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.

Aug. 31: SMBE travel award deadline

The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution is hosting a meeting on de novo gene birth Nov. 6-9. The meeting will "provide a synthesis of the current knowledge of de novo gene evolution and function," "promote novel opportunities for collaboration among investigators from different fields," and more. Applications for travel grants will be accepted through Aug. 31. Learn more.

Sept. 6: Fellowship for computational scientists and immunologists

This American Association of Immunologists fellowship program is intended to improve understanding and communication between immunology researchers and computational scientists by affording an opportunity to train in each other’s discipline. A priincipal investigator may apply for a fellowship to support a postdoctoral fellow trained in basic bench research to undertake one year of training in computational science or a postdoctoral fellow trained in computational science to spend one year in an immunology research lab to learn basic immunological principles and laboratory techniques. Reciprocal six-month exchanges between labs will also be considered. Learn more.

Sept. 6: AAI career reentry fellowship deadline

The American Association of Immunologists' Fellowship Program for Career Reentry provides support for immunologists to reenter the workforce after a lapse of research or research training due to medical leave or family circumstances. This fellowship program will provide one year of salary support to postdoctoral trainees who have taken a leave of absence of one year or more for family-related issues, medical absences or military obligations. These reasons primarily include recovering from a serious illness; caring for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious illness or injury; providing elder or child care; or relocating due to a spousal career transition. The fellowship does not pay fringe benefits or other indirect costs to the institution. Learn more.

Sept. 7: Abstracts due for ASBMB serine proteases virtual conference

This ASBMB virtual conference will focus on membrane-anchored serine proteases and other serine proteases with restricted activities in the pericellular environment relevant to cellular signaling, behavior and protease activity in human disease. The conference provides an accessible forum for researchers to present their latest findings and technologies and to facilitate idea exchange, networking and building scientific collaborations. The conference was founded on the principle of providing an intimate venue for junior investigators — especially postdocs and graduate students — to meet with experts in the field from academia and industry to build interactions crucial to future career development. Submit an abstract to present your work by Sept. 7. Learn more.

Sept. 13: Van Andel lecture on transforming K–12 education

Van Andel Institute is hosting a lecture on Sept. 13 titled "Classrooms reimagined: How VAI is preparing the next generation of scientists." It is a hybrid event during which Terra Tarango, VAI's education director and education officer, will talk about "how VAI is transforming teaching and learning in K–12 classrooms across the country." Learn more.

Sept. 13: The State of Biotech, a free virtual event

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is hosting its second annual State of Biotech virtual event, which "brings together a host of luminaries from industry and academia to discuss the latest research developments, innovations, and disruptive technologies that will spur biotech forward to bigger and better things." Speakers include Carolyn Bertozzi, and the event will feature panel discussions on the state of CRISPR/genome editing and cell therapy, roundtables on the state of synbio and mRNA therapeutics, a conversation on biotech business trends, breakout sessions and more. There will also be networking opportunities. Learn more.

Sept. 19: Beyond R&D: Exploring career paths in industry

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries offer diverse and rewarding careers in scientific innovation, healthcare advancement and the development of lifesaving medications. From research scientists to sales representatives, professionals contribute to groundbreaking therapies. Whether in drug development, research, quality control or marketing, these careers make a global impact on health while embracing professional growth and continuous learning. ASBMB members are invited to a free webinar titled "Beyond R&D: Exploring career paths in industry" at 3 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 18. See the speakers and register.

Sept. 19: NINDS webinar titled: "Life Trajectories to NIH (“Los Caminos de la Vida” a NIH) with Hispanic or Latin/LatinX ambassadors and allies to NINDS (H.O.L.A. NINDS)"

This webinar, hosted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, will take place at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 19. It is part of NINDS' Open Stage webinar series. During this webinar, "current Hispanic or Latin/LatinX NIH employees will share their career trajectories, to shed light on the multitude of career paths that exist for scientists with similar backgrounds to attain a temporary or permanent position at NIH." Learn more.

Sept. 27: Chemical biology in lipid signaling and metabolism

The ASBMB Lipid Research Division Seminar Series, which features monthly presentations from young researchers highlighting their recent work in the filed of lipids, returns on Sept. 27 with "Chemical biology in lipid signaling and metabolism," organized by Ray Blind of Vanderbilt University. Talks will be:

• "A phosphorylation-controlled switch confers cell cycle-dependent protein relocalization" by Xiaofu Cao, Cornell University.
• "Biological C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling: An extreme strategy to form the phospholipid monolayer membrane" by Cody Lloyd, Pennsylvania State University. 

Attention LRD members: Starting this fall, ASBMB membership will be required to continue as a member of the LRD. Also, while free access to the LRD webinars will continue through the end of the year, access will be limited to ASBMB members as of Jan. 1. Become an ASBMB member.  Learn more about the seminar series.

Sept. 28: ASBMB webinar on competitive academic portfolios

At 3 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 28, join our webinar for undergraduates aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree. Discover the secrets that will help you stand out from the competition. Learn how to maintain a stellar GPA, excel in standardized exams and secure impactful letters of recommendation. Craft a compelling personal statement and polish your CV/résumé to showcase your potential. Get expert advice on cultivating meaningful relationships with mentors and professors. r in biomedical sciences. Learn more.

Oct. 1: 2024 Canada Gairdner International and Global Health Awards nomination deadline

Nominations for the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award and the Canada Gairdner International Award are due at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on Oct. 1. Five international awards are presented annually to "outstanding biomedical scientists who have made original contributions resulting in an increased understanding of human biology and disease." One health award will recognize "scientifically based research that has improved the health and well-being of those facing health inequities worldwide." Learn more.

Oct. 4: DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships application deadline

The U.S. Department of Energy is accepting applications for its Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships. Through this paid internship opportunity, undergraduate students who are ready to use their major in a science, technology, engineering and mathfield or science policy will be mentored by a leading science expert at one of the 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities. Learn more.

Oct. 16: Deadline to apply for the Mirzayan Fellowship

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine is accepting applications for the 2024 Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program. Current graduate students or recent graduates who are interested in exploring career options outside of academia or industry are invited to apply. Fellows will spend 12 weeks in Washington, D.C., work with a National Academies board and mentor from their assigned host unit. They'll also learn about science and technology policy and have the opportunity to network with experts. There is an informational webinar at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 6. Learn more.

Oct. 19: ASBMB webinar on teaching enzymology with PDB

RCSB Protein Data Bank is a rich open-access resource for introducing many aspects of protein structure and function into biochemistry courses. In addition to containing more than 200,000 biomacromolecule 3D structures, it also hosts PDB-101 training materials, the Molecule of the Month series and additional resources for exploring enzyme structure–function relationships. At 2 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 19, speakers will demonstrate how to use new RCSB.org tools and share hands-on learning exercises. Participants will learn to use PDB resources to create graphically rich, deeply annotated and engaging lessons about enzyme function for their upper-division undergraduate and graduate students and even administrators or funding agencies. Learn more.

Oct. 23: Cardiovascular–renal research symposium

The Cardiovascular–Renal Research Center at The University of Mississippi Medical Center is hosting a research symposium Oct. 23 for graduate students. Apply to present a talk and secure a travel award.

Nov. 1: Save the date for the ASBMB Virtual Career Expo

The ASBMB Career Expo highlights the diversity of career choices available to modern biomedical researchers. No matter your career stage, this virtual event will provide a plethora of career options for you to explore and connect you with knowledgeable professionals in these careers. Each 60-minute session will focus on a different career path and will feature breakout rooms with a range of professionals in those paths. Attendees can choose to meet in a small group with a single professional for the entire session or move freely between breakout rooms to sample advice from multiple professionals. Sessions will feature the following five sectors: government, science communication, science and health policy, pharma and biotech. Learn more.

Nov. 1: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows application deadline

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows program "seeks outstanding mid-career health professionals, behavioral/social scientists, and others with an interest in health and health policy." During the fellowship, which requires a full-time commitment with a minimum 12-month residence in Washington, D.C., fellows are placed with members of Congress, a congressional committee, or in the executive branch. The experience "prepares individuals to influence the future of health and health care in the nation." Learn more.

Nov. 1: HHMI Janelia's Group Leader Competition application deadline

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus is seeking outstanding scientists, late-stage graduate students, postdoctoral associates or early-career faculty members to apply for its Group Leader Competition. Researchers who are "enthusiastic about taking charge of a small lab within an inspiring and collaborative environment" and interested in conducting research in one or more of the program's outlined scientific areas, which include building blocks of cognition through flies and fish and machine learning, are invited to apply. Learn more.

March 23–26: Save the date for #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.

Sept. 26–30, 2024: Save the date for 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.

Early 2025: Save the date for the ASBMB Deuel Conference on Lipids

The Deuel conference will resume in 2025. 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.

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.

IUBMB MilliporeSigma fellowship

The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology welcomes applications year-round for its MilliporeSigma Virtual Meetings and Courses Fellowships. Grad students and postdocs from countries that are associate or full members of the IUBMB may apply for funding to present their work at virtual events in the IUBMB region. Learn how to apply.

IUBMB relocation support for displaced trainees

The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is offering $2,000 to graduate students and postdocs displaced from their labs as a result of natural disaster, war or "other events beyond their control that interrupt their training." The money is for travel and settling in. Learn more and spread the word to those who could use assistance.