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.
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
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.
Travel Information
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.
By Train
Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof has extensive European connections. EMBL collaborates with Deutsche Bahn for discounted tickets — contact events@embl.de for details.
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.
Accommodation
Official EMBL Partner Accommodation
EMBL has two official partner accommodation options for visitors: Hotel ISG and the EMBL Guesthouse. Full details and booking information are available on the EMBL accommodation page.
EMBL Accommodation Page →Alternative Accommodation
A range of hotels, hostels, and other options are available in Heidelberg. The EMBL Course and Conference Office maintains a list of alternatives with transport information.
Alternative Accommodation Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the symposium?
The symposium is open to all scientists, but is primarily targeted at PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. Registration fees will be announced in TBA. EMBL predoctoral fellows attend free of charge. Travel grants are available for participants from low- and middle-income countries.
Can I submit an abstract for a poster or flash talk?
Yes! Abstract submission opens TBA. We encourage all participants to submit abstracts. Selected abstracts will be invited for 5-minute flash talks.
Will the symposium be hybrid or recorded?
The 28th edition will be primarily in-person to foster community and networking. Selected sessions may be live-streamed. All keynote talks will be recorded and made available to registered participants after the symposium.
What is the Code of Conduct?
The symposium follows the EMBL Code of Conduct, which promotes a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environment for all participants regardless of background, identity, or career stage. All participants are required to read and agree to the CoC upon registration.
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.