EMBO Young Scientists’ Forum (EYSF) 2026
Your next collaboration could start here
Good science needs more than data. It needs people willing to ask questions, challenge ideas and look beyond the boundaries of their own field. The EMBO Young Scientists’ Forum (EYSF) creates space for exactly that. PhD students and postdoctoral researchers come together to present their work, hear how others approach similar problems and meet scientists they might not encounter at their own institutions.
Where young life scientists meet, share and shape what comes next
The EMBO Young Scientists’ Forum (EYSF) brings together PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from across Europe to share their work, discover ideas beyond their own fields and build new collaborations.
Alongside an interdisciplinary scientific programme, the Forum gives early-career researchers the opportunity to meet invited research leaders, ask questions and continue the conversation outside the formal sessions. Each year, this international community gathers in a different European city within EMBO’s network.
For researchers from Croatia and the wider region, EYSF 2026 is a unique opportunity to connect with the European life-science community closer to home. It is a place to make your research more visible, receive direct feedback and meet people who could become future collaborators.
EYSF comes to Dubrovnik
This year’s Forum is organised by EMBO Installation Grantees Damir Baranašić, Jelena Bujan and Jelena Godrijan from the Ruđer Bošković Institute, and Marko Šestan from the University of Rijeka School of Medicine.
Together, they are bringing EYSF back to Croatia—and to Dubrovnik for the first time.
Scientific programme
The programme will explore four areas of the life sciences:
Computational Genomics—from Cell Fate to Genome Function
The Immune System and Its Impact on Health
Adaptation and Global Change
Protists—Unconventional Models at the Frontiers of Cell Biology
Poster sessions will give young researchers the opportunity to present their own work to an interdisciplinary audience, exchange ideas and receive useful feedback.
The programme will also include workshops and plenary talks addressing topics that shape scientific careers today, including women in science, the responsible use of AI in research, open science, mental health and career development.
Science by the Adriatic
Framed by the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town and centuries-old stone walls offer an unforgettable setting for EYSF 2026.
When the day’s sessions end, the conversations do not have to. Explore the city with fellow researchers, continue a discussion with an invited speaker or exchange ideas over coffee in a more relaxed setting.
Come for the science. Leave with new perspectives, valuable connections and lasting memories of Dubrovnik.
We look forward to welcoming you to the pearl of the Adriatic!
The EYSF 2026 Organising Team
Registration is open
The regular registration deadline is 30 September 2026. Participation is limited to 200 attendees, so we recommend securing your place early.
Early bird registration deadline: 15 July 2026 - EXTENDED UNTIL 26 July 2026
Students/postdocs (early bird) = 125 EUR
Students/postdocs (regular) = 200 EUR
Academic (early bird) = 250 EUR
Academic (regular) = 350 EUR
Industry (early bird) = 400 EUR
Industry (regular) = 500 EUR
Early-bird registration closed on 26 July 2026. Regular registration fees now apply.
Participants who wish to present a poster should deliver an abstract upon registration. There will be no selection procedure for posters. Poster topics may come from any area of life sciences. Please note that it is not mandatory to present a poster, you can attend the conference even if you only want to network.
Ready to bring your research to Dubrovnik?
Join early-career life scientists from across Europe for three days of research, new perspectives and valuable connections.
We look forward to welcoming you to EYSF 2026!
Organised by
Location
Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel
17 Šetalište dr. Franje Tuđmana
Srebreno, Dubrovačko-neretvanska županija
Croatia, 20207
Dates
Registration period:
April 27, 2026 - 7:00 AM CEST - September 30, 2026 - 11:59 PM CEST
Submission period:
April 27, 2026 - 7:00 AM CEST - September 30, 2026 - 11:59 PM CEST
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact events@irbinstitute.com