3 July 2026

Record-breaking SMBE 2026 conference brings more than 1,700 evolutionary biologists to Copenhagen

SMBE 2026

The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) 2026 conference concluded after a week of inspiring science, lively discussions, and record-breaking participation, with more than 1,700 researchers gathering in Copenhagen—the largest attendance in the society's history

SMBE 2026 organiser team from Globe Insititute
The local SMBE 2026 organising committee from Globe Institute. Photo by Pedro Andrade

Hosted by the University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute, the conference was organised by Professor Tom Gilbert together with Hernán Morales, Eline Lorenzen, Hannes Schroeder, Martin Sikora, and a dedicated local organising committee. The event was made possible through the efforts of numerous postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, staff, and partners, including Wonderful Copenhagen and CAP Partner.

Thanks to all the PhD and postdoctoral researchers from Globe Institute who helped with the logistics during the conference.
Thanks to all the PhD and postdoctoral researchers from Globe Institute who helped with the logistics during the conference. Photo by Christina Noer

The closing ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions to the scientific community, recognising researchers at every career stage as well as this year's student award winners and young investigator travel grant recipients.

The success of SMBE 2026 highlights Copenhagen's role as a leading destination for international scientific collaboration and marks another milestone for the Globe Institute and its organisers. As one conference closes, attention now turns to SMBE 2027, which will take place in Québec City.

If you missed the conference or specific research talks that you would like to watch or rewatch it is till possible to registrer for on-demand access for all the recorded talks on the conference webpage here. 

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