8-9th June 2026
King’s College Conference Centre, Aberdeen
Attendees posing for a group picture in the courtyard at the King’s College Conference Centre
On 8-9th June 2026, AIBIO-UK welcomed researchers, innovators, industry partners, and stakeholders to Aberdeen for our 3rd Annual Conference and AGM, celebrating the growing impact of AI across the biosciences.
The conference showcased the breadth and diversity of AI-enabled bioscience research through an exciting programme of keynote talks, flash presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and poster sessions. Delegates heard from an outstanding line-up of speakers, including Prof Andrew French, Dr Tryphon Lambrou, Dr Dipali Singh, Dr Rose Kowalewski (BBSRC), Prof Sotirios Tsaftaris (University of Edinburgh), Jack Mason (Google DeepMind), and Dr Sameer Velankar (EMBL-EBI), who shared insights on topics ranging from machine learning and bioinformatics to responsible AI and the future of AI-enabled bioscience research.
A particular highlight was the series of flash talks, showcasing innovative work from across the community. Presentations from Dr Joan Manuel Amaya-Cuesta (University of Surrey), Artur Bodiu (Vici.bio.), Dr Feng Chen (University of Edinburgh), Dr Carlos Moreno-Garcia (Robert Gordon University), Dr Charlie Harrison (AIBIO-UK), Jack Mackenzie (University of Strathclyde), Suraj Verma (Teesside University), Dr Dominic Williams (James Hutton Institute), Dr Andreas Xydis (University of Lincoln), and Xi Yang (University of Edinburgh) demonstrated the breadth of talent and research excellence within the network.
The conference also featured a thought-provoking Data Hazards Workshop led by Maria Tașcă and Dr Conor Houghton (University of Bristol), alongside an engaging Early Career Researcher Panel chaired by Dr Dipali Singh, with contributions from Dr Charlie Harrison (Aberystwyth University/AIBIO-UK), Prof Elizabeth Sklar (University of Lincoln), Dr Melanie Vollmar (EMBL-EBI), and Mukilan Suresh (Newcastle University). Delegates also took part in a panel discussion on funding opportunities for interdisciplinary research, chaired by Prof Andrew French, where Dr Rose Kowalewski (BBSRC), Prof Sotirios Tsaftaris (University of Edinburgh), Dr Nishadi De Silva (BioFAIR), and Dr Sameer Velankar (EMBL-EBI) shared perspectives on navigating the current funding landscape and fostering successful cross-disciplinary collaborations. Together, these sessions sparked valuable discussions around responsible research, career development, collaboration, and the future of interdisciplinary science.
We were delighted to showcase progress from several AIBIO-UK pilot projects, with presentations from Prof Annalisa Occhipinti (Teesside University), Dr Antony McCabe (University of Liverpool), Dr Patricia Smith (The Rosalind Franklin Institute), Dr Sony Malhotra (Science and Technology Facilities Council), and Dr Stuart King (University of Edinburgh), highlighting how AIBIO-UK funding is supporting new collaborations and accelerating research across the UK. Delegates also benefited from interactive workshops delivered by Dr George Amarantidis (MathWorks) and Prof Annalisa Occhipinti.
The AIBIO Annual Conference 2026 poster session in full flow
The vibrant poster sessions provided excellent opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. Congratulations to Suraj Verma, who was awarded 1st Prize, and Dr Feng Chen, who received 2nd Prize in the poster competition for their outstanding research presentations.
Day one concluded with a lively poster session that generated enthusiastic discussion and valuable networking opportunities across the AIBIO-UK community. The evening continued with a candlelit conference dinner, providing delegates with a relaxed setting to strengthen existing connections and develop new collaborations. Attendees also heard from Dr Robert Knight, Dr Adam Lee and Dr Laurence Blackhurst (scryptIQ), who shared valuable insights into funding and training initiatives, highlighting opportunities to support skills development and innovation across the AI and biosciences landscape.
The conference dinner in Elphinstone Hall
Beyond the scientific programme, the conference provided a fantastic opportunity to strengthen connections across the AIBIO-UK community, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations. A memorable pre-conference evening even treated delegates to sightings of Aberdeen’s famous dolphins, offering a unique and fitting welcome to the city.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, delegates, exhibitors, and organisers who contributed to the event’s success. In particular, we thank BBSRC for its continued support, our sponsors MathWorks and scryptIQ, and the University of Aberdeen CPD & Event Services team, especially Rachel Elliott and Katie Coleske, for their exceptional organisation and hospitality.
The conference once again demonstrated the strength, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit of the AIBIO-UK community. We look forward to building on the conversations, connections, and ideas that emerged in Aberdeen and to seeing the exciting collaborations and discoveries that follow.