The EngBio Forum is a series of flagship events with prominent external speakers and excellent networking opportunities: a great opportunity to learn more about cutting edge synthetic and engineering biology.
The Engineering Biology Forums explore key tools for the future of engineering biology and biotechnology. Hosted by the Engineering Biology Interdisciplinary Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, the forums take place termly at the Old Divinity School, St John’s College or the McGrath Centre, St Catharine’s College.
The forums feature two keynote lectures and a discussion session. This is followed by a drinks reception and canapes. Some events also include a mini-fair of demonstrations, exhibitions and information showcasing scientific excellence from around the Cambridge engineering biology community.
EngBio Symposium and Forum - 21 May 2026
Welcome to the Engineering Biology Interdisciplinary Research Centre Symposium and Forum!
The afternoon symposium is our annual event showcasing Engineering Biology research in Cambridge. This year features a keynote talk by Dr Jake Harris (Department of Plant Sciences) on Programmable Plants, showing how engineering plant systems can help tackle big challenges like food security, sustainability, and climate resilience. We invite you to submit a poster to share your research and connect with others. Some posters—especially from early career researchers—will be selected for 15-minute talks based on abstract quality, topic balance, and speaker diversity. A prize for the best talk of up to £500 will be awarded to an early career scientist toward relevant conference registration and expenses.
At our evening Forum this term we are are spotlighting Metabolic Engineering—with speaker Professor Jay Keasling, UC Berkeley, USA. Metabolic engineering is a key area of modern engineering biology that’s driving progress in sustainable production, health, agriculture, and environmental solutions. The Forum brings together researchers from different areas to share ideas, swap perspectives, and explore how metabolic design is shaping the future of biological innovation.
Whether you’re new to Engineering Biology, presenting at our symposium, joining the discussion, or just coming along to learn and connect, we’re really looking forward to welcoming you to a lively and inspiring event.
Please Register here on Ticket Tailor
Symposium Poster Submission Guidelines
We encourage poster submissions as an opportunity to share research, network, and foster collaborations. Selected poster abstracts, particularly from early career researchers, will be considered for 15-minute short talks. Short talks will be selected based on abstract quality, topic balance, and speaker diversity. Please indicate on the form if you wish to be considered for a poster and/or a short talk.
A prize for the best talk of up to £500 will be awarded to an early career scientist toward relevant conference registration and expenses.
- Abstracts will be reviewed by the EngBio IRC ECR Committee.
- Abstracts should include the name and affiliation of all authors.
- Abstract body should be a maximum of 250 words.
- Themes include (but not limited to) Building with Biology, Biological Instrumentation and Tools, and Open and Impactful Research - more on themes
- Abstract submission implies a commitment from the presenting author to register for the event.
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Deadline for abstract submissions Friday 27 March
Past Events
Past speakers have included Nobel Prize winner Prof. Stefan Hell, Prof. Jim Collins, Prof. David Baker, Prof. Jennifer Lippencott-Schwartz and Prof. Mike Jewett. Topics have ranged from Programmable Cell Extracts to Super-Resolution Microscopy.
| EngBio Forum November 2016 held at the Old Divinity School, St. John’s College | EngBio Forum November 2023 held at the McGrath Centre, St. Catharine’s College |
| Biomaker exhibit at the EngBio Forum mini-fair February 2019 | ECR-Speaker Lunch November 2023 held in the Senior Combination Room, St. Catharine’s College |
