Canadian Conference on Circulating Biomarkers
About the Conference
The RI-MUHC Circulating Biomarkers of Health and Disease Research Network was established to advance research on circulating biomarkers across health and disease. The network brings together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and patient partners at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and beyond. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and translation through scientific meetings, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives. The 2026 Canadian Conference on Circulating Biomarkers (CCCB) represents the network’s inaugural national conference, marking a key milestone in building a coordinated Canadian community focused on circulating biomarker research and clinical implementation.
Venue
The conference will take place over two days and will be hosted across two venues in Montréal:
June 5th, 2026: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (900 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 4A5)
June 6th, 2026: RI-MUHC Cruess Auditorium (1001 Blvd Decarie, Block E, Montreal, Quebec, H4A, 3J1)
Registration
Early-Bird Registration fees (until April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM):
Students: $75
Scientists / Clinicians: $250
Industry: $1,000
Person with Lived and/or Living Experience: $0
Regular Registration fees (May 1, 2026 to May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM):
Students: $125
Scientists / Clinicians: $350
Industry: $1,500
Person with Lived and/or Living Experience: $0
Keynote Speakers
Join us to hear from distinguished leaders who are shaping the future of cancer research, translating discoveries into clinical impact, and highlighting the critical role of patients in guiding innovation.
Trevor Pugh, PhD is a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), where his research focuses on the application of genomics and computational biology to understand cancer development and progression. His work integrates large-scale sequencing data with clinical and molecular information to identify cancer drivers, improve tumor classification, and advance precision oncology approaches. Dr. Pugh is actively involved in national and international cancer genomics initiatives and is committed to translating genomic discoveries into clinically meaningful insights.
Alexander W. Wyatt, PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and a Research Scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. His research team studies the link between cancer (epi-)genomic alterations and clinical outcomes in people with aggressive prostate or bladder cancer. They have developed laboratory and computational techniques to characterize plasma ctDNA, and investigated 1000s of patient specimens from biobanks and clinical trials. Their work has revealed new prognostic and predictive biomarkers for guiding patient management and shed light on late-stage cancer evolution during treatment.
Conference at a Glance
This session will highlight current applications of circulating tumor DNA in oncology, with a focus on disease monitoring, treatment response, and early detection across cancer types.
This session will explore emerging applications of cell-free DNA beyond oncology, specifically in transplant settings to review novel biological insights enabled by cfDNA analysis.
This session will examine the integration of ctDNA into clinical trial design, emphasizing biomarker development, endpoint selection, and the role of ctDNA in evaluating therapeutic response.
Building on earlier discussions, this session will examine circulating biomarkers beyond cfDNA, such as extracellular vesicles and cfRNA, focusing on their biomarker properties, biological relevance, and how they complement existing liquid biopsy approaches.
This session will explore emerging applications of cell-free DNA beyond oncology in prenatal and maternal health and infectious disease, highlighting how cfDNA analysis is enabling new biological insights, improving noninvasive diagnostics, and informing clinical decision-making across these domains.
This session will focus on technological advances in cfDNA analysis, including sequencing strategies, bioinformatics approaches, and innovations that improve sensitivity, specificity, and scalability.
This session will address the challenges and opportunities involved in translating cfDNA technologies into clinical practice, including validation, standardization, regulatory considerations, and real-world implementation.
This session will offer trainees and early-career researchers an opportunity to learn from experienced investigators, ask questions, and gain practical insight into career development across academic and industry settings.
Meet the Speakers
Meet our invited speakers, a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and innovators who will share their expertise and perspectives across the scientific program.
The poster session will provide an interactive forum for researchers to present and discuss emerging findings, ongoing work, and innovative methodologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with presenters, fostering in-depth scientific exchange and collaboration across disciplines. The session is designed to encourage dialogue, feedback, and networking in an informal setting.
Poster presenters will also be eligible for awards recognizing exceptional work.
The Young Investigator Career Session is dedicated to supporting trainees and early-career researchers as they navigate academic and industry career pathways. This session will feature experienced speakers sharing insights on career development, funding strategies, mentorship, and transitioning between research environments. The goal is to provide practical guidance and create space for open discussion and questions.
The vendor show will showcase industry partners offering cutting-edge technologies, tools, and services relevant to the research community. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with vendors, explore new solutions, and discuss how emerging technologies can support their work. Dedicated time will be scheduled to encourage interaction between participants and exhibitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The conference is open to researchers, clinicians, trainees, industry representatives, and people with lived experience, including patients, caregivers, and advocates.
Head over to our registration page, and complete the online form. Select your ticket type, provide the required information, and submit payment to secure your spot.
The conference schedule is available on the website. It includes a detailed list of sessions, keynote speakers, and networking events. Each scientific session will open with a brief talk from a patient or patient partner, sharing their experiences and perspectives to set the stage for the day’s discussions. Check the schedule regularly for updates and changes.
Yes, discounted rooms are available at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. For any other questions regarding accommodations, please contact the event organizers: kyle.dickinson@mail.mcgill.ca.
Early-Bird Registration closes on May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM. After this date, registration rates will increase as follows:
Students: $125
Scientists / Clinicians: $350
Industry: $1,500
Our Sponsors
We are grateful to all of our sponsors who made this conference possible.
Platinum and Gold Sponsors
Location
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth - Espace 21
900 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest
Montréal, Québec
Canada, H3B 1X8
Dates
Registration period:
February 11, 2026 - 12:00 PM EST - June 1, 2026 - 5:00 PM EDT
Submission period:
February 1, 2026 - 12:00 AM EST - May 1, 2026 - 11:59 PM EDT
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact kyle.dickinson@mail.mcgill.ca
