Directing biosynthesis VIII
A highlight for the community of researchers interested in the biosynthesis of natural products.
Together with the organizing committee and the Royal Society of Chemistry, I would like to extend a warm invitation to join us in Manchester from 29 June to 1 July 2026 for the next edition of the Directing Biosynthesis series. Established in 2006, and now in its eighth iteration, Directing Biosynthesis is a key conference for the community of researchers interested in diverse aspects of biosynthesis.
As in the past, this conference will bring together established researchers, early-career scientists, post-graduate students and members of industry to share and discover cutting-edge research, reconnect with colleagues and establish new collaborations. Ample opportunities will be provided for both networking and discussion, as well as for poster presentations by younger researchers.
On behalf of the scientific committee, I look forward to welcoming you to Manchester in 2026.
Kira J. Weissman, University of Lorraine
Themes
- Genetics, enzymology and structural biology of natural product biosynthesis
- Genome and microbiome mining, metabolomics
- Synthetic biology, metabolic and microbiome engineering
- Chemical ecology
- Computational approaches for assessing and accessing natural product/enzyme functional diversity
- Biocatalysis
- Industrial/academic collaborations in the natural products space
Downloads
Event details
Directing Biosynthesis VIII will cover all aspects of microbial, plant and marine natural products research, including:
- Genetics, enzymology and structural biology of natural product biosynthesis
- Genome and microbiome mining, metabolomics
- Synthetic biology, metabolic and microbiome engineering
- Chemical ecology
- Computational approaches for assessing and accessing natural product/enzyme functional diversity
- Biocatalysis
- Industrial/academic collaborations in the natural products space
Oral abstracts
Submit your abstract before 2 February 2026
Poster abstracts
Submit your poster abstract before 20 April 2026 Posters are displayed throughout the meeting and are in person only.
Additional information
Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process within about 4 weeks of the submission deadline. The abstracts should be no longer than one A4 page in portrait layout. Please ensure you provide the details of the presenting author and indicate whether you are submitting an abstract for oral or poster presentation.
Deadlines
Registration is open - this conference is in person only Registration includes:
- Attendance at all scientific sessions
- Attendance at the poster sessions
- Refreshments throughout the meeting and lunch on all three days
Please note accommodation is not included in the registration fee. Registration fees are as follows (subject to VAT at the prevailing rate):
| Early bird | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| RSC member | £415+VAT | £465+VAT |
| Non member | £515+VAT | £565+VAT |
| Student RSC member | £260+VAT | £310+VAT |
| Student non member | £315+VAT | £365+VAT |
| Accompanying person | £80+VAT | £80+VAT |
RSC member and student members
Please select the member option on the online registration page. You will need to enter your membership number.
Conference dinner
This will be held on Tuesday 30 June 2026 at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. The cost to attend is £60+VAT you can book your place during registration.
Accompanying person
If you would like to bring a guest to the conference, this can be done during the registration process. There will be a charge of £80+VAT, which will include all lunches and refreshments. The fee does not include attendance at any scientific sessions or the conference dinner.
Deadlines
Grants for Carers
With our Grants for carers, you can apply for up to £1,200 per year to help you attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference or workshop or a professional development event. This money would be used to cover any additional costs you incur, paying for care that you usually provide. Please visit the website for further information and eligibility criteria.Accessibility Grants
With our Accessibility grants, you can apply for up to £1,200 per year to help with the cost of specific support to attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference, workshop or professional development event. This support might be any form of equipment, service, or other personal expense associated with meeting your access needs.Researcher Development and Travel Grant
If you are an RSC member and you are one of the following:- a PhD student actively undertaking a PhD course in the chemical sciences
- a researcher in the chemical sciences (including post docs, research technicians and research assistants)
- working in academia, industry or any sector
- within 10 years of leaving full time education (at the time of the application deadline).
Please see the website for up-to-date information on eligibility, how to apply and submission deadlines.
Researcher Development and Travel Grants can be applied for in addition to Grants for Carers and Accessibility Grants.
If you would like more information about sponsoring the Directing biosynthesis VIII, please contact the Commercial Sales Department at the Royal Society of Chemistry on [email protected].
Manchester Metropolitan University
The Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, United Kingdom
Events Team
Royal Society of Chemistry
Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WF UK