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The 20th European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2026) took place in Antwerp, Belgium, from 28 June to 1 July 2026, bringing together the biotechnology community to explore the latest advances in research, innovation and sustainable biotechnology.

During an extraordinary meeting of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) Executive Board held on 24 March, the board addressed key matters following the passing of Jeff Cole.

Most of us knew Jeff Cole as a passionate champion of microbiology and biotechnology, a tireless advocate of international collaboration, and a leading authority on microbial metabolism and its regulation — what we know as microbial physiology.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Jeff Cole, former President and current Vice President of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB), who passed away on 24 February.

The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) Executive Board met on 5 February to review current activities and future plans of the federation. During the meeting, the Divisions presented their annual reports, alongside updates from the New Biotechnology Journal and the EFB Central Office.

The Applied Synthetic Biology Europe ASBE8 conference is now open for registration and abstract submission. The event will bring together researchers, industry professionals, and students to explore advances in synthetic biology, from fundamental research to applied innovations.

Registration and abstract submission for the upcoming Food Biotechnology Conference will open soon. The event will take place on 8–9 September 2026 in Sion, Switzerland.

The plenary and keynote speakers for the 20th European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2026), taking place in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2026, have now been announced. The confirmed speakers represent leading voices in biotechnology across academia and industry and will address key scientific and societal challenges shaping the field.

As we welcome 2026, we proudly look back on an exceptional year for the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB). In 2025, we strengthened our mission to advance biotechnology through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. It was a year filled with activities and events that brought together experts from across the globe.

Explore how synthetic biology is tackling global challenges and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Connect, collaborate, and share your latest research with the international synthetic biology community.

Explore the latest advances in fungal physiology, metabolism, and biotechnology — where science meets innovation. A key meeting point for academia and industry driving the future of fungal research.

This exclusive hands-on event combines expert-led lectures, practical lab sessions, and unique networking opportunities. Limited to just 20 participants, it offers an immersive experience to explore the latest advances in biobased materials.

The 20th European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2026) will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2026, and registration and abstract submission are now open. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of early bird rates and submit abstracts for invited talks, posters, or flash poster presentations.

The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) congratulates the Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB)  and the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (KSBB)  on the successful organization of the 17th Asian Congress on Biotechnology  (23–27 September 2025). The congress featured an excellent scientific program  and perfect organization , providing an outstanding platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The KSBB-AFOB 2025 Conference will take place in Incheon, Korea, from September 23 to 27, 2025. The event combines the 40th Anniversary Meeting and International Symposium of the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (KSBB) with the 17th Asian Congress on Biotechnology (ACB 2025), organized in collaboration with the Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB).

The next EFB Executive Board meeting will take place on 13 June in Ghent, Belgium and online (hybrid). The General Assembly will be held online on 30 June at 12:00 CET. Members will receive invitations by email.

The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) is pleased to announce that the next European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB2026) will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, from 28 June to 1 July 2026

The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) held the Biotechnology for Extreme Environments Conference online on 9 April 2025, with participants from 17 countries. The event showcased pioneering research at the intersection of biotechnology and extreme environmental conditions.

On 1 February, the EFB Executive Board convened in Barcelona for its first meeting of the year, with some members joining remotely. This meeting was the first session chaired by our newly appointed President, Prof. Francesc Gòdia.

Join the Biotechnology in Extreme Environments online Conference, organised by the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) on 9 April 2025. The conference will showcase advancements in biotechnology designed for extreme environments, covering topics like space exploration, resilience to drought, heat, and global warming, and optimizing processes under industrial stress.

From 30 June to 3 July 3 2024, the 19th European Congress on Biotechnology ECB2024 made a successful return in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Traditionally held every two years, this year’s congress was particularly significant as it marked the first event since 2018, after postponement due to the pandemic.

On 30 June the Executive Board and the General Assembly meetings took place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The online meeting “Plastics: challenges and biotechnological solutions” held on 20 March 2024 focused on the latest research and developments in biobased plastics, biodegradation, and the environmental impact of plastic waste.

The conference held from 6 to 8 March 2024 focused on research in extracellular electron transfer and its role in various biogeochemical processes.