Astbury Conversation 2026
- Date: Monday 20 April 2026, 10:00 – 17:15
- Location: Esther Simpson Building
- Cost: Standard: £199, Reduced: £130, Late Registration (added fee): £40
The Astbury Conversation returns in 2026 with a bold new theme: Designing Biology.
On the 20 and 21 April the University of Leeds will once again host a global gathering for researchers and throught-leaders working at the forefront of structural and chemical biology, biophysics, and biotechnology.
With a theme of ‘Deisgning Biology’, this year’s event will shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of synthetic biology, with a chance to explore the technologies shaping the future of molecular science.
A unique opportunity to connect, network and share ideas with over 25- academics, researchers, students and businesses. You can expect lively discussion, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and to hear more about the ideas at the heart of driving molecular science forward.
The 2026 programme
There will be keynotes from internationally recognised leaders, including:
- Kerstin Göpfrich (Heidelberg University, Germany)
- Wendell Lim (University of California, San Francisco, USA)
- Stephen Mann FRS (University of Bristol, UK)
- George Burslem (University of Pennsylvania, USA)
- Bruno Correia (EPFL, Switzerland)
- Helen Walden (University of Glasgow, UK)
The conference will also feature contributed talks from submitted abstracts, poster sessions, flash presentations and networking opportunities.