Calendar of events, awards and opportunities

Every week, we update this list with new meetings, awards, scholarships and events to help you advance your career. If you’d like us to feature something that you’re offering to the bioscience community, email us with the subject line “For calendar.” ASBMB members’ offerings take priority, and we do not promote products/services. Learn how to advertise in ASBMB Today.

Jan. 7: Enroll in the ASBMB's Art of Science Communication winter 2024 course

The Art of Science Communication is an eight-week online course designed to provide you with fundamental training in science communication. Whether you're a professional scientist, educator or a scientist in training, the ASC course will equip you with the knowledge to effectively and confidently present your science to nonexpert audiences in formal and informal settings. The course delves into the essential elements of crafting a compelling presentation through instructional videos, background material, live online discussions and peer-to-peer mentoring. The course starts Jan. 22 and concludes on March 15. Space is limited. You now have until Jan. 7 to reserve your spot.

Jan. 10: Air Force program application deadline

The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program is administered by Universities Space Research Association with the goal of "strengthening the science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce pipeline." Undergraduate- and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees and upper-level high school students are invited to apply for the AFRL Scholars Program. Selected students will participate in paid internship opportunities and "gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology and are able to contribute to unique, research-based projects." Learn more.

Jan. 10: Opentrons Labworks, Inc. webinar on automating nucleic acid extraction on the Opentrons Flex

The Opentrons Flex Nucleic Acid Extraction Workstation is a "benchtop liquid handler with up to 96-sample throughput." At 12 p.m. Eastern on Jan. 10, Opentrons Labworks, Inc. is hosting a webinar about automating nucleic acid extraction, the workstation, and "how to change deck layout, swap a pipette and perform autocalibration." Learn more.

Jan. 15: Nominate yourself to speak at #DiscoverBMB 2025 in Chicago

Discover BMB is the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The 2025 meeting will be held in Chicago, and we're calling on ASBMB members to help shape the programming. Self-nominate yourself today for a speaking slot! This is your chance to let the organizing committee know about your research. Applicants must be regular, industry or early-career members of the ASBMB. To apply, briefly describe (2,000 characters or fewer) your recent work as it relates to one of the 2025 themes. See the themes and apply. Learn more about the call for self-nominations.

Jan. 15: Congressional policy fellowship application deadline

The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy is partnering with the American Association for the Advancement of Science to host a one-year policy fellowship on Capitol Hill. "Fellows will provide high-quality, science-based, independent guidance to federal policy makers and elevate awareness of the society among policymaking circles." Learn more.

Jan. 16: IUBMB Trainee Initiative webinar about mental health in academia

At 12 p.m. Eastern on Jan. 16, the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Trainee Initiative is hosting webinar titled "Addressing mental health in research — from scientists for scientists." The online event and panel discussion will feature mental health experts and scientists sharing their experiences. It will cover strategies to manage mental health crises and offer inspiration through personal stories of triumph over adversity. Speakers include Madeline McGhee, a laboratory techician at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Alexander Tsai, a psychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Follow the IUBMB Trainee Initiative on Instagram, @iubmb_trainee, for more speaker announcements. Learn more and register.

Jan. 16: GEN webinar on improved AAV capsid purification via high-resolution chromatography

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is hosting a webinar titled "Improved AAV capsid purification via high-resolution chromatography" at 11 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 16. During the webinar, Aleš Štrancar of Sartorius BIA Separations will "discuss various chromatographic methods to consistently separate empty, partial, and full capsids in large-scale AAV manufacturing." Learn more.

Jan. 17: ASBMB webinar on effective negotiation for women scientists

Negotiations occur every day in the scientific laboratory and workplace and often involve issues that are key to research success and career advancement. This workshop, co-sponsored by the ASBMB Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee and the Committee on the Advancement of Women Chemists, teaches the fundamentals of negotiation relevant to a variety of one-on-one conversations and group settings. Topics include:

• negotiation to advance research and career objectives,
• identification of negotiables for research and career advancement,
• elements of a successful negotiation,
• developing alternatives to an agreement,
• techniques for handling difficult people and conversations,
• listening and appreciating different viewpoints, and
• identification of short- and long-term negotiation goals.

Space is limited so register promptly. Learn more.

Jan. 17: FASEB webinar about creating a quality data-management plan

At 1 p.m. Eastern on Jan. 17, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology is hosting a webinar about how to create a quality data-management plan for your next National Institutes of Health grant. The webinar will review policy requirements for plans and provide step-by-step guidance. Learn more.

Jan. 18: Last call for abstracts for #DiscoverBMB 2024 in San Antonio

Discover BMB is the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The 2024 meeting will be held in San Antonio, and we're now accepting late-breaking abstracts for poster presentations. When you present your research at #DiscoverBMB, you get the recognition and constructive feedback that you need to make your work even better. The meeting will be held March 23–26 in San Antonio, Texas. See the abstract categories and submit your late-breaking abstract.

Jan. 23: ASBMB webinar on exploring careers in government

Are you a scientist curious about how your expertise can contribute to the greater good? This webinar will help you understand the broad range of government roles beyond what you might ordinarily think of as public sector. From research and innovation to policy development and implementation, the government offers a vast array of avenues for scientists to apply their skills and knowledge. Unlock the door to a world of possibilities as we discuss government careers in the sciences and explore the diverse opportunities available for scientists looking to make a meaningful impact on society. This event is sponsored by the ASBMB Education and Professional Development Committee Graduate/Postdoctoral Subcommittee. Learn more and register for free.

Jan. 24: ASBMB webinar on Department of Energy funding and training

Join the ASBMB public affairs department for its monthly "Finding the funds" webinar connecting ASBMB members with the unique funding opportunities that are available to them as BMB scientists. In this edition, Gail McLean of the Department of Energy Office of Science will present on DOE funding priorities, award opportunities and training grants. Learn more.

Jan. 24: GEN webinar on the state of cell and gene therapy

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is hosting a virtual event on Jan. 24 about the state of cell and gene therapy. Speakers from industry and academia will "discuss the latest research developments, innovations, and disruptive technologies that are impacting patients’ lives today and will spur cell and gene therapies to bigger and better things tomorrow." Learn more.

Jan. 26: Enter Science's "Dance Your Ph.D. Contest"

Science's "Dance Your Ph.D. Contest" is now accepting entries! In this competition, scientists are invited to explain their research through dance. Here are the steps to enter, from Science Magazine's LinkedIn:

1. Turn your Ph.D. thesis into a dance.
2. Post the video on YouTube.
3. Submit the link by Jan. 26.

There are three prizes. The first two categories come with $750 prizes and are "physics, biology, chemistry and social science" and "AI/quantum." The top prize, for "Dance Champ," is $2,000. Learn more.

Jan. 30: Webinar on NMR spectroscopy in RNA drug discovery

This webinar hosted by Bruker will "overview the versatile roles of NMR spectroscopy in RNA drug discovery for providing the structural basis for the rational drug design. Advanced techniques for simplifying crowded spectra of large RNAs will be discussed." Learn more.

Jan. 31: FASEB Catalyst Conference on liquid–liquid phase separation and inclusions of TDP-43

FASEB's Catalyst Conferences are "short, virtual meetings that are intended to help foster communities in emerging areas of biology." This is the first Catalyst Conference of 2024, and it "will bring together scientists to discuss on the many unresolved and still debated issues on TDP-43 structure, biology, misbehavior and involvement in diseases." Learn more.

Feb. 2: CPHMS webinar on single-cell transcriptomics of oral cancer

The Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems (CPHMS) is hosting a webinar on how single-cell transcriptomics can help researchers untangle the intricacies of oral cancer. At 4 p.m. Indian Standard Time (5:30 a.m. Eastern Time) on Feb. 2, Arindam Maitra at the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, West Bengal will share about his research on gingiva-buccal oral cancer. Learn more.

Feb. 5: 2024 Lasker Awards nomination deadline

The Lasker Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2024 Lasker Awards in biomedical research and advocacy. Prize categories include: Basic Medical Research, Clinical Medical Research and Public Service. Winners will receive a $250,000 honorarium. "Since 1945, the Lasker Foundation has conferred more than 410 awards, which recognize the contributions of scientists, physicians, and public citizens who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of human disease." Learn more.

Feb. 14: FASEB webinar about best practices for preparing datasets

At 1 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 14,  FASEB is hosting a webinar titled "5 reasons we can't publish your dataset." This virtual conversation will cover "best practices for preparing datasets and how to avoid common mistakes," plus "some of the most common reasons data is sent back to authors" to help attendees ensure their dataset is published rapidly and smoothly. Learn more.

Feb. 16: NIH Summer Internship Program deadline

The NIH's Summer Internship Program is "an opportunity for students in college, graduate, and professional school to perform a summer research internship in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH." Interns work with a principal investigator and research opportunities include: "biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences with opportunities to explore basic, translational and clinical research." There will be a Q&A webinar at 3 p.m. Eastern on Jan. 4. Learn more.

March 1: FDA's Rare Disease Day public meeting

In observance of Rare Disease Week, the Food & Drug Administration will host a virtual public meeting on March 1 from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern. Topics that will be covered during panel discussions include "the legal framework for approving studies and medical products at FDA, what FDA does during review processes to approve medical products, decentralized clinical trials and digital health technologies" and more. As stated in the event description, "stakeholders are invited to provide their perspectives on the discussion questions through the public docket." Learn more.

March 15–16: National Postdoctoral Association conference

The 2024 National Postdoctoral Conference will be held in Seattle. It is "the largest national conference and networking event dedicated to the postdoctoral community " during which attendees will have the "opportunity to gather and enhance their professional development and leadership skills." Learn more.

March 23–26: See you at #DiscoverBMB in San Antonio

#DiscoverBMB is the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. With a mission to share the latest, most impactful research findings in the molecular life sciences, #DiscoverBMB offers an exciting agenda that includes talks by the field's foremost experts, interactive workshops on the latest trends, technologies and techniques, and an invigorating exhibition of posters, services and products. The meeting attracts researchers in academia and industry, educators, trainees and students from across the globe. It offers unparalleled opportunities for collaborating, networking and recruiting. See the symposia themes and organizers.  Learn more.

April 5: Scientist Mentoring & Diversity Program Biotech and MedTech application deadline

The Scientist Mentoring & Diversity Program is a one-year career mentoring program that pairs ethnically diverse students (undergraduate juniors and seniors, baccalaureate, master's or Ph.D.), postdocs and early-career researchers with industry mentors "who work at companies in the medical technology, biotechnology and consumer healthcare industries." Scholars will attend a five-day training session "to learn about career opportunities in industry and receive career development coaching. They also attend a major industry conference." Learn more.

Sept. 26–30, 2024: ASBMB's transcriptional regulation meeting

The fields of transcription biochemistry and molecular biology have become one with chromatin biology and epigenetics with extensive cross-talk. RNA polymerase II and its transcription machinery play an essential role in the modification and remodeling of chromatin, and chromatin regulates gene expression in both normal and pathological conditions. With recent innovations and technological advances in clinical and preclinical research, personalized medicine is becoming a reality, in part because of advances in our understanding of RNA polymerase II. Many established and new investigators have taken on the challenge of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of gene expression by RNA polymerase II in the context of chromatin. The community is highly dynamic and multi-disciplinary, with an ever-changing set of focal areas that establish new paradigms and new ways of thinking about the topic. Even after decades of study, this research area continues to advance, reveal new concepts, and bolsters almost every other area of biology. Learn more.

Jan. 21–24, 2025: ASBMB Deuel Conference on Lipids

The 2025 Deuel conference will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, Calif. It is a must-attend event for leading lipids investigators — and for scientists who’ve just begun to explore the role of lipids in their research programs. This event will bring together a diverse array of people including those who have not attended Deuel or perhaps any lipid meeting before. The conference is a forum for the presentation of new and unpublished data, and attendees enjoy the informal atmosphere that encourages free and open discussion. Interested scientists are invited to attend and encourage trainees to submit abstracts. Learn more.

Aug. 17–21, 2025: The 15th international symposium on proteomics in the life sciences

This five-day symposium, held at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, Mass., will be an international forum for discussion of the remarkable advances in cell and human protein biology revealed by ever-more-innovative and powerful proteomics technologies. Formerly known as the "International symposium on mass spectrometry in the health and life sciences," the meeting has been renamed to reflect the growing number of partial and non-mass spectrometry–based methods under discussion.

The symposium will juxtapose sessions about methodological advances with sessions about the roles those advances play in solving problems and seizing opportunities to understand the composition, dynamics and function of cellular machinery in numerous biological contexts. In addition to celebrating these successes, we also intend to articulate urgent, unmet needs and unsolved problems that will drive the field in the future. In addition to talks by invited plenary and session speakers, short talks will be selected from submitted abstracts. See the program of our previous meeting.

Themes:

• Sunday minisymposium — Biofluid proteomics: discovery to clinic
• Emerging technologies: Sample preparation and automation
• Emerging technologies: Instrumentation and data generation
• Emerging technologies: Single cell and spatial proteomics
• Proteomics in structural biology and integration with other high resolution methods
• Interactomics: Understanding pathways, networks and molecular machines
• Chemical biology and chemoproteomics: Toward functional understanding of drugs and their targets
• Cell, organellar and tissue biology: Signaling, cross talk and communication
• Impact of clinical and translational proteomics in human health and treatment
• Multiomics integrative analysis and the emerging roles of machine learning and neural models

Registration and abstract-submission information will be available in late 2024. Learn more and sign up for email updates to stay informed.

Year-round: Van Andel Institute postdoc preview applications

Van Andel Institute offers sernior graduate students who are exploring postdoc options the opportunity to visit VAI to learn about its postdoctoral training positions. Applications are accepted year-round, and participants will meet one-on-one with faculty and explore VAI's scientific resources. There is no cost to attend for selected applicants. Learn more.

Year-round: HHMI Janelia Visiting Scientist Program applications

Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and established senior investigators are all invited to participate in Janelia's Visiting Scientist Program. Janelia accepts visitor proposals on a continuous basis. Since 2007, more than 410 visiting scientists from 23 countries have participated in the program. Learn more.