We are pleased to announce the FEBS Advanced Lecture Course '6th Danube Conference on Epigenetics', taking place from 19–22 October 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. Building on the success of its five highly acclaimed predecessors, this four-day event continues the tradition of the Danube Epigenetics Conference series, which has grown into a recognised international brand in the field of chromatin and epigenetics research. Organized by leading experts and supported by the Hungarian Biochemical Society (MBKE), the course is designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic forum for early career researchers and established scientists.

Scientific focus and program highlights

The 2026 event will explore key themes in modern epigenetics, including:

• Epigenetic memory and chromatin dynamics
• Noncoding RNAs, 3D genome architecture, and gene regulation
• Germline reprogramming and developmental epigenetics
• AI-powered multiomics and single-cell technologies

To foster cross-disciplinary exchange, the course will also include:

• A dedicated AI & Data Analysis Workshop (Day 1)
• Two poster sessions with integrated flash talks
• Roundtable discussions, social events, and dedicated networking time with speakers
• Affordable access for young scientists, especially from Central and Eastern Europe

Confirmed speakers

The scientific program features a remarkable, gender-balanced lineup of internationally renowned researchers, including:

• Geneviève Almouzni (Institute Curie, Paris) – Histone variants and cell fate
• Brad Cairns (HHMI, Utah) – Epigenetic memory in development
• Petra Hajkova (Imperial College London) – Germline epigenetics
• Bas van Steensel (NKI, Amsterdam) – Genome architecture and regulation
• Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz (Cambridge) – Stem cell embryo models
• Piero Carninci (Human Technopole) – Noncoding RNAs in gene regulation
• Andrew Pospisilik (Van Andel Institute) – Epigenetic robustness and disease
• Wolf Reik (ALTOS Labs) – Single-cell multiomics in development and ageing

And many more...

Why attend?

Set in the heart of Central Europe, Budapest offers an ideal, easily accessible location for researchers across the continent. The course provides a medium-sized, high-impact meeting environment focused on promoting in-depth discussion, mentorship, and the visibility of young researchers.

With the support of HUN-REN TTK, Diamond Congress, and the Hungarian Biochemical Society, this event combines scientific excellence with a strong commitment to training the next generation of epigenetics researchers.

• Course dates: 19–22 October 2026
• Venue: HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest
• Website: Coming soon
• Target audience: PhD students, postdocs, early-stage investigators

Interested? We invite you to read the overview post of the 5th Danube Conference On Epigenetics, which captured the participants' enthusiasm and shared some great photos from the course.

For more information about the FEBS Advanced Courses programme visit the FEBS website.

Photo by Ervin Lukacs on Unsplash.