AI Applications in Biology Symposium

Event Overview

The integration of artificial intelligence into biological research has transformed how we approach fundamental questions in the life sciences. From predicting protein structures to analyzing complex imaging data, machine learning methods are enabling discoveries at scales and speeds previously unimaginable. Recognized by the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for breakthrough achievements in protein structure prediction, AI has proven its power to accelerate scientific understanding. Yet significant opportunities remain to deepen connections between AI innovators and the biological research community, particularly in biophysics and quantitative biology.

The “AI Applications in Biology Symposium” will bring together researchers at the intersection of machine learning and biological discovery, showcasing cutting-edge approaches across structural biology, imaging analysis, single-molecule biophysics, and omics data integration. Deliberately scheduled to coincide with the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, this forum aims to create a dedicated space for researchers applying AI methods to biological problems – bringing together the computational community to share methodologies, discuss challenges, and explore innovations.

Across four thematic sessions, covering AI for cryo-EM and structural biology, single-molecule detection and tracking, image understanding, and omics data analysis, we will highlight both established frameworks and emerging approaches. Each session will feature invited leaders in the field alongside early-career researchers, fostering knowledge transfer and collaboration. A poster session will provide additional opportunities for participants to present their work and engage in detailed discussions.

This symposium is designed to spark new methodological insights, establish collaborative networks, and accelerate the development of AI tools tailored to biological challenges. Join us in shaping the future of computational biology!

Call for submissions: All attendees are invited to submit a brief abstract for consideration to give a 15-minute talk, or 1-minute poster pitch, and/or request a spot at the poster session. Early-career researchers are especially encouraged!

See below for important abstract submission and registration deadlines. There is no fee to attend.

Keynote Speakers

University of Copenhagen

Nikos Hatzakis, Ph.D.

Professor Nikos Hatzakis is a leading scientist at the University of Copenhagen whose lab pioneers quantitative single-molecule and single-cell biophysics, combining cutting-edge microscopy with machine learning to unmask dynamic molecular mechanisms in biology.

Hatzakis Lab

Seoul National University

Martin Steinegger, Ph.D.

Professor Martin Steinegger is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Seoul National University, where he leads a lab that designs ultra-fast, open-source computational tools (e.g. MMseqs2, Foldseek, ColabFold) for large-scale protein and genomic data analysis.

Steinegger Lab

AITHYRA

Xinyi Zhang, Ph.D.

Dr. Xinyi Zhang is an incoming Principal Investigator at AITHYRA in Vienna, who develops machine learning frameworks to integrate multimodal biological data, from spatial transcriptomics to chromatin imaging, uncovering cell states, tissue organization patterns, and disease mechanisms across neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

Xinyi Zhang Lab

Lead Organizers

Loïc Royer, Dr., Rer. Nat.

Sr. Group Leader & Director of Imaging AI, Biohub

Royer Group: Organismal Architecture

Teun Huijben, Ph.D.

Data Scientist, Biohub

Royer Group: Organismal Architecture

Scientific Advisors

Biohub

Jordão Bragantini

Biohub

Alex Hillsley

Biohub

Yang-Joon Kim

Biohub

Dari Kimanius

Program

ALL TIMES IN PACIFIC TIME

Call for Submissions & Key Dates

• All attendees are invited—and early-career researchers are especially encouraged—to submit a brief abstract for consideration to give a 15-minute talk or 1-minute poster pitch. Abstracts should be submitted by Tuesday, January 20, 2026 for full consideration.
• All attendees are welcome and encouraged to request a spot at the poster session. Poster requests will be accepted until general event registration closes or the poster session fills up, whichever comes first.
• Talk abstracts and poster requests can be submitted via the registration form (please note the deadlines above).
• General event registration will remain open until Thursday, February 12 or until capacity is reached and the waitlist is full, whichever comes first. Register early to ensure your spot in the event!

Location

Nearby Hotels