Student-led. Interdisciplinary. International.

The Optical Biology Conference is an annual PhD-student organised retreat that brings together early-career researchers and leaders in optical imaging, microscopy and quantitative biology for keynote lectures, student talks, posters and industry demos.

  • Dates: 20-22 August 2026
  • Location: Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
  • Audience: ~60–100 attendees — PhD students, postdocs, PIs and industry partners
Group photo Leuven 2025

Programme snapshot

Two days of science (keynotes, student talks & posters), one Industry Day for demos and career talks, plus a cultural/science trip.

See last year’s programme

Confirmed speakers

Vivek Jayaraman — HHMI Janelia (USA)
Ann Hermundstad — HHMI Janelia (USA)

All confirmed speakers

Get involved

The meeting is invite-only; if you are interested in attending, giving a talk, or hosting a demo, please contact the organisers by email.

Contact organisers

Announcements

Partners

UCL Wellcome Trust Kavli Institute NTNU VIB

Sponsors

Nikon

Contact the organisers

If you would like more information about the programme, speaker invitations, or sponsorship, please email the organising committee:

See Contact page