Conference Description
The Biocatalysis GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
The 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Biocatalysis will bring together world-leading scientists from academia and industry to explore the forefront of biocatalysis research. This edition will spotlight transformative advances in enzyme discovery, engineering, and application, driven by the convergence of natural biodiversity, synthetic biology, scientific creativity, and data-powered design. Sessions will emphasize new strategies for uncovering elusive enzyme activities, reprogramming enzyme function for synthetic utility, and integrating mechanistic insights with computational tools to enable new functions. From emerging enzyme sources to de novo design, and from fundamental understanding to real-world applications, this conference will serve as an interdisciplinary forum and catalyze discussion across academia and industry on redefining the role of enzymes in future-oriented chemical synthesis. In addition to lectures from world-leading experts, the program will feature an Emerging Investigators session, as well as flash talks selected from poster abstracts, to promote broad participation and discussion. True to the spirit of the Gordon Research Conferences, the Biocatalysis GRC fosters an open, welcoming, and collegial environment. With its unique format, informal setting, and focus on cutting-edge science, this meeting offers exceptional opportunities for in-depth exchange, new collaborations, and community-building across career stages and sectors.
The topics, speakers, and discussion leaders for the conference sessions are displayed below. The conference chair is currently developing their detailed program, which will include the complete meeting schedule, as well as the talk titles for all speakers. The detailed program will be available by March 14, 2026. Please check back for updates.
Keynote Session: Reflecting on Three Decades of Advancements in the Life Sciences that Shaped Modern Biocatalysis
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Solving Chemistry Challenges with Novel Reactions
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Blending Wet-Lab and Computation to Leverage Enzyme Catalysis
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De Novo Enzyme Design: The Hype, the Hope and Real-World Impact
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Designing the Next Generation of Biocatalysts
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Accelerating Biocatalysis Through Technology
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Synthetic Biology Without Limits
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Exploring Nature’s Hidden Catalysts
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Emerging Investigators in the Interdisciplinary Field of Biocatalysis
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