Spring School in Synthetic Biology

The Spring School, organized by Scuola Normale Superiore, is funded by the PNRR through the MERITA, the network for talent project*.
 
Date: April 13 - April 17, 2026
Location: Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa
Language: English
Abstract deadline: March 15, 2026
Registration deadline: March 31, 2026
Max participants: 140
Target audience: Master and PhD students, Post-Docs, early career researchers, academics and industry leaders

Description

Recent advances in DNA synthesis have increased our ability to build biological systems. Synthetic Biology aims at streamlining the design and synthesis of robust and predictable biological systems using engineering design principles. Designing biological systems requires a deep understanding of how genes and proteins are organized and interact in living cells: Systems Biology aims at elucidating the cellular organization at gene, protein and network level using computational and biochemical methods.

The Spring School is a full-immersion five-day residential on cutting-edge advances in systems and synthetic biology with lectures delivered by world-renowned experts. Participants will also have the chance to present their results, and to interact with their peers, in a friendly and constructive environment.

Given the rapidity with which this field moves, it is challenging for both newcomers and experts alike to stay updated with all of the latest advances. The goal of this spring school and workshop is to bring together scientists from academia and industry with diverse but relevant expertise in a setting conducive to discussion of new results and potential collaborative efforts. Invited talks will cover a wide range of topics ranging from fundamental basic science through to applications.

Sessions integrate recent achievements in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, systems biology, control engineering, biochemical engineering, synthetic enzymes, evolutionary engineering, integrated omics, and emerging techniques across healthcare, biofuels, and microbial, mammalian and plant systems.

Call for Abstracts

All abstracts must be submitted through the conference submission site by the deadline of 15 March, 2026. Submitting an abstract is only required if you intend to present your work (Oral or Poster). Attendees not presenting can proceed directly to Registration.

The abstract should summarize the study's background, methods, results, and conclusions. We encourage authors to use the maximum space to thoroughly describe their work, as a well-articulated presentation increases the chances of a positive evaluation. Accepted abstracts will be included in the conference proceedings.

All submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the Programme Committee. The top-rated abstracts will be selected for an Oral Presentation, while other accepted submissions will be invited for a Poster Presentation. The decision of the committee is final and based on the scientific merit of the work. The presenting author will be informed of the final format of their presentation.

Registration

Registration is mandatory for all attendees, including chairs and presenters, and must be completed by March 31, 2026; however, abstract submission is not required for those wishing to attend the event without presenting. Please be advised that attendance is limited to 140 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Your registration grants full access to all congress sessions, poster and exhibition areas, as well as provided coffee breaks and lunches throughout the event.

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* MERITA, the network for talent project is the result of a collaboration between five Italian academic institutions: the Scuola Normale Superiore, the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, the Collegio Superiore dell’Università di Bologna, the Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori dell’Università di Padova and the Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati della Sapienza Università di Roma.
The MERITA project is funded within the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR), Missione 4 – Istruzione e Ricerca, Componente 1, Investimento 3.4 "Didattica e competenze universitarie avanzate"- "Rafforzamento delle Scuole universitarie superiori". (National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 – Education and Research, Component 1, Investment 3.4 "Advanced university teaching and competences" - "Enhancement of the institutions for higher education").