Cell Bio 2026, the joint meeting of ASCB and EMBO, will bring the global cell biology community together in San Diego, CA, from December 12–15, 2026. With an outstanding scientific program taking shape and new opportunities to submit your latest research, now is the perfect time to start planning your participation.

Abstract Submission Deadline Extended

We understand how challenging the accelerated abstract submission deadline of June 9 was for many members of our community. To provide additional flexibility, the deadline for talk and poster abstract submissions has been extended.

Researchers who submitted abstracts by the original June 9 deadline will receive early review and consideration, with acceptance notifications beginning in July. Early accepted abstracts will also be included in the preliminary program released this summer. In recognition that research continues to evolve, authors accepted through the early review process will have an opportunity to update their abstracts later this fall.

Key Deadlines to Know

• July 22, 2026 – Registration and Housing open.
• August 1, 2026 – Travel Grant Submissions open.
• August 4, 2026 – Extended talk and poster abstract submission deadline. Submission rates increase after this date.
• August 31, 2026 – Travel Grant Submissions Deadline.
• September 14, 2026 – Final talk and poster abstract submission deadline.
• September 30, 2026 – Early registration discounts end.

Whether you are presenting a major new discovery, seeking feedback on ongoing work, or looking to connect with colleagues across disciplines, Cell Bio provides an ideal venue to share your science.

Explore the Scientific Sessions

The full lineup of scientific sessions is now available online. Organized by ASCB and EMBO scientific leaders, the program spans the breadth of modern cell biology and highlights emerging areas driving innovation across the field.

Attendees can explore sessions covering topics including cellular organization, intracellular dynamics, development, disease mechanisms, quantitative biology, imaging technologies, mechanobiology, artificial intelligence, and much more. Reviewing the scientific sessions now can help attendees identify programming aligned with their interests and plan abstract submissions.

Meet the Keynote Lecturers

Cell Bio 2026 will feature keynote presentations from four internationally recognized scientists whose work is advancing our understanding of cells and living systems:

• Elaine Fuchs, Rebecca C. Lancefield Professor and Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Liqun Luo, Ann and Bill Swindells Professor and Professor, by courtesy, of Neurobiology
• Ramanujan Hegde, Programme Leader and Head of the Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
• Elly Tanaka, Adjunct Investigator at the IMP and Scientific Director, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)

The meeting will open on Saturday with keynote presentations from Elaine Fuchs and Liqun Luo and conclude on Tuesday with talks from Ramanujan Hegde and Elly Tanaka, providing an inspiring start and finish to the meeting.

Distinguished Symposia Speakers

The Cell Bio 2026 symposia program features an exceptional group of scientists representing institutions from around the world. Sessions will highlight cutting-edge discoveries and emerging technologies across the field, with speakers including Shirin Bahmanyar, Sue Biggins, Jez Carlton, Elizabeth Chen, Aaron DiAntonio, Ilya Levental, Binyam Mogessie, Leon Murphy, Karen Oegema, Lena Pernas, Karin Reinsch, Erik Sahai, Melina Schuh, Elçin Ünal, and Valerie Weaver.

Start Planning for Cell Bio 2026

From groundbreaking science and career development opportunities to networking and community-building events, Cell Bio 2026 offers something for scientists at every career stage. Be sure to explore the scientific sessions, mark the upcoming deadlines on your calendar, and make plans to join the cell biology community in San Diego this December.