UBC Life Sciences Symposium -

Life Sciences Symposium

Friday April 10, 2026

Registration is OPEN

Registration closes . . .

March 20th for Talk/Poster Abstracts

April 3rd for Attendees

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jay Shendure

Professor, Genome Sciences

University of Washington

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Title: Molecular recording of mammalian development

Abstract

Biology unfolds over time, within cells and tissues that are opaque to our eyes and instruments. Current molecular measurement paradigms are inherently limited: genomics is destructive and static, and imaging confined to a few channels in visually accessible systems. I will describe our efforts to develop an alternative—molecular recording—in which cells are programmed to write their own histories from within. I will focus on DNA Typewriter and ENGRAM, which record lineage and cellular state information into genomic DNA. Our long-term goal is to reframe phenotyping as an organism-wide, time-resolved measurement, capturing developmental statistics rather than static or tissue-restricted endpoints.

UBC Faculty Speaker

Dr. Freda Miller

Deputy Director, UBC Michael Smith Labs
Professor, Medical Genetics & SBME

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Title: Repair and Regeneration of Mammalian Tissues via Endogenous Stem Cells

Student Research

Student speakers account for the majority of programming at LSS, giving trainees the opportunity to share their research, engage with researchers from other disciplines, and establish new multi-disciplinary collaborations.

Dr. Rideout and Dr. Sullivan hosting a panel discussion on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the sciences

EDI Panel Discussion

Ask your questions or provide your perspective at our panel discussions of essential topics, such as practices for enhancing our engagement as researchers with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the sciences.

Skills Workshops

Participate in hands-on trainee-focused workshops on statistics or science outreach to develop skills you may use for your own manuscript or presentation preparations

Martin Krzywinksky presenting on graphical abstract design

Industry Engagement

Industry sponsors engage directly with potential users for their projects in lively poster sessions

Trainee Research

Discover options for presenting your research at Life Sciences Symposium 2026

Student researchers have multiple options to present at LSS 2026
Win prizes for best talk, best poster, or people’s choice
Abstract submissions will close March 20th for both posters and talks

Submit Abstracts HERE

Workshops

Explore curated, skills-centred workshops for LSS 2026

Talk to experts in science communication and outreach about how they get their message out in today’s evolving landscape
Develop skills through hands-on guided practice with statistics tools, guided by faculty from the department of stats
Learn and engage in conversation about equity, diversity, and inclusion in the sciences

See more about workshops