Designing and implementing an automation project can feel overwhelming.  This workshop will explain the process in an effort to help attendees achieve greater success when pursuing new automation opportunities. We will begin with a brief history of automation in labs and greenhouses, explore how it has progressed, and the current and emerging technologies. We will discuss the importance of input/consumable standardization. Before automating, it’s critical to define your goals—whether focused on ROI (Return On Investment), employee satisfaction, product consistency, or other priorities. Understanding the available equipment is only the first step in an automation project. Assembling the right people on your implementation team and establishing realistic timelines for implementation are key to success. We’ll cover key team skills, timeline factors, and preparation strategies that can shorten project duration. Attendees should leave with increased confidence and understanding to facilitate a more successful automation experience.

Lab automation offers significant benefits to the laboratory workflow. It can increase efficiency, boost productivity, and improve consistency and reliability of results by reducing human error. However, the process of adopting automated systems presents several hurdles including high initial costs, workflow rigidity, and underestimation of maintenance needs. To address these and other issues, this panel discussion will feature experts from manufacturers, industry users, and academic research scientists, providing valuable insights into the automated systems and covering common challenges and potential solutions at different phases of lab automation.

This session will highlight cutting-edge tools and approaches that have moved from research labs into practical use. The audience will gain insight into how advances in biotechnology are improving crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability, while also driving innovations toward human clinical treatments. Session speakers will discuss their research using plant-based biomanufacturing techniques for recombinant protein production, employing DNA origami techniques for a variety of lab-based and therapeutic applications, and utilizing pollen transformation to deliver proteins and RNAs as a novel DNA-free gene editing methodology.

This session will explore the ever-evolving journey of transgenic and gene edited crop technologies from their early discovery stages to widespread commercial adoption over the past thirty years. We will examine key scientific breakthroughs, regulatory forces, and market dynamics that have shaped the global landscape of agricultural biotechnology. The key milestones in tissue culture and molecular biology that led to the present-day advances including the development of genome editing will be explored. We will complete the picture with the emerging regulatory frameworks surrounding gene editing, highlighting how evolving regulations are influencing innovation, commercialization, and public perception. Attendees will gain insights into the intersection of science, policy, and commercialization, and how these forces continue to redefine the future of crop development.

The In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences (IVACS) Section of the Society for In Vitro Biology is pleased to announce the 2026 Student Oral Presentation Competition during the SIVB Annual meeting in Reno, NV. This competition encourages the exchange of scientific information between the presenters, attendees, and expert judges. Moreover, it provides an invaluable opportunity for students to practice and improve their presentation delivery and public speaking skills. The top finalists will be selected for this competition based on the quality of their abstracts, as well as the merit of their research and scientific findings. The oral presentations will be presented in-person at the meeting, and a panel of expert judges will select the winning presentations. Evaluation criteria will include experimental design, data analysis, proper interpretation of the results, originality of the study, technical difficulty, professionalism, the ability of the finalist to explain the research and answer questions, as well as adhere to the allocated time for the presentation. The Student Oral Presentation Competition session serves to recognize and reward the research and achievements of outstanding students. The top three finalists will be presented with a certificate and a cash award during the 2026 Annual Meeting.

Plant regeneration is a highly coordinated process that requires precise regulation of cell fate specification together with the integration of cell division, growth, and differentiation. It relies on cross-talk among internal molecular signals, cell–cell communication, and environmental cues. Recent advances in multi-omics technologies and quantitative live-imaging at single-cell and single-nucleus resolutions have transformed our ability to dissect organogenesis and regeneration. These approaches provide high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, epigenetic modifications, and protein localization and accumulation, enabling researchers to reconstruct developmental trajectories and map interacting regulatory networks that underlie cellular dynamics and fate specification. By integrating these powerful tools, scientists are beginning to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of plant decision-making, with new opportunities to refine and optimize regeneration strategies and advance applications in plant biotechnology. This session will feature presentations on innovative technologies, recent discoveries, and emerging directions in the study of cellular reprogramming and developmental plasticity at single-cell resolution. A panel discussion will address current knowledge gaps, key challenges, and priorities for developing and adapting new tools to investigate organ formation and regeneration across scales—from cells to whole organisms.

Tissue culture began as an effort to establish cell populations which proliferated in semi-defined medium. Once established, these populations could be expanded and probed to address a wide range of research questions. As many cell types are anchorage-dependent, the monolayer (2D) culture systems predominated in tissue culture for several decades. The 2D cultures provided an excellent model format for many of the achievements in cellular aging, nutrition, differentiation, transformation, biochemistry and toxicology. This format continues to have wide application because of the ease of manipulation, uniformity of cell exposure to the test substances, and multiple assay endpoints possible. For example, cancer chemotherapy development and toxicology applications use 2D cultures of access test article action on specific cell types to predict potential action in vivo. In fact, cell-based assays for mutagenic activity gained international regulatory acceptance in the early 1970s. However, the mutagenic activity of a chemical in culture was not always confirmed in vivo. Therefore, the cell-based systems were considered to be predictors of hazard (potential activity) rather than risk (predictors of activity in vivo). A similar observation has been made for the prediction of antineoplastic activity observed in 2D cultures. To be effective, antineoplastic agents must be able to penetrate the tumor mass not simply kill the surface cells. To better model exposure, 3D cultures in the form of tumor spheroids, are now employed to assess depth of penetration. 3D systems, from spheroids to fully differentiated “tissues” offer advantages from specific applications. Multiple cell types may be incorporated. More extensive differentiation is possible both on the cellular and tissue levels. For example, human prosthetic skin models take keratinocytes from 2D expansion cultures and induce 3D differentiation with growth factors and exposure to the air-liquid interface. The choice of 2D vs 3D depends on the research question at hand. This symposium will review the strengths and limitations of each system and provide example where each is used effectively.

Understanding the spectrum of genetic variation, from naturally occurring mutations to mutations that are induced through genome editing and mutagenesis, is essential for progress and innovation in agriculture and biomedicine. Genetic variation is a fundamental driving engine for adaptations and trait improvements in plants and animals. It has enabled advances in crop quality, yield, and resilience. These same principles are increasingly applied to human therapeutics, where targeted mutations support precision treatments and disease modeling. This “Patterns of Change” session will explore molecular signatures of genetic variations that arise naturally (spontaneously) with those that are induced (engineered). We will examine the rates, types, and genomic distributions of mutations that result from natural processes, such as DNA replication errors and recombination processes. We will also highlight the outcomes of induced approaches, from broad-spectrum chemical and physical mutagenesis to precise targeted technologies using CRISPR-based genome editing. The overall goal of this “Patterns of Change” session is to foster a data-driven conversation on how to evaluate the outcomes of genetic changes regardless of their origin, and to inform their application in breeding, biotechnology, and regulatory science. By leveraging evidence from advanced sequencing and data analysis, this session and our speakers will provide a framework for understanding the similarities and differences between these sources of variation.

The Plant Biotechnology Section is pleased to announce the 2026 Bob V. Conger Plant Biotechnology Student Oral Presentation Competition. This event provides a platform for emerging scientists to showcase their research in plant biotechnology. Competition finalists are selected based on the quality of the abstracts. A panel of judges will evaluate the presentations at the meeting. Criteria for the evaluation include experimental design, data analysis, proper interpretation of the results, originality of the study, technical difficulty, appearance and ability of the student to present it. Winners will be presented with a certificate and a cash award at the meeting.

We are pleased to announce the 2026 Postdoctoral Oral Presentation Competition for the Plant Biotechnology Section. This engaging session highlights the work of exceptional researchers who are now advancing the frontiers of postdoctoral research. The symposium serves as a platform to showcase cutting-edge innovations in plant biotechnology and foster opportunities for intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Finalists were selected based on the scientific quality and clarity of their abstracts. A panel of judges will evaluate presentations during the meeting based on experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, originality, technical rigor, presentation quality, and overall communication skills. Winners will receive a certificate and a cash award.

The In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences (IVACS) Section of the Society for In Vitro Biology is pleased to announce the 2026 Postdoctoral Oral Presentation Competition during the SIVB Annual meeting in Reno, NV. This competition encourages the exchange of scientific information between the postdoctoral presenters, attendees, and expert judges. Additionally, it provides an invaluable opportunity for postdoctoral presenters to enhance their presentation delivery and public speaking skills. The oral presentations will be presented in-person at the meeting, and a panel of expert judges will select the top presentation. Evaluation criteria will include experimental design, data analysis, proper interpretation of the results, originality of the study, technical difficulty, professionalism, the ability of the finalist to explain the research and answer questions, and importantly, adherence to the allocated time for the presentation. The Postdoctoral Oral Presentation Competition session serves to recognize and reward the research and achievements of outstanding postdoctoral presenters. The finalists will be presented with a certificate and a cash award during the 2026 SIVB Annual Meeting.

The molecular basis of human disease has gained increasing attention over the past decade. Advances in cell and tissue culture technologies—particularly primary human cell cultures, organoids, and organ-on-chip systems — together with next-generation sequencing, have transformed biological research. These innovations have enabled the generation of large-scale genotypic and phenotypic datasets, fueling major progress in disease modeling and the development of more effective drug screening platforms. A parallel emphasis has been placed on the discovery of novel biomarkers, which are essential for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and precision healthcare. Despite these advances, a key challenge in translational medicine remains decoding the complex relationships between the vast array of genomic variants in humans and the poorly understood mechanisms of disease. Molecular-level analyses of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are emerging as powerful approaches to bridge this gap. Recent strides in glycomics, metabolomics, and proteomics have already provided critical insights into infection biology and disease mechanisms. This session will highlight the potential benefits, persistent challenges, and emerging opportunities in leveraging advanced molecular and cellular technologies for disease modeling and drug discovery.

Commercial micropropagation plays an important role in modern plant production, providing high-quality, uniform, and disease-free plants at scale. However, the industry continues to face challenges related to cost, efficiency, and biological constraints. This session will highlight new innovations that are changing the future of plant tissue culture. Presentations will include developments in automation technologies that streamline labor-intensive processes, strategies for ensuring virus-free plant production through molecular diagnostics and sanitation methods, and the use of bioreactor systems to achieve scalable and cost-effective propagation. These approaches provide solutions for improving consistency, lowering production costs, and enabling wider adoption of micropropagation across diverse crop species. Attendees will gain insights into both current applications and future directions, with opportunities for discussion on how these innovations can be implemented to meet the needs of the global plant production industry.

Advancements in plant engineering are essential for global food security, yet transformation and regeneration remain constrained by species and genotype. This workshop convenes leading researchers and industry experts to present cutting-edge strategies that directly address these barriers—from fast, genotype-flexible in planta transformation systems, to novel technologies for delivering nucleic acids and proteins, to viral-mediated delivery of morphogenic regulators enabling leaf transformation. The session concludes with a moderated panel in which speakers will discuss practical applications, performance parameters, and implementation challenges. By focusing on validated approaches and current research, the workshop aims to accelerate robust transformation workflows and enable high-yielding crops.

Synthetic biology applies engineering principles to biological systems to design and build unique modules, devices, or organisms with new and useful functions for various applications. This exciting, multidisciplinary field features various “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches to redesign entire organisms, construct functional biological components, or develop molecular machines. Synthetic biology is projected to account for a third of the global manufacturing output by the end of the next decade and is poised to disrupt human health and food production. This plenary session will feature selected research aspects of this field in both plant and animal systems.

Starting with the 2026 meeting, we are introducing a new 30-minute presentation format: Featured Oral Presentations. Speakers were selected through the same peer-reviewed abstract process used for regular Oral Presentations, but the extended time slot will allow them to explore their research in far greater depth. We believe this longer format will enrich the experience for both speakers and attendees, giving scientists at every career stage a valuable platform to showcase their discoveries.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development, particularly in healthcare. By manipulating materials at the nanoscale, researchers have unlocked new possibilities across diverse fields including energy, agriculture, construction, transportation, environmental conservation, and medicine. In healthcare, the application of nanotechnology—known as nanomedicine—has demonstrated significant potential in combating both common and complex diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological conditions, and cancer. Nanotechnology is already contributing to advances in diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, dentistry, oncology, aesthetics, and therapeutics. Realizing the full potential of nanomedicine requires close collaboration among physicians, clinicians, researchers, and technologists. Such interdisciplinary cooperation will enable the development of more precise, programmatically designed interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes. Recent progress in understanding the molecular and pathophysiological basis of disease is also helping to overcome existing challenges in the application of nanotechnology to medicine. This session will explore the current successes, persistent challenges, and future opportunities of nanotechnology in healthcare, with a focus on how it can revolutionize disease diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Green revolution in the 20th century transformed agriculture and livelihoods in Latin America and Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), these technologies were not widely adopted, primarily because high-yield crop varieties needed large amounts of input like chemical fertilizers and water. Smallholder farmers in SSA produce yields that are only 15-20% of what is achieved in regions with similar climates. At the same time, the population in SSA is projected to double by 2050, making it nearly ten times what it was back in 1960. Low agriculture productivity is a major driver of persistent poverty in the least developed countries, and economic growth through agriculture is more effective at reducing poverty than any other sector. Demand for innovation for smallholder farmers is high and increasing in SSA. However, investment in technology remains limited for SSA with primary focus toward a select number of cash crops, such as maize. This session will showcase innovative biotech products created by scientific community in Africa, aimed at improving agricultural productivity. Presenters will share experiences in developing trait products for cowpea, cassava, and maize. These products address Africa-specific challenges and will soon be launched to support small-holder farmers.

Genome editing has emerged as important tool in crop improvement by making targeted and precise changes to plant genomes. Unlike conventional breeding, which often requires multiple generations of crossing and selection to achieve specific traits, genome editing allows for precise modifications in both coding and non-coding regions. Genome editing can also address traits that were previously considered difficult or inaccessible through traditional methods. Developments in genome editing are contributing to new approaches in agriculture and food production globally. This session will discuss genome editing within non-coding regions that regulate gene expression and explore potential applications for non-coding sequences in crop biotechnology. Furthermore, recent advancements in base-editing technology will be discussed by comparing different editor platforms. The session will also address improvements to genome editing tools aimed at increasing accuracy and facilitating the modification of multiple alleles and genes.

Spatial omics technologies are revolutionizing our understanding of gene function by enabling the mapping of gene activity within the architectural context of tissues, organs and cell cultures. This session will explore cutting-edge applications of spatial omics researches in both plant and animal systems to accelerate the gene discovery and functional annotation. In plant research, spatial omics is shedding light on tissue-specific gene expression patterns critical for development, stress responses, and metabolic specialization. In animal systems, these technologies are advancing our understanding of cellular heterogeneity in complex tissues, lineage trajectories, disease microenvironments and developmental biology in cultured tissues and 3D models. The session will highlight innovations and breakthrough in spatial data acquisition and integration, imaging-based transcriptomics, computational tools that bridge spatial resolution with functional genomics, and applications in gene discovery. By bringing together researchers from both plant and animal biology, this cross-disciplinary session aims to inspire new applications of spatial omics in in vitro biology and foster collaboration between plant and animal researchers working at the interface of spatial genomics and in vitro biology.

Feeding a growing global population while reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint demands crop systems that can thrive in increasingly extreme and unpredictable climates. This session brings together leading experts from academia and industry to explore cutting‑edge breeding and biotechnology solutions for building climate‑resilient food and bioenergy systems. Talks will highlight advances in breeding for stable productivity and quality across diverse environments, innovative strategies to improve drought tolerance and water‑use efficiency—including succulence traits and synthetic CAM engineering—and new chloroplast‑based platforms for durable next‑generation traits. The session also features breakthroughs in metabolic engineering to enhance crop‑derived renewable bioenergy production. Together, these presentations showcase how integrated breeding, system biology, and modern biotech are accelerating the development of resilient, efficient crops capable of thriving under extreme environmental stresses.  The session will offer a forward‑looking perspective on how holistic crop design—spanning genetics, physiology, and biotechnology—can drive a new era of resilient and efficient agricultural production for a changing world.

Protoplasts – plant cells without cell walls – have re-emerged as a powerful system for advancing plant biotechnology, synthetic biology, genome editing, and crop improvement. This session will explore cutting-edge developments in protoplast isolation, engineering, and regeneration, with emphasis on their role in gene editing, synthetic biology, and trait improvement. This session will highlight breakthroughs in overcoming long-standing challenges of plant protoplast regeneration, efficient transformation, novel gene editing and metabolic engineering applications, and strategies to harness protoplasts as versatile platforms for trait discovery, functional genomics, and sustainable crop improvement. By bringing together experts in cell biology, molecular genetics, and crop science, this session will provide new perspectives on how protoplast technologies are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture, crop resilience, and plant-based biomanufacturing.