7–9 September 2026
Gene Regulation in Neural Fate Acquisition and Maintenance
Join Us
The brain represents the pinnacle of biological complexity, with its vast cellular diversity governed by precise gene-regulatory programs. Recent advances have revealed how transcription factors, chromatin remodeling, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs, and 3D genome architecture jointly orchestrate the specification and lifelong maintenance of neural cell types. In parallel, transformative technologies—including single-cell multi-omics, spatial profiling, brain organoids, and computational modeling—now allow these processes to be mapped at unprecedented resolution.
Our Conference on Gene Regulation in Neural Fate Acquisition and Maintenance will bring together confirmed global leaders and emerging scientists to share pioneering discoveries and define future directions in this rapidly advancing field. The program spans fundamental mechanisms of neural development to their misregulation in disease, emphasizing translational potential and technological innovation.
The meeting’s structure follows a logical narrative from chromatin dynamics and lineage specification through transcriptional control and 3D genome architecture, culminating in sessions on transcriptional dysregulation and therapeutic reprogramming. Short talks integrated within sessions, extended poster discussions, and ample networking opportunities will enhance visibility for early-career researchers and stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue.
Held in a collaborative and inclusive environment, with curated social events and a strong focus on emerging human model systems, this meeting will synthesize recent breakthroughs, foster new collaborations, and advance the international research community exploring how gene regulation builds—and preserves—the brain.
Organizers
Vijay Tiwari,
Institute of Molecular Medicine,
University of Southern Denmark, Odense
Victor Borrell
Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Alicante
Alicante
Angel Barco
Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Alicante
Alicante
Magdalena Götz
Institut für Stammzellenforschung,
Helmholtz Zentrum, München
Li-Huei Tsai
The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge MA
Speakers
Daan van Aalten
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology, Aarhus University
Angel Barco
Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Alicante
Carmen Birchmeier-Kohler
Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, (MDC), Berlin
Victor Borrell
Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Alicante
Boyan Bonev
Head of the Brain Epigenomics Research Unit (BEG), Helmholtz, Munich
Gonçalo Castelo-Branco
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Brittany Davis
Senior Editor, Nature Communications, USA
Ditte Demontis
Department of Biomedicine - Research and Education, Aarhus University, Aarhus
Fiona Doetsch
Biozentrum, Basel
Nuria Flames
Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Valencia
Daniel Geschwind
Geschwind Lab., University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Yukiko Gotoh
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of Tokyo, Tokyo
Magdalena Götz
Institut für Stammzellenforschung,
Helmholtz Zentrum, München
Oliver Hobert
Department of Biological Sciences,
Columbia University, New York
Jürgen Knoblich
Institute of Molecular Biotechnology,
Vienna
Daniel Lim
Dan Lim Lab,
University of California San Francisco,
San Francisco
Yingxi Lin
Department of Psychiatry,
UT Southwestern, Dallas
Gaia Novarino
Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg
Aleksandra Pekowska
Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warsaw
Ana Pombo
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD
Nikolaus Rajewsky
Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin
Xavier Salvatella
Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona
Holly Soares
Global Head of Neuroscience and Rare Disease Biomarkers, Roche, Basel
Hongjun Song
Perelman School of Medicine,
UPenn, Philadelphia PA
Vijay Tiwari
Institute of Molecular Medicine,
University of Southern Denmark, Odense
Christopher Walsh
Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA
Hongkui Zeng
Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle WA
Program Overview
This international conference will explore the gene regulatory mechanisms that control neural fate acquisition, maintenance, and dysfunction. It will bring together leading scientists to discuss how transcriptional and epigenetic programs orchestrate the remarkable diversity of cell types in the nervous system—and how their disruption contributes to brain disorders.
Spanning three days, the meeting will cover conceptual advances, emerging technologies, and translational perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of how multilayered regulatory mechanisms shape neural identity across development, evolution, and ageing. Participants will gain access to the latest findings, innovative tools, and open questions in this rapidly evolving field.
The conference will feature selected poster presentations selected by the organizing team.
Among these, the organizers will select a few suitable abstracts for a short oral presentation during the conference.
Please submit the title, authors, and abstracts of your posters below.
The deadline for poster applications is 15 July, 2026.
Abstracts will be judged on scientific value, originality, and quality.
Accepted applications will be notified via email.
Call for Poster Abstracts!
Sponsors
Gene Regulation in Neural Fate Acquisition and Maintenance is supported with great appreciation by:
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 event are now open. Do you want to join the conference as exhibitor and sponsor?
As a sponsor you will be able to network with the delegates and showcase your offerings in the exhibitor area.
Packages include booth space, exhibitor passes, logo and company bio in conference brochure, logo on signage in registration area, exhibition hall, stage banners and on photo wall.
Please contact us for more information through the button below:
Venue & Location Highlights
University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
We are pleased to host the 2026 Lundbeck Foundation Conference at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense Campus—an inspiring academic setting located in the heart of Denmark.
The SDU Odense Campus offers a uniquely professional yet welcoming setting—where worldclass science meets Scandinavian design and accessibility. Attendees can expect an engaging fourday program enriched by seamless logistics, inspiring architecture, and a memorable cultural experience.
Conference Venue
📍 O100 Auditorium – Main Lecture Hall
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Capacity: 180 participants — ideal for a focused, interactive neuroscience meeting.
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Features: tiered seating with excellent sightlines, integrated AV system, highdefinition projection, and livestreaming capability.
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Ambience: bright, acoustically optimized, and naturally lit—a perfect environment for scientific exchange.
🍽 Panoramaudsigten (The Panorama View)
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A beautiful, lightfilled space overlooking Odense’s green campus grounds.
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Ideal for informal receptions, buffets, or breakout discussions.
🧠 Campustorvet (Campus Square)
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A spacious indoor atrium that provides an excellent setting for poster sessions and networking moments.
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Easy access to the main lecture hall and catering areas encourages lively interaction between sessions.
Together, these locations offer a seamless transition between keynote lectures, interactive discussions, and informal networking—a hallmark of the SDU conference experience.
Connectivity and Travel Information
About Odense
Odense, Denmark’s thirdlargest city, combines historic charm with a vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere. It is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, and its compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
City Highlights:
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Hans Christian Andersen Museum – an architecturally stunning storytelling museum.
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Brandts Kunsthall – one of Scandinavia’s leading modern art museums.
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Odense Botanical Garden and picturesque Munke Mølle River Walks – perfect for evening relaxation.
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Cozy restaurants and cafés around the historic quarter serve authentic Danish and Nordic cuisine.
There is a large number of diverse hotels and lodgings available. This season will allow for affordable prices.
During the conference, the earlyautumn weather (midteens °C) provides pleasant conditions for outdoor gatherings and evening networking events.
Connectivity & Travel Information
Odense is centrally located on the island of Funen (Fyn) and is well connected by rail and road to all major Danish airports.
Airport Approx. Travel Time to Odense Transport Options
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) ~1 hr 30 min by direct train Regular intercity trains every 30 min from Terminal 3
Billund Airport (BLL) ~1 hr 45 min by bus / train via Vejle Shuttle buses (e.g., 777, 912X) connect directly to Odense Central Station
Aarhus Airport (AAR ~2 hr 45 min. Train or drive via the Great Belt Bridge
Hamburg Airport (DE) ~4 hr train / drive Convenient for attendees coming from northern Germany
Rail Connectivity
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Odense Central Station serves as Denmark’s main midcountry rail hub with direct intercity trains to Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Hamburg.
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From the station, the SDU Campus is just 15 minutes away by light rail, city bus or taxi.
Local Mobility
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Odense features Denmark’s newest lightrail system (Letbanen), cycling paths, and frequent bus routes connecting hotels, city centre, and campus.
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The city’s scale encourages an ecofriendly, walkable conference experience—with short transfers between lecture halls, restaurants, and cultural sites.
Why This Venue Works Perfectly
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Compact Flow: All meeting spaces are adjacent, minimizing transition time.
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Networking Environment: Panoramaudsigten + Campustorvet provide versatile spaces for interaction beyond the main hall.
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Easy International Access: Multiple nearby airports, direct train connections, and local lightrail ensure smooth travel.
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City Appeal: Odense blends top research infrastructure with relaxed Danish ambiance—ideal for fostering scientific creativity.
Have a stroll through the picturesque old town
Discover the 46 beaches and nature reserves
... and the Viking Museum
Have a stroll through the picturesque old town