EARLY-CAREER SCIENTIST

Join us in Krakow for the 5th FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE Conference!

Join us on 14–16 October at Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland) for three inspiring days dedicated to science, career development and networking. This year's theme "The Code of Life: Beyond the Genome to Multilayer Biology" will explore how biological systems function across multiple levels.

About FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE: An international conference organised for and by young scientists

The FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE conference is an international, interdisciplinary 3-day event entirely organized by and for young researchers –PhD students and postdocs– from the molecular life sciences disciplines, that bring together up to 300 participants from all over the world.

From lectures by experts in biomedical research to pub talks with local citizens, and from useful job fairs to informal chats with renowned scientists, this event has been fully planned and organized by young scientists thinking about the research interests, career needs, and networking preferences of other young scientists. The initiative aims to foster scientific collaboration, promote career development, and enhance outreach activities to bring science closer to society. These conferences provide an inspiring platform where PhD students and postdocs from diverse fields come together to share knowledge and ideas, facilitating interdisciplinary synergy and innovation.

What to expect?

The conference promotes excellence in the molecular life sciences, linking science, career, and communication with the general public. To achieve this, the event comprises three main parts:

  • Scientific Symposium: This year’s sessions will explore cutting-edge topics such as new disease models, innovative applications of omics technologies, computational approaches to integrate biological data across scales and predict biomolecular interactions, best practices for data sharing and open science. This way, young scientists will have the opportunity to present their work through posters and short talks.
  • Career Day: A day full of activities focused on employment opportunities, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and academic leaders.
  • Outreach Activities: Engaging events designed to bridge the gap between science and society, including public talks and interactive exhibitions aimed at sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

The deadline for early bird registration, travel grant application and abstract submission for oral communication is on 24 July. Don't miss out this opportunity!

➡️ Register here: https://febs-iubmb-enableconference.org/registration-and-travel-grants/.

Scientific symposium – “The Code of Life: Beyond the Genome to Multilayer Biology”

The conference will highlight the latest discoveries and cutting-edge research techniques, as well as illustrate the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among researchers to foster scientific discoveries. Eight renowned keynote speakers from different fields will share their expertise and experience in four sessions across several topics:

  • Unveiling Biology: Innovative Tools & Experimental Models, with Dr Mzia Kutateladze (George Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Georgia) and Prof. Tanja Ćirković Veličković (University of Belgrade, Serbia)
  • Omics Revolution: High-Throughput Data in Modern Biology, with Dr Krzysztof Szade (Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland) and Dr Syed Haider (Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK)
  • Data in Action: From Processing to Insight, with Dr Aleksandra Kołodziejczyk (International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland) and Prof. Daniela Ungureanu (University of Oulu, Finland)
  • Connecting the Dots: Sharing, Integrating & Translating Data, with Prof. Alexandre Bonvin (Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, The Netherlands) and Prof. Guido Sanguinetti (SISSA, Trieste, Italy)

Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to present their work with posters, flash talks and short talks. In these sessions, all young scientists will find a spot to share their knowledge and research. Keeping in mind the title of the conference, all topics are welcomed so do not hesitate to present your application.

Social and networking activities during the conference

The conference features multiple social activities to foster networking among young scientists from all over the globe.

Conference Dinner: Jubilat Sky7 Restaurant

The conference dinner, included in the registration fee, will take place at the elegant Sky7 rooftop restaurant in the iconic Jubilat building. A landmark of Kraków’s modernist architecture, Jubilat blends history with contemporary design. Guests can expect a truly special evening featuring:

  • ✨ breathtaking rooftop views of Kraków and Wawel Castle,
  • ✨ a stylish, modern venue in the heart of the city,
  • ✨ excellent cuisine, music, and atmosphere.

Once a symbol of modernity in the 1970s, Jubilat holds a nostalgic place in Kraków’s history — making it a unique and memorable setting for a sophisticated conference evening.

Outreach Activities

This year’s outreach program is designed to build community, encourage interaction, and connect science with society through engaging and accessible experiences.

  • Treasure Hunt: In the Footsteps of Great Minds: Explore the historic streets of Kraków in an interactive city game combining science, history, and discovery. Participants will follow the trail of renowned Polish scientists—spanning fields from astronomy and mathematics to medicine—solving clues and uncovering iconic locations across the Old Town.
  • Outreach Pub Night: A relaxed and interactive evening aimed at making science accessible to a wider audience. The event will feature short, engaging talks for non-specialists, combined with networking, social activities, and a pub quiz focused on scientific discoveries and Polish culture. Open to all participants, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with PhD students and early-career researchers, share research in an accessible way, and engage with the public in an informal setting.

Host Institute: Jagiellonian University

Founded in 1364, the Jagiellonian University in Kraków is one of the oldest universities in the world and a key center of European intellectual heritage. With over 650 years of history, it has educated outstanding scholars, including Nicolaus Copernicus, and remains a leading institution in research and education in Poland and Central Europe.

The university combines strong academic tradition with cutting-edge research across disciplines such as natural sciences, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. Its vibrant, internationally connected scientific community actively contributes to innovation and addresses global challenges. With modern infrastructure, excellent research facilities, and a dynamic academic environment, it offers outstanding opportunities for early-career scientists.

As a bridge between tradition and modern excellence, the Jagiellonian University provides a unique and inspiring setting for the FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE 2026 conference.

Conference Venue: Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University

The conference will take place at the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology (FBBB), one of the most advanced life science centers in Poland. The Faculty integrates biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and biotechnology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and high-quality research. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture halls, and modern facilities, it offers an ideal environment for scientific exchange and networking. Located within the green Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival, it is well connected to the city center and provides convenient access to accommodation.

 Organizing Committees

The conference is organized by young scientists, PhD students and postdoc, through a collaborative effort between the Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Our SOC members come from diverse institutes across Europe, while the LOC is based at the Jagiellonian University. Together, these teams are dedicated to creating and enriching an unforgettable experience for all the participants.

 Scientific Organizing Committee

Stefan Marković Hadžić, Co-Chair Serbian, Biochemical Society, Serbia; Gabriela Dziurman, Co-Chair, Jagiellonian University, Poland; Federico Borra, European School of Molecular Medicine SEMM (IFOM), Italy; Jing Hui Neo, CRUK Scotland Institute, UK; Johanna Helenius, Biobio Society, Finland; Nikita Nikita, Institute for Research in Biomedicine IRB, Spain; Fabiola Iommazzo, European School of Molecular Medicine SEMM (Human Technopole), Italy; Bartosz Płóciennik, Jagiellonian University, Poland; Dominika Lubawska, CRUK Scotland Institute, UK; Sanusha Madathil, Institute for Research in Biomedicine IRB, Spain; Elisa Frezza (member of FEBS Careers of Young Scientists Committee), France; James Murphy (Chair of IUBMB Publications Committee), Australia. 

Local Organizing Committee

Agata Kalita (Chair); Sonia Trojan (Advisor); Katarzyna Mikruta; Alicja Hinz; Natalia Majkowska; Paweł Piłat; Sylwia Stankiewicz; Kornelia Kłosińska; Joanna Król; Piotr Świerzewski; Nuria Farrus; Paweł Jedynak; Aleksandra Murzyn; Anna Ferenc 


We look forward to welcoming you to Kraków for this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate in the pursuit of scientific advancement. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to save the date: 14–16 October 2026!