The 31th edition of the ICGEB Trieste Symposium took place on 9-10 June 2026.
From emerging scientific talent to established research leaders, the 31st ICGEB Annual Symposium celebrated the people and principles driving scientific excellence. The meeting highlighted the value of collaboration across disciplines and borders, and the importance of mentorship in nurturing future leaders.
Newcomers to the Symposium commented on the impressive amount of data behind the results presented, and the depth of investigation across different areas of research.
Alongside scientific presentations, participants strengthened their communication skills, gaining valuable experience in presenting their work to an international audience.
ICGEB PhD students and postdocs presented their research during the two-day Symposium, held in the Conference Room of AREA Science Park, in Trieste, Italy. A long-standing ICGEB tradition, the symposium takes place annually and was initiated by Dr. Francisco E. Baralle who was Director of the Trieste Component at the time.
“When you read the programmes of the past editions of the Symposium,” comments Dr. Emanuele Buratti, ICGEB Scientific Coordinator and Group leader, Molecular Pathology, “You can appreciate that this event has been featuring major topics and research in Biology and Biotech over decades”.
Each year, a scientific committee of ICGEB Group Leaders curates the programme and selects the abstracts to be presented. This year’s edition, curated by Natasa Skoko, Giovanni Sorrentino and Emanuele Buratti, included sessions covering Microbial Biotechnology, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, RNA-Based Strategies for Organ Targeting and Disease Monitoring, Molecular Diagnostics and Biotechnology Platforms, Viral Pathogenesis and Host Stress Responses, Advanced Therapeutics and Precision Oncology, and talks focusing on Tumour Microenvironment and Cellular Plasticity in Cancer.
The sessions are chaired by the PhD students and run over two days, culminating with the Symposium Party, organised to thank all the students, guests and staff for their efforts and commitment throughout the year.
