biochemical Society

Joint Programme Day: 15 September 2026

Participants may register for:

the FEMS Regional COLLAB meeting,
the FEBS3+ Meeting,
or the complete combined programme.

Early Bird Registration Closes Soon

Online early bird registration is now open. Secure the lowest rates by registering during the Early Registration period. As an ÖGMBT member, you are entitled to reduced registration fees. Register here.

Oral Abstract Submission — Don't Miss the Deadline

Abstract submission is now open too. This is your opportunity to present your research to an international audience spanning microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biosciences, AI in biology, precision medicine, bioengineering, and many other emerging fields. Submit your abstracts here.

Check out the List of Invited Panelists and Speakers & the Respective Programmes

FEMS Regional COLLAB meeting Programme

FEMS Regional COLLAB Invited Speakers

FEBS3+ Meeting Programme

FEBS3+ Invited Panelists

Why participate?

Connect with researchers, industry, and funding stakeholders
Discover new collaboration opportunities and future project partners
Present your research and expertise
Engage in highly interactive networking and discussion formats
Explore cutting-edge scientific developments across the life sciences

We warmly invite you to join us in Vienna and become part of an international scientific community shaped by collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and innovation.

We look forward to welcoming you in Vienna!

Best regards,

Matthias Steiger
Organizing Chair – FEMS Regional COLLAB

Felix Sternberg
Organizing Chair – FEBS3+ Meeting

on behalf of the Organizing Committee

Supported by:
FEMS – Federation of European Microbiological Societies
FEBS – Federation of European Biochemical Societies

FEBS Council 2026 meeting and call for elections

Monday, 18 May 2026 04:47

Dear FEBS Constituent Society members,

We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the FEBS Congress in Maastricht this summer
Council meeting taking place during the afternoon of Wednesday 8th and the morning of Thursday
Please note below and in the links within this letter, the matters relating to this year’s
and Council meeting.

50th FEBS Congress; Maastricht, The Netherlands 4th – 8th July 2026

The Congress is taking place in Maastricht, The Netherlands from Saturday 4th to Wednesday 8th July 2026,
preceded by the FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum, in Wageningen, The Netherlands, from 2nd to 4th July 2026.
For the latest updates on Congress registration and abstract submission, please visit here.

Appointment of delegates to the 66th FEBS Council Meeting; Maastricht, The Netherlands 8th – 9th July 2026
Please return ‘1. Council delegate form 2026’ with details of your Society’s delegate to the 66th
Council meeting. The form should be sent to FEBS’ Chief Administrator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 31st May
2026.

There will be a Council dinner on the evening of Wednesday 8th July, with the meeting taking place during the
afternoon of Wednesday 8th and the morning of Thursday 9th July. The meeting will finish on Thursday
lunchtime so delegates have time to travel home. Further details will be shared with the meeting delegates.

Elections: nomination of candidates for the available positions of FEBS Committees or Working Groups

Please note the linked list of the positions available for election and the eligibility criteria and please
complete the applicable candidate nomination form in the attached zip folder ‘2. Nomination forms for
elections 2026’. Completed nomination forms should be sent from the nominating society, by email, to FEBS
Chief Administrator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by the deadline of 31st May 2026.

2029 Congress and Young Scientists Forum: call for bids
The call for bids to host the 53rd FEBS Congress and Young Scientists Forum in 2029 is now open, with further
details attached with this letter. Any society interested in bidding to host the Congress, should in the first
instance contact the FEBS Congress Counsellor, Prof. Graça Soveral: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Bids should be
submitted, by email, to FEBS Chief Administrator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by the deadline of 31st May 2026.
_________________________________________________________________________________

FEBS 3+ Meetings and FEBS National Lectures
On behalf of the Congress Counsellor, I would like to invite you to apply for FEBS National Lecture support for
your national society meetings in 2026 and 2027 and FEBS 3+ Meeting support for 2027. Please see here for full information and please contact the Congress Counsellor, via the FEBS Events Manager, to apply: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FEBS 3+ Meetings offer support for scientific national meetings of a FEBS constituent society organised in
collaboration with at least two other constituent societies. FEBS support is currently €20,000 for each meeting
with €10,000 for the host society to use towards general organization and €10,000 to use for a travel award
scheme to attract young scientists outside the host country who are members of one of the collaborating
societies. Applications for meetings in 2027 are invited, with a deadline for applications of 30th September 2026
In 2026, FEBS 3+ meeting support has been awarded to the Austria society (ÖGMBT) for their joint scientific
meeting being held this September, in conjunction with the societies of the Czech Republic and Slovenia. In 2025
FEBS3+ meeting support was awarded to the Lithuania society hosting in conjunction with the societies of Estonia
and Latvia; the Czech society hosting in conjunction with the societies of Slovakia, Poland and Germany; and the
Serbia society hosting in conjunction the societies of Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FEBS National Lectures: FEBS supports plenary lectures to enhance national scientific meetings of constituent
societies, with support for the travel costs of an internationally recognised speaker from outside the host
country. Member societies are encouraged to apply for a FEBS National Lecture award during 2026 and 2027.
In 2026 so far, FEBS is giving National Lecture support to the society national meetings of Norway, Spain and
Germany. Support for further society national meetings is available. In 2025, FEBS National Lecture support
was given to the society national meetings of Norway, Hungary, Spain and Poland.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Please let us know, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., of your society’s annual national meeting, so we can add it to the
calendar on the FEBS website and let us know if there are any updates to your society’s individual page and
contact details on the Members section of our website.
We are looking forward to seeing you and your society’s members in Maastricht this summer.
With best wishes,

Miguel
--
Prof. Miguel A. De la Rosa
FEBS Secretary General
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

May - Your FEBS Network highlights

Monday, 18 May 2026 11:47

Hello ÖGMBT members,

Here's a list of the great content selected as a highlight in the past 2 weeks.

In the Limelight: Bioplastics and Biopoylmers

FEBS Open Bio’s latest ‘In the Limelight’ issue features five new reviews highlighting the current developments in the rapidly evolving field of bioplastics research. Read more

FEBS Open Bio

Once upon a time in Belgrade

After attending the Joint FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course ‘The evolving role of mitochondria in metabolism’ last summer in Belgrade, Serbia, these five young scientists collaborated again to write a post ... Read more

Beata Siemiątkowska
researcher, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS

Why Mentors Fail

Brooke Morriswood
writer, Total Internal Reflection

Join EMBL: Genomics for Educators and Enthusiasts

???? register by 31 May 2026 | ???? Free of charge | ???? In English, online Read more

Alexandra Bezler
Lecturer, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)

Interested in becoming a contributor to FEBS Network? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.

FEBS Network
https://network.febs.org/

Visit FEBS Network

2D & 2E, St Andrew’s House, 59 St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3BZ, UK

FEBS Letters' 2026 Cover Contest!

Tuesday, 05 May 2026 09:36

For this contest, our emphasis is on authentic scientific data that is visually compelling and thought-provoking, rather than on artistic renderings, illustrations, or graphics. We are seeking images arising directly from research, including but not limited to:

Cellular or subcellular fluorescence/confocal images
Cryo-EM structures or atomic force micrographs
Protein or nucleic acid structures
Molecular dynamics snapshots

The winning entry will be featured on the cover of FEBS Letters, and the winner will receive a prize of €500. We will publish an article featuring the winning image and runners-up in the Scientists' Forum, in which the creators will provide a paragraph about the image and their research.

Please note that images created using commercial generative AI are not eligible for our 2026 Cover Contest. Images generated through scientific methods that employ machine learning are eligible.

How to enter

Submit your entry via email to the FEBS Letters Editorial Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. between 18 March 2026 and 30 Sep 2026. Each entry should consist of:

A high-resolution image file, formatted as either JPG or PNG. You should name your file e.g. "YourName_CoverContest.jpg".
An explanatory caption for your image of up to 200 words. You should include some technical information, e.g. the type of microscopy used, but this should not be a figure caption. Rather, you should tell us what you find interesting or beautiful about the image in the context of your research.
Authorship information for your image. Please include your name, email address, and institutional affiliation.

For full details, please see the contest page here.

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/18733468/2026-cover-contest

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your work!

April Highlights: New Webinar, FEMS Elections & Fresh Research

Monday, 04 May 2026 11:28

Dear ÖGMBT members,

Welcome to this month’s microbiology newsletter. We hope you enjoy exploring this month’s highlights. In this edition, we bring together thought-provoking research, timely discussions, and opportunities that are shaping the future of microbial sciences.

We begin by spotlighting our upcoming FEMS & Biolog joint webinar that explores how microbial communities function and respond to changing environments. Also featured is the April Journal newsletter, including studies on how ammonia may define the limits of life on icy moons, the role of mycorrhizal fungi in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the latest developments in Toxoplasma gondii biology and disease. You will also find open calls for papers, upcoming thematic issues, and publishing opportunities with reduced open‑access costs.

This issue’s blogs explore key scientific and societal challenges, important community updates, upcoming grant deadlines, and industry opportunities.

Whether you are focused on research, leadership, or career development, you will find valuable insights ahead.

All the best,
The FEMS Team

FEMS & Biolog upcoming webinar - 13 May 2026

Join this FEMS & Biolog webinar exploring how microbial communities function and respond to environmental stressors. The session opens with an introduction to Biolog’s Omnilog system and Phenotypic MicroArray (PM) plates, powerful tools for high-throughput metabolic profiling.

This session offers valuable insights for microbiologists, industry professionals, and students interested in linking microbial function to environmental change and how Biolog technology can help you get there.

13 May 2026 | 16:00 CEST

Register here

Looking for the latest research?

The April Journal newsletter brings together thought-provoking research and publishing opportunities from across microbial sciences.

Explore how ammonia may shape the limits of life on icy moons, discover the role of mycorrhizal fungi in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and catch up on the latest advances in Toxoplasma gondii biology and disease.

You will also find open calls for papers, upcoming thematic issues, and ways to publish open access with reduced costs.

Read the newsletter

Rethinking effector translocation of the pathogen Brucella - The pathogen Brucella causes Brucellosis, a neglected zoonotic disease with a considerable impact on global health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It spreads from animal hosts to humans and other mammals via close contact, where it creates a niche by manipulating host cell functions. The main tool for this process is the type 4 secretion system (T4SS), a nano syringe that injects effector proteins into the host cell. The study “A subset of type 4 secretion system effectors of Brucella spp. associates to outer membrane vesicles” in the Thematic Issue “Type IV secretion systems: structure, function, evolution, and role in conjugation or host pathogen interaction” in microLife identified a possible alternative secretion mechanism in the pathogen, as explained by Maren Ketterer in this blog. Read the full blog here.
Earth Day, the soil crisis, and human well-being - Soil is often dismissed as mere “dirt”. Yet it is one of the most essential systems sustaining life on Earth. Beneath our feet exists a dynamic, living world that regulates water quality, cycles nutrients, stores carbon, and supports immense biodiversity. For this year’s Earth Day, Juan Luis Ramos and Kenneth Timmis explore soil from a fresh perspective, making clear that soil health is not an isolated environmental concern. It is the foundation of the health of the planet, and ultimately, human well-being. Read the full blog here.
How researchers can use AI ethically and accessibly - The internet is flooded with AI-generated content, including scientific content. Unfortunately, this can reduce the quality of scientific articles, introduce inaccuracies, and weaken their ability to educate. In this blog, Sarah Wettstadt calls for Good AI Working Habits and discusses how AI fits into science communication to create engaging and high-quality content. Read the full blog here.

2026 Elections for FEMS Board of Trustees

FEMS is inviting nominations for a President and two Trustees to join its Board for the term 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029. The FEMS Board is composed of the President, the Secretary General, the Treasurer, and five additional Board members. As the Federation enters a new strategic phase, this is an opportunity to shape its key priorities and help guide its impact..

If you are ready to contribute your leadership and experience, we encourage you to take the next step. Apply by 23:59 CEST on 10 June.

FEMS MICRO Ljubljana 2027: Congress & Exhibition

Europe’s premier Congress & Exhibition for microbial research and collaboration.

FEMS MICRO 2027 will bring together microbiologists, innovators, and policy-makers from across Europe and beyond. Under the theme Growing microbial futures, the Congress & Exhibition looks ahead to what comes next in microbiology, from turning ideas into impact to building partnerships, supporting careers, and creating opportunities that strengthen both the field, the people, and the organisations driving it forward.

Join us in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 5-8 July 2027 and help grow microbial futures.

Opportunity of the month

Post-Doctoral Contract - Adaptive experimental evolution to optimize the tolerance of Oenococcus oeni to the consequences of Climate Change

Location: Dijon / France

Application deadline: 11 May 2026

Want to continue your research within a dynamic, curious, and highly motivated team? Great news: we’re recruiting a postdoctoral researcher! If you’re eager to participate in a stimulating scientific project, test new ideas, contribute your expertise, and collaborate with a passionate team, this position is for you.

Find out more

Deadlines

Meeting Organiser Grants - 1 May

Thematic Issue on Indigenous Microbiology - 30 June

Industry Placement Grants - 1 July

Research and Training Grants - 1 July

FEMS Grants

The not-for-profit FEMS Journals: run by microbiologists for microbiologists

Publish with purpose

The FEMS journals are run by microbiologists, and for microbiologists. Every article published by us has been rigorously reviewed for soundness of science by our community of academic peer reviewers – and the not-for-profit journals support the microbiology community.

EFB Newsletter - April 2026

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 02:00

Poster abstract deadline extended

The abstract submission deadline for the European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2026) has been extended until 24 May 2026. Take this opportunity to present your research or work at one of Europe’s leading biotechnology events. Join us in Antwerp, Belgium, from 28 June to 1 July 2026, and showcase your contributions within one of the following scientific streams:

Innovations for healthy living
Solutions for a sustainable planet
Manufacturing with microbes
Feeding the planet

There are still slots available for flash poster and poster presentations.
New submission deadline: 24 May 2026

Early bird registration deadline extended

The early bird registration deadline has been extended until 3 May. Take advantage of this extended period to secure your spot at a reduced rate. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us while benefiting from discounted registration fees!

Registration

Abstract submission deadline: 31 May 2026
The deadline to submit abstracts for the Food Biotechnology Conference is 31 May 2026, with just over one month remaining. Researchers are invited to submit their work for oral or poster presentations. The conference will take place on 8–9 September 2026 in Sion, Switzerland, at HES-SO Valais.

Conference topics include:

Sustainable food ingredients through biotechnological innovation
Fermentation and upcycling in food systems
Microbiome-active foods and health functionality
Enabling technologies in Food Biotechnology
Ethics, regulation, and societal impact of Food Biotechnology

Registration

Abstract submission deadline: 24 May 2026
The deadline to submit abstracts for the 9th Conference on Physiology of Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi (PYFF9) is 24 May 2026. Researchers are invited to submit their work for oral or poster presentations.
The conference will take place on 8–11 September 2026 in Valencia, Spain.

PYFF9 will cover a broad range of topics related to yeast and filamentous fungi, including:

Fungal physiology and metabolism
Evolution and adaptation
Pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms
Synthetic biology and systems biology
Food and beverage fermentations
Cell factories and industrial applications
Circular economy and sustainable production
Emerging tools and technologies, including AI and data science

Registration

Abstract submission deadline: 19 July 2026
The deadline to submit abstracts for the 8th Applied Synthetic Biology in Europe Conference (ASBE8) is 19 July 2026.
Researchers are invited to submit their work for oral or poster presentations. The conference will take place on 4–6 November 2026 at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, UK.
ASBE8 will focus on applied synthetic biology and its role in addressing global challenges, with sessions covering:

Factory – bio-based production, clean growth, alternative feedstocks
Pharma – therapeutics, diagnostics, gene editing, bioproduction
Farm and field – crops, soil, waste treatment, bioremediation
Computational design technologies – proteins, systems, and networks

Registration

At ECB2026, the European Congress on Biotechnology, editors will reveal publishing secrets. Please attend the conference and the following session!
Editor session: publishing articles as if we were Nobel Laureates
Your years of hard work have generated sufficient data for publications. However, as a graduate student, postdoctoral researcher or starting faculty member, drafting manuscripts, selecting perfect journals, writing cover letters, and responding to harsh reviews and rejections might mean the beginning of headaches, rather than the preparation for celebration of big achievements. This conference session covers the myth and fact of publishing, including tips for manuscript drafting and revision preparation, explanation of the review process from the angle of reviewers and editors, and advice by current editors and productive authors.

Confirmed panelists and speakers:

Tae Seok Moon, an editor of 10 journals, including the editor-in-chief of New Biotechnology (Elsevier), the official journal of European Federation of Biotechnology and Asian Federation of Biotechnology.
Alex Munro-Clark, an editor of Trends in Biotechnology (Cell Press), a partner journal of Elsevier and high-impact journal covering research and review articles.

More information about ECB2026 Congress

Share your reseach in the New Biotechnology Green Deal Biotechnology Special Issue

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Institutional Membership benefits at ECB2026 EFB Institutional Members can benefit from exclusive discounts for the European Congress on Biotechnology - ECB2026 Congress:

Reduced registration fees for congress participation
Discounted rates for exhibition booths
Special conditions for sponsorship opportunities
Increased visibility during the congress
Opportunity to engage with key stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy

Institutional Members in the ECB2026 Panel Discussion Institutional Members can gain strong visibility at the ECB2026 Congress through a dedicated panel discussion focused on their role within EFB and in the European biotech landscape. As part of the “Voice of Biotechnology in Europe”, members engage directly with academia, industry, and policymakers, strengthening their presence and contributing to key sector discussions.

Learn more about ECB2026 Congress

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

The EU Biotech Act: Europe’s ambition for biotechnology
Join Director General Sandra Gallina and EuropaBio for a timely webinar on the EU Biotech Act. Explore its goals, regulatory simplification, industrial enablers, and legislative pathway—and ask your questions live. Essential insights for anyone active in biotech. Register now. [+]

BGI Genomics
BGI Genomics is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine, now serving customers in more than 100 countries, involving over 2,300 medical institutions. Relying on cutting-edge sequencing and bioinformatics technology, we provide our customers with expert and affordable clinical molecular diagnostic solutions and high-throughput sequencing (NGS) research services. [+]

Ready to elevate your screening?
Steady data collection. Seamless decisions. The Kuhner microTOM brings online monitoring directly to 96- or 24-well microtiter plates, tracking oxygen transfer rates for fast, reliable, and automated strain or media optimization. Make data-driven choices quickly — no manual sampling, no offline analysis, and no interruptions. [+]

Save the date: 10–13 November 2026, Graz, Austria.
The European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology (esib), organized by acib GmbH, is a well-established networking platform event for the community of industrial biotechnology. esib 2026 is held together with the International Conference on Metabolic and Protein Engineering for Biosynthesis (MaPEB) and unites the leading representatives of industry, academia and politics in Graz. Super Early Bird fee is valid until 31 May 2026. Find the full program here: [+]

Dutch Biotechnology Congress 2026
We are happy to announce the keynote speakers for the Dutch Biotechnology Congress 2026: Prof. Vera Meyer (TU Berlin), Dr. Markus Herrgård (BioInnovation Institute) and Dr. Katelijne Bekers (Microharvest), an exciting line-up which combines state-of-the-art research with societal and commercial impact. Join us Tuesday 22 September 2026 in Jaarbeurs Utrecht! [+]

Swiss Biotech Day: Meet partners through 1:1 partnering
On 4–5 May 2026, the event will bring together more than 3,000 participants from across the global life sciences ecosystem in Basel. Whether seeking access to new resources, expertise, and markets or aiming to boost innovation, the partnering at this premier global biotechnology conference provides an efficient way to connect with potential partners. Discover the program and secure your participation. [+]

ESACT Courses 2026
Applications are now open for the highly interactive ESACT courses 2026 in Spain. Designed for students, academic and industrial scientists, the courses offer opportunities to learn about mammalian cells advancements and applications in biotherapeutics, vaccines, cell and gene therapy development and for metabolic and bioprocess modelling. For full course details, eligibility criteria, and applications info, please visit our website. [+]

iBET’s bioprocess to expand hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes for cell therapy recognized by European Commission Innovation Radar
This robust and scalable bioprocess enables billion-scale expansion of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in controlled bioreactors. Developed within the EU-funded BRAV3 project, it supports reproducible, cost-effective large-scale manufacturing, delivering clinically relevant cell numbers with consistent quality/functionality. This platform also applies to preclinical disease modelling/drug screening/cardiotoxicity assessment. [+]

EVENT CALENDAR

EFB Events

European Congress on Biotechnology ECB2026
organised by the EFB
28 June - 1 July 2026 │ Antwerp, BE

Food Biotechnology Conference
organised by the EFB Plant, Agriculture and Food Division
8 - 9 September 2026 │ Sion, CH

Physiology of Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi (PYFF9)
organised by the EFB Microbial Biotechnology Division
8 - 11 September 2026 │ Valencia, ES

Applied Synthetic Biology in Europe (ASBE8)
organised by the EFB Bioengineering & Bioprocessing Division and the EFB Microbial Biotechnology Division
4 - 6 November 2026 │ Manchester, UK

Biocat4Value
organised by the EFB Biocatalysis Division
February 2026 │ Düsseldorf, DE

EFB Member Events

Swiss Biotech Day
organised by Swiss Biotech Association
4 - 5 May 2026 │ Basel, CH

XVI FEMTCI Congress
organised by FEMTCI
29 - 31 May 2026 │ Peñíscola, ES

ÖGMBT Annual Meeting
organised by ÖGMBT
15 - 17 September 2026 │ Vienna, AT

NBC 2026 conference
organised by NBV
22 September 2026 │ Utrecht, NL

European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology (esib)
organised by acib
10-13 November 2026 │ Graz, AT

Vienna Bio Center: The Long Night of Research

Thursday, 16 April 2026 08:43

THE LONG NIGHT OF RESEARCH

Join us on Friday, April 24., 5-11 pm

35 stations at two venues on campus will be waiting for you and

your family & friends at the Long Night of Research.

The full program is available here:
Lange Nacht der Forschung @ Vienna BioCenter

You can find the stations at Dr Bohr Gasse 3 (in and around Vienna Open Lab) and at Djerassiplatz 1 (in the University Biology Building (UBB). The venues are only minutes apart and will offer a diverse program.

Many of the scientists speak English (and other languages!) in addition to German and the event is aimed at all age groups.

GMI & IMBA will be part of the ÖAW venue Campus Akademie.

Program available here.

Learn more about Lange Nacht der Forschung on their website.

Spread the word and see you there!

FEBS April News

Thursday, 16 April 2026 08:24

Upcoming key dates

A. Castellani PhD Meeting | Application deadline
15 April 2026

PROBio-LatAm Fellowships | Application deadline
19 April 2026

FEBS Congress 2026 | Late-breaking abstract deadline
20 April 2026

FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award | 2027 Nomination deadline
15 May 2026

FEBS Education and Training Supported Society Events | Application deadline
15 June 2026

FEBS Press | FEBS Letters cover contest
31 August 2026

FEBS Advanced Courses | 2027 Call for applications
1 September 2026

FEBS announcements

Israel Pecht Award 2026

Prof. Francesco Bonomi (University of Milan, Italy) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Israel Pecht Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the biomolecular sciences community and his long-standing commitment to FEBS and its Constituent Societies.

This award honours individuals whose dedication, leadership and service have significantly strengthened the FEBS network and supported the development of the scientific community.

???? The award will be presented at the Opening Ceremony of the FEBS 2026 Congress in Maastricht
???? Read the full announcement on the FEBS website

FEBS Education Award 2026

Professor Luciane Vieira de Mello (University of Liverpool, UK) has been awarded the FEBS Education Award 2026 in recognition of her outstanding and sustained contributions to bioscience education.

Her work has significantly advanced how complex subjects such as bioinformatics are taught, combining research-informed approaches with a strong focus on student engagement, transferable skills and curriculum innovation. Her impact extends internationally, influencing educational practices across Europe and beyond.

???? The award will be presented at the FEBS 2026 Congress in Maastricht (4–8 July)
???? Read more on the FEBS website

The FEBS Congress 2026: latest news

We look forward to welcoming you to the milestone 50th FEBS Congress in Maastricht this summer for the big picture across the molecular life sciences.

Don’t miss the late-breaking abstract submission deadline. Posters play an important part in the knowledge exchange and networking at a FEBS Congress, and there is still just time to join the event to present your work this way. Find all the details on abstract submission, including nearly 40 abstract topics, in the Congress website’s late-breaking abstract call. Deadline: 20 April 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Get ready for FEBS Press poster prizes. In recognition of the contribution of posters to the event, prizes for outstanding scientific posters at the Congress will be awarded by The FEBS Journal, FEBS Letters, Molecular Oncology and FEBS Open Bio, with the daily prize-winners shortlisted for overall prizes to be announced during the closing session. Find more details in a news post here. Good luck!

The new FEBS Rita Levi-Montalcini Medal and Lecture will be awarded for the first time at the 50th FEBS Congress. This first medal for outstanding achievements in biochemistry and molecular biology or related areas, with an emphasis on work on the molecular basis of disease or treatment, goes to Nobel laureate Emmanuelle Charpentier, who will deliver a plenary lecture at the Congress on ‘Transforming life sciences through the power of microbiology’. Find out about the inspiring life of Rita Levi-Montalcini, renowned for her work leading to the discovery of nerve growth factor, and the new FEBS medal named in her honour, on the Congress website here.

For more on the exciting range of headline lectures at the event, see the full plenary speaker list.

Congress Special Sessions expand the programme. Amidst plenary lectures, symposia, speed talks and posters, look out for the Congress ‘special sessions’ to broaden your outlook. The FEBS Education special session focuses on wellbeing this year, while the FEBS Press special session highlights publication ethics and best practices in scientific publishing. Also among the special sessions, a joint FEBS and KSBMB (Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) session offers perspectives on cutting-edge techniques in biochemistry, and a joint FEBS and EACR (European Association for Cancer Research) session will look at the interplay of tumour cells, non-tumour cells and their microenvironment in cancer development.

Congress website

Call for abstracts

Congress programme

The FEBS Journal

The FEBS Journal is happy to share a new issue on Molecular Microbiology. This focus issue highlights the latest advances in the genetic, molecular and biochemical processes that govern microbial physiology, pathogenesis and evolution. We welcome you to this celebration of all things bugs, drugs, and “biochem”.

Discover more

FEBS Letters

FEBS Letters is very pleased to announce the publication of a new special issue on Circadian Clocks. This issue, guest edited by Carrie Partch of UC Santa Cruz, features 14 high-quality Review articles by experts in the field, including Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar, on the molecular basis of circadian rhythms, their pervasive and powerful control of biology, and new frontiers in the field, including approaches to modulate biological timekeeping to improve human health. We encourage you to read the full issue for free here.

FEBS Open Bio

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest Special Issue on “Bioplastics and Biopolymers”, guest-edited by Valeria L. Giosafatto, Raffaele Porta. The five Review articles in this issue focus on the recent advances on the production, characterization and biodegradation of sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel derived plastics. Together, they propose a more environmentally friendly approach to material design.

We hope you enjoy reading this In the Limelight issue and invite you to check out all of our Special Issues here.

Molecular Oncology

At Molecular Oncology, we are looking forward to attending and participating in the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR 2026) held 08-11 June in Budapest, Hungary.

As the affiliate journal of the EACR, we are pleased to host a booth at the central ‘non-profit’ hub in the main Congress foyer, right next to the EACR stand. We will also be supporting a Meet the Editor session and a joint EACR - EACS - Molecular Oncology Session on the ’The Dark Proteome’.

If you are interested in attending EACR 2026 don’t miss out on Early rate registration by 21 April 2026 and come visit us at booth C5.

Stay tuned: the EACR 2026 congress abstracts will be published in Molecular Oncology following the congress.

FEBS Advanced Courses

Want to deepen your knowledge and skills in your field, meet peers and world-renowned speakers in a friendly setting, build a community in your research area, or explore new topics? Try a FEBS Advanced Course! Covering advanced topics in the molecular life sciences at locations across Europe, they provide research updates, training, and networking, and are especially valuable to PhD students and Postdocs. Some courses are jointly funded with EMBO or IUBMB.

FEBS Advanced Courses 2026 – Participants

There are still many FEBS Advanced Courses open for registration, from those on advanced proteomics, biochirality, and MASLD, to the extracellular matrix, redox signalling, synaptic vesicle dynamics, and epigenetics. We invite you to browse the full Advanced Courses calendar on the FEBS website.

FEBS Advanced Course 2027 – Organizers

If you are considering organizing a course, the next deadline is 1 September 2026 (for courses in 2027). We are delighted to flag that the new Joint FEBS/IUBMB Advanced Course will still be accepting applications for that deadline. This course type is co-funded equally by FEBS and IUBMB and can be held in any country that has an IUBMB Adhering Bodies and Associate Adhering Bodies, including those with a FEBS Constituent Society. Please monitor the FEBS website for news and refer to the latest guidelines.

As always, we appreciate the sharing of this information, and links to course websites, with interested contacts and relevant networks.

FEBS Education and Training

FEBS Education and Training Supported Society Events

FEBS provides funding to support education activities organised by members of its Constituent Societies, including sessions at national congresses and face-to-face training events. Grants of up to €2,000 are available for in-person events, and up to €750 for online courses.

???? Deadline: 15 June 2026 (for events taking place July–December 2026)

Find out more

FEBS 2026 Congress Education Special Session

Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a key factor in shaping research environments and career development. This session brings together researchers, mentors and educators to explore how wellbeing influences learning, supervision and long-term success in science.

Featuring:

Cormac Taylor (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Kay Guccione (University of Glasgow, UK)

???? 7 July 2026, 16:00–17:45
???? Explore the full Congress programme

Fellowships

Applications are still open for the PROBio-LatAm Fellowships 2026, supporting early-career researchers from Latin America to undertake research visits in laboratories across FEBS countries.

This joint initiative by FEBS, IUBMB and PABMB promotes international collaboration and provides access to advanced methodologies, technologies and scientific expertise.

Fellowships offer funding of up to €7,000 for research stays of up to six months, covering travel and living costs.

⏳ Only a few days left to apply
???? Deadline: 19 April 2026

Learn more

Careers of Young Scientists

Final opportunity for PhD students: Apply today to attend the “A. Castellani” Meeting

This is the final opportunity to apply for FEBS support to attend the 36th “A. Castellani” Annual Meeting for PhD Students in Biochemical Sciences, taking place in Brallo di Pregola (Italy) on 25–29 May 2026. FEBS will cover registration fees, accommodation, and travel costs for selected PhD students. The meeting provides an excellent platform to present research, exchange ideas, and build connections within an international PhD student community.

Application deadline: 15 April. Read the full call and submit your application here.

Women in Science

If you have not yet submitted a nomination, there is still time to recognise an outstanding woman scientist whose work is advancing the life sciences. This joint FEBS and EMBO initiative celebrates excellence in research while highlighting the importance of visible role models in science.

The award honours one female scientist each year for major achievements in Europe, with a €10,000 prize, a statuette, and a plenary lecture at the FEBS Congress.

???? Deadline for nominations: 15 May 2026
➡️ Submit a nomination via the EMBO website and consult the full guidelines for details.

FEMS Summer School for Postdocs - Call for applications

Tuesday, 07 April 2026 10:23

What if six days could change how you approach your research, your career, and the collaborations that shape it?

The FEMS Summer School for Postdocs offers exactly that opportunity, bringing together a select group of early‑career researchers from 26–31 August 2026 in Porto, Portugal.

Together, attendees will explore how microbial systems can address some of today’s most pressing challenges, through this year’s theme: “Microbial solutions for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Postdocs will examine the SDGs as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. This year’s programme will be led by Prof. Max Häggblom and Dr. Marcela Hernández as co-directors.

Take your research to the next level, apply now for the 2026 FEMS Summer School for Postdocs.

Deadline for application 15 April 2026.