Top Biotechnology Conferences Worth Attending in 2020

Mahasweta Pal, freelance science writer on Kolabtree, writes about the top biotechnology conferences in 2020 happening around the world.  

Recently, the world of biotechnology scored incredible leaps of progress. From CRISPR babies to gene therapy, waves of advancements rocked the business world. However, the discussions on ethics and regulations in biotechnology research did not die down. Vigilance, clinical practice guidelines, commercialization challenges, pricing of cell therapies, and so on — the agendas are overflowing for 2020. However, the bright side is, the crucial questions that remained unanswered until 2018 showed signs of certainty as 2020 dawned in. CRISPR regulations became definite and universal; the much-awaited regulatory actions on bioethical issues were addressed.

In such a dynamic time, the pace of the industry is something that a biotechnology researcher should not miss. Some of the biggest biotechnology industry events are slated for 2020, which promise a spectacle of groundbreaking developments. You could attend trade fairs exhibiting neurological research that could become the platform for wearables tomorrow. Similarly, at premier molecular biology conferences lined up, novel signaling pathways would be showcased, which are potential drug targets for tomorrow. Biotech researchers may attend not one, but at least three conferences.

Therefore, we present a list of the most awaited Biotechnology industry events in 2020 happening worldwide freelance scientists, young and old, should attend!

1. Precision Medicine World Conference 2020 (Jan 21-24, 2020|Santa Clara, CA)

This conference offers the biggest platform dedicated to personalized medicine, hosting 2500+ industry persons from 35 countries. Participants can enjoy 400+ presentations, the key one being by Richard Schilsky (American Society of Clinical Oncology). Not to forget, sessions by award-winning scientists, Phillip Greenberg (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center) and Micheal Synder (Stanford Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine), who would be discussing successful clinical genomics programs, immuno-oncology, and converting health data into medical products. Currently, early-bird registrations of different capacities are available, ending on Jan 8, 2020.

2. PREDiCT: Tumor Models San Francisco Summit 2020 (Jan 22-24, 2020|San Francisco, CA)

The 4th Annual PREDiCT: Tumor Models San Francisco Summit 2020 continues to serve the immuno-oncology community regarding preclinical profiling through a robust selection of PDX mouse models. Scientists exploring the potential of 3D models are invited to present their findings, which help the community remain abreast of the advancements and challenges in preclinical and translational research. The comprehensive 3-day agenda concludes with keynote speeches by Chung-Wein Lee (Celgene), Jaeho Jung (ABL Bio), and Erin Riegler (Chimera Bioengineering). Registrations are underway with various pricing options.

3. Viruses 2020 – Novel Concepts in Virology (Feb 5-7, 2020|Barcelona, Spain)

Viruses are the carriers of lethal infections, while also being the most used micro-organism models. Viruses 2020 follows previous meetings of virologists on Virus replication and host-virus interactions, organized by the MDPI journal. Particularly, for 2020, the conference themes are virus pathogenesis, antiviral innate immunity, and viruses of gastrointestinal pathologies. Therefore, the event calls upon virologists to showcase novel research in molecular and cell biology, structural biology, immunology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics. for the 3-day event. Invited speakers include Rosa M. Pintó (Enteric Virus Laboratory, University of Barcelona), Dr. Martin Beer (Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany), and Dr. Stacy M. Horner (Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA). Registrations are open, including early-bird reservations and covering author registrations.

4. Cancer Care At The Crossroads Summit 2020 (March 27, 2020|New York)

The New York Genome Center is bringing together healthcare providers, stalwarts from academia, genomics companies, and advocacy groups on a grand platform. Cancer At The Crossroads features talk shows with participation from global investors, regulators, researchers, and influential industry folks. In additon, scintillating workshops cater to pertinent issues in cancer biology, novel cancer treatments, advancements in cancer screening. Moreover, the various research symposiums keep attendees informed on the near forthcoming shifts within the industry, and the directional changes for cancer research. At the 2020 edition, the keynote speakers include Mace L. Rothenberg (Pfizer) and Clifford Hudis (American Society of Clinical Oncology). As the registrations close after selecting just 100 applicants, you probably have to register early!

5. JAK-STAT Pathways in Health & Disease (April 6, 2020|Long Island, New York)

This upcoming event showcases pioneering research on JAK-STAT Inhibition and its association with cancer. This conference invites researchers to present abstracts solely focused on the mechanisms, mutations, and the metabolomics associated with the Jak-STAT signaling pathway. As always, it is being hosted at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. While the keynote speech by John O’Shea of the NIH is the highlight of the event, attendees can look forward to award-winning presentations by David Frank, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and David Tweardy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, among others. Registration would be running up till the event date, while Abstract submission closes on Jan 17, 2020.

6. Epigenetic Pathways and Human Disease Conference 2020 (April 30-May 3, 2020|Chania, Greece)

One of the less explored areas of genetic research, epigenetics remains an area for unlocking mechanisms for rare diseases and cancer. Abstracts are invited on topics including DNA and histone modifications, aberrant epigenetic regulation, neuroepigenetics, and epitranscriptomics. Of note, the theme for discussion is pathogeneses of various brain disorders, while attendees can listen to lectures on Chromatin, RNA, and DNA regulatory pathways and utilizing epigenetic data for drug discovery. Registrations are on, and participants can utilize early-bird discounts on entry, poster submissions, and workshops. Doctoral and post-doctoral researchers are encouraged to attend, while invited speakers include Anne Brunet (Stanford University) and Karen Adelman (Harvard Medical School). Registrations close on March 8, 2020.

7. EuroSciCon Conference on Biotechnology & Bioengineering (May 6-7, 2020|Stockholm, Sweden)

This star-studded industry event focuses on bioengineering and biomanufacturing and hosts scientists, academics, research groups, and funding agencies. The event invites researchers for abstracts on topics ranging: fermentation technologies, marine biotechnology, bioengineering market potential, biomaterials, biotherapeutics, nanobiotechnology, and protein engineering. With the registrations already started, the event promises researchers a plethora of symposiums and workshops for young scientists. In addition, a wide audience graces it every year and for 2020, EuroSciCon is also planning to award scientists and organizations for groundbreaking research work. Currently, the organizers are giving away 25% discounts on registrations for large research groups. Visit now!

8. World Congress on Biosensors 2020 (May 26-29, 2020|Busan, Korea)

For over 3 decades, this conference has fulfilled the networking, business development, and peer-to-peer interaction needs of academicians, government agencies, and biotech SMEs. The conference brings together a variety of research scholars and influential delegates from the industry for conversations on applying biochemical sensors, bioelectric devices, and bioengineering. Presenting scholars stand a chance to publish their research in  Registrations will start in a month’s time.

9. Clinical and Translational Biomarkers (June 2-4, 2020| Boston, MA)

Essentially, the 3-day conference presents various training sessions and workshops on clinical applications of biomarkers. Currently, clinical trials are being designed using disease-specific biomarkers. This conference aims to train and award young scientists on liquid biopsies and genomic biomarkers. Workshops have been designed to prepare researchers for solving problems in precision medicine. Secondly, attendees can visit seminars on Disease Modeling, Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers, and New Small Molecule Drug Targets. Most importantly, attendees can register at early bird prices and submit poster abstracts by April 24, 2020.

10.  AlgalBBB 2020 (June 14-17, 2020|Pittsburgh, PA)

2020 presents the 10th edition of the International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBBB), where the spotlight will be on recent trends in biofuel and agricultural technology. Novel algal research would be presented by broad-spectrum scientists and engineers, with emphasis on biomass production, cultivation, biorefinery, feedstock conversion into fuels, and sustainability analyses. The latest of algal research findings on seaweed systems, biomaterials, photobioreactor design, and control systems will also be presented by eminent academicians. Abstract submissions and registrations are running, especially for researchers aiming to publish on the Algal Research journal.

11. Intestinal Stem Cell – Niche Interactions in Health and Disease Conference (Jul 17-20, 2020|Lisbon, Portugal)

Intestinal stem cells are under increased scrutiny, owing to the massive incidence rates of gastrointestinal malignancies. Although investigators are leaving no stone unturned to expose the small intestinal environment and colon, which impact the action of intestinal stem cells. This event gives researchers and industry leaders a platform to present human pluripotent stem cells-derived gastrointestinal organoids, dysregulated ISC behavior causing gastrointestinal disease, spatial transcriptomics of the small intestine, and the like. The impressive list of speakers includes Heinrich Jasper (Genentech), Marcia Haigis (Harvard Medical School), and Shalev Itzkovitz (Weizmann Institute of Science), among others. Registrations start on Jan 31, 2020, and poster submissions will run up to May 20, 2020.

12. Mechanisms & Models of Cancer (Aug 11 – 15, 2020|Cold Spring Harbor, NY)

Cancer research has progressed to great heights in the last couple of years. However, fundamental mechanisms and models of tumorigenesis are ever-changing and less explored, thus warranting continuous research. This event provides researchers the platform to showcase the different dimensions of cancer by exploratory findings in structural biology, Genomics, Heterogeneity and Cancer Evolution. Interesting sessions on Cancer Metabolism, Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Proliferation, and Survival Signaling shall be looked forward to. Registrations and abstract submissions are open up to May 22, 2020.

13. BIO World Congress (Sep 21-24, 2020|Raleigh, North Carolina)

One of the key events for the Biotechnology industry, Bio World Congress has been attracting scientists and executives working in biomanufacturing and agri-tech for over a decade. Primarily, the congress caters to animal biotechnologists, biohazard specialists, environmentalists, food scientists, plant and seed researchers, and biomanufacturing vendors. The event is one of the sought after platforms for launching new products in agri-tech and food sciences. What’s more, attendees get a chance to visit the exhibition of 100+ manufacturers of animal cell models, cancer cell lines, and microarrays. This conference, organized by Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), is where the who’s who of America’s biotech world meet. Not to forget, attendees can even plan big for the “One on One Partnering” opportunities.

Think we’ve missed out one of the biotechnology conferences in 2020? Leave us a comment below and we’ll add it to the list!

Looking for help from a freelance biotechnologist or researcher? Work with experienced scientists on Kolabtree. It’s free to post your project and get quotes.

Related experts: 

Bioinformatics freelancer | Plant genetics | Developmental Biology | Gene therapy | Stem cells |
DNA sequencing data analysis |Animal genetics | Drug interactions | Genetics and Genomics