Symposium Information

About

Everything you need to know to attend the 28th EMBL PhD Symposium — from the history of the event to practical travel and accommodation information.

The Symposium

28 Years of EMBL PhD Symposia

The EMBL PhD Symposium is an annual conference entirely organised by PhD students at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory. Since its inception in 1999, it has become one of the premier scientific meetings for early-career researchers in the life sciences.

Each year, the organising committee — composed of current EMBL PhD students — selects a theme, invites world-leading speakers, curates the scientific program, and manages all logistics. The result is a scientifically rigorous yet deeply personal gathering that reflects the values and curiosity of the next generation of scientists.

The 28th edition, themed "Shifting Gears: Automation, AI, and High-Throughput Methodologies," explores how automation, scalable experimental design, and artificial intelligence are accelerating scientific discovery — enhancing reliability and reproducibility while bridging the gap between fundamental biological questions and biomedical breakthroughs. From robotic wet-lab workflows to AI-driven data analysis, the program spans the full spectrum from foundational academic research to industry-scale implementation.

Quick Facts

Edition 28th (2026)
Theme Shifting Gears: Automation, AI, and High-Throughput Methodologies
Dates December 2–4, 2026
Venue EMBL Heidelberg, ATC Auditorium
Capacity ~100 participants
Organised EMBL PhD Students Association
Venue

EMBL Heidelberg

ATC Auditorium

The Advanced Training Centre (ATC) Auditorium is EMBL's state-of-the-art conference facility, seating 500 and equipped with high-definition projection systems, conference audio, and simultaneous translation booths. The adjacent foyer and corridors serve as poster exhibition space.

EMBL participant information →
Getting Here

Travel Information

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By Air

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the closest and most convenient airport — 82 km from Heidelberg. Stuttgart (STR, 120 km) is a secondary option. Direct airport shuttles and transfer taxis serve Heidelberg.

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By Train

Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof has extensive European connections. EMBL collaborates with Deutsche Bahn for discounted tickets — contact events@embl.de for details.

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City Centre to EMBL

Bus 28 (direction Mombertplatz) stops directly at EMBL. Bus 39 (direction Königstuhl) stops at MPI Kernphysik — 5-minute walk. Taxi from the station costs ~€20. Note: Sunday and holiday services are limited.

Full travel information on the EMBL website →
Where to Stay

Accommodation

Official EMBL Partner Accommodation

EMBL's official partner accommodation option for visitors is Hotel ISG. Full details and booking information are available on the EMBL accommodation page.

EMBL Accommodation Page →

Recommended Hotels

A range of hotels and aparthotels are available in Heidelberg city centre:

Registration

Registration & Fees

Early Birduntil Aug 10 Regular Virtual
Bachelor / Master student 225 € 260 € 70 €
PhD student 310 € 410 € 70 €
EMBL-affiliated — 240 € 70 €
Academia 420 € 510 € 70 €
Industry — 720 € 120 €

EMBL predoctoral fellows attend free of charge.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EMBL PhD Symposium?
The EMBL PhD Symposium is organised by EMBL PhD students to provide an opportunity for networking between early-career researchers and high-profile scientists. This year's theme is Shifting Gears: Automation, AI, and High-Throughput Methodologies.
What is the Symposium about?
The 28th EMBL PhD Symposium focuses on how high-throughput technologies, automation, quantitative analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches are accelerating biological science. Through talks, poster sessions, workshops, and networking activities, it brings together researchers across disciplines to explore how collaborative and technology-driven science can address major challenges in human health, sustainability, and the future of our world.
Who can attend the symposium?
The symposium is primarily directed towards PhD students and undergraduates, but everybody is welcome to participate.
How do I register?
Register via on-site registration or virtual registration. For questions, email phdsymposium2026.participants@embl.de.
How much does it cost?
See the Registration & Fees table above for the full price breakdown. On-site fees include catering (coffee breaks, lunch, and dinner) and networking events. Remote fees include virtual access to all speaker sessions and student talks. Accommodation is not included.
Can I submit an abstract without paying immediately?
Yes — during registration, select the "I will pay later" option. Payment must be received before August 10th, 2026 for the early bird discount, and before October 21st, 2026 for the regular rate.
How and when can I get the early bird fee?
The early bird fee applies to on-site participants who register and pay before August 10th, 2026. If payment is not received by then, the regular fee applies.
What are the registration deadlines?
  • Early bird: August 10th, 2026
  • Regular: October 21st, 2026
  • Virtual: November 25th, 2026
Registration is completed only once payment is received.
Can I submit an abstract for a talk or poster if my topic is not fully on-theme?
Yes. Abstracts are welcome from all participants regardless of topic; however, studies closely aligned with the symposium theme will be preferred during selection.
Is there a deadline for abstract submission?
Abstracts for talks and/or posters can be submitted until August 26th, 2026.
How do I submit an abstract?
Abstracts can only be submitted after registering as an on-site participant. The submission link is provided in the registration confirmation email.
Do I need to submit an abstract to attend?
No — abstract submission is not required. However, we strongly encourage every participant to submit one.
Is it possible to participate remotely?
Yes, virtual participation will be available. We encourage in-person attendance to fully experience the networking opportunities the symposium provides.
What is included in remote participation?
Remote participants have access to all live-streamed talks and can submit questions during the event. Recorded talks are also available during the symposium and for four weeks afterwards, subject to individual speaker consent.
Can I give a talk or present a poster when participating remotely?
No — only on-site participants can submit abstracts, present posters, or give a talk.
Is there a symposium shuttle bus?
Yes, there will be a shuttle bus service. The schedule and pick-up/drop-off point in Heidelberg city centre will be announced here closer to the event.
Are there travel grants available?
Yes. Travel grants include a registration fee waiver and travel cost coverage of up to €1,000 for international participants and up to €400 for EU participants. Apply when submitting your abstract — financial support applications do not affect your registration outcome. See the EMBL financial assistance page for details.
Can I get a visa support letter?
We can issue a registration confirmation to support your visa procedure (this is not an official invitation letter). The confirmation is provided upon request after payment. We recommend booking your visa appointment as soon as possible. If your visa application is unsuccessful, your registration fee will be reimbursed upon proof.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please refer to the EMBL General Terms and Conditions. For urgent cases, contact phdsymposium2026.participants@embl.de.
What if I have specific accessibility needs?
We are committed to inclusivity. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at phdsymposium2026.participants@embl.de and we will do our best to accommodate you.
How can I contact the organisers?
For any general inquiries, reach out to phdsymposium2026.participants@embl.de.
Our Commitment

Code of Conduct

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and scientifically stimulating environment for all participants. Harassment, discrimination, or exclusionary behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Any concerns should be reported to the symposium committee via phdsymposium2026.participants@embl.de. All reports are treated with full confidentiality.