Associations

NBC26, ECB 2026 and NWO LIFE

9 March, 2026

Here you will find the latest news from the NBV: a save the date for NBC26 and ECB 2026, and the NBV’s presence at NWO LIFE.

Save the date for NBC26!

Mark 22 September 2026 in your diary for NBC 2026 at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht! Keep an eye on the website nbc.kncv.nl for information on submitting abstracts and nominations for the silver hourglass – this time in the education category. We look forward to your contributions and hope to see you in Utrecht later this year!

Stephanie Rensink

NBV at NWO LIFE

During the annual conference for life scientists, NWO Life, a focus session proposed by the NBV will be organised, entitled: Biotech Horizons: Fundamental Science Meets Global Impact. NWO Life will take place on 28–29 May 2026 in Egmond aan Zee.

Biotechnology is a rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field in which artificial intelligence, engineering, technology, genetics, and biology converge to address complex challenges in the areas of health, food security, and sustainability. The combination of these technologies leads to promising scientific discoveries, the creation of new industries, and economic and societal progress.

The focus session will feature speakers from both academia and industry to foster dialogue and illustrate the impact of biotechnology. The session will be chaired by YoungNBV member Stephanie Rensink.

For more information, visit nwolife.nl

ECB 2026 in Antwerp

Following a successful edition in Rotterdam, the 20th European Congress of Biotechnology (ECB) will be held in Antwerp. The theme of this event is ‘Shaping tomorrow: Biotechnology for Health, Food, Energy, Environment’; the programme is organised around the themes ‘Innovations for healthy living’, ‘Solutions for a sustainable planet’, ‘Manufacturing with microbes’, and ‘Feeding the planet’. We of course hope to see many NBV members at this event, which will take place from 28 June to 1 July. An overview of the plenary speakers can already be found on the conference website: ecb2026.com