MASSIV 1.0
The Meeting for Advanced Synthetic Biology and Systems Bioengineering in Vancouver
January 19-22 2026 | Vancouver British Columbia
Abstract registration deadline:
We are now welcoming late-breaking abstract submissions through December 12, 2025 (posters only)
About MASSIV 1.0
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Stem Cell Network (SCN) are pleased to be partnering to deliver this event, hosted by the School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC.
The Meeting for Advanced Synthetic Biology and Systems Bioengineering in Vancouver (MASSIV) 1.0 will bring together leading researchers, innovators, and trainees from around the world to discuss the future of synthetic biology and biomedical engineering.
Recent advances in genome, cell, tissue, and organ engineering have enabled us to push the boundaries of biology and medicine at an unprecedented scale. Hosted in Vancouver, MASSIV 1.0 will highlight cutting-edge technologies and applications at the interface of biology, engineering, regenerative medicine, and data science. We will place special emphasis on how long-standing synthetic biology and bioengineering principles, originally developed using microorganisms alongside computational and AI approaches, can now be applied to stem cell biology and tissue engineering to advance human health more than ever before.
Four-day program
Catalyzing research and collaboration in synthetic biology. Held at Canada's leading academic institution in the heart of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Speaker Lineup
Hear from leading experts from around the world in over 40 talks and discussions showcasing the latest innovations in biology
Interdisciplinary Panel Discussions
Each panel will bring together 5–6 leading experts from diverse disciplines to discuss pressing challenges and emerging solutions in synthetic biology and systems bioengineering, with an emphasis on applications in regenerative medicine
Training Events
Designed to foster connection, creativity, and career growth, these trainee-focused sessions bring together emerging scientists and global leaders in synthetic biology.
REGISTER NOW
Register to Present
Abstract submission
We invite students and trainees to submit abstracts for poster presentations. Selected abstracts will also be chosen for short talks if interest is indicated.
Please note: All abstract submitters will be invited to register for the in-person conference once acceptance notifications have been issued.
Trainees, staff and research faculty welcome.
$350 CAD
Register to Attend
General registration
Join us for an inspiring event where you’ll hear from industry leaders, connect with fellow innovators, and discover the latest breakthroughs in synthetic biology.
- Full access to all conference sessions
- Dedicated networking opportunities
- Comprehensive conference materials
*Trainees, staff and research faculty welcome.
*Only if you are not submitting an abstract. If submitting an abstract, please use the Abstract Submission Form to be considered.
$350 CAD
Important Dates
Event
Date
General registration
Abstract submission opens
(poster only)
Late abstract submission closes
Accepting late abstracts until December 12, 2025
Abstract acceptance notification (poster and talk)
November 21, 2025
Successful abstracts-conference registration closes
November 28, 2025 at 11:59pm PST
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Patrick Cai
Chair, Synthetic Genomics The University of Manchester
Dr. Katie Galloway
Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Prof. Hiroyuki Noji
Professor, Department of Bioengineering
University of Tokyo
Dr. Masayuki Su’etsugu
Professor, Department of Life Science
Rikkyo University
Dr. Samantha Morris
Faculty, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Department of Systems Biology
Dr. Asako Sugimoto
Professor, Graduate School of Life Science Tohoku University
Dr. Sud Pinglay
Build Team Lead & Faculty
SeaHub & The University of Washington
Dr. Maryam Tabrizian
McGill University
Dr. Brenda Andrews
The University of Toronto
View Full Speaker Lineup
Wilson Wong
Boston University
Michael Garton
University of Toronto
Barbara Cheifet
Chief Editor
Nature Biotechnology
Michelle Trenkmann
Senior Editor
Nature
Spyros Goulas
Scientific Advisor, WPI-ASHBi
Kyoto University
Tomoya Kitajima
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
Tsutomu Suzuki
University of Tokyo
Kunihiro Ohta
University of Tokyo
Hiroaki Takesue
Kyushu University
Kayo Nozawa
Institute of Science
Tokyo
Yasuto Murayama
National Institute of Genetics
Hirohisa Kyogoku
Kobe University
Atsuko Shirai
RIKEN
Sakura Takada
Keio University
David Knapp
Université de Montréal
Hiroshi Abe
Nagoya University
Mo Ebrahimkhani
University of Pittsburgh
Nika Shakiba
University of British Columbia
Peter Zandstra
University of British Columbia
Kenji Kamimoto
University of Osaka
Carl de Boer
University of British Columbia
Véronique Moulin
CHU de Quebec - Université Laval
Nobuhiko Hamazaki
University of Washington
Magdi Elsallab
Harvard Medical School
Wes Robertson
Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Tomomi Tsubouchi
Shizuoka University
Jason Moffat
University of Toronto
Tetsuji Kakutani
University of Tokyo
Ichiro Hiratani
RIKEN
Tetsuya Yamamoto
Hokkaido University
Tomoko Nishiyama
Kyoto University
Hideaki Matsubayashi
Tohoku University
Ai Niitsu
RIKEN
Sarah Hedtrich
University of British Columbia
Jennifer Mitchell
University of Toronto
Conference Agenda
Acccomodations
Attendees can reserve their stay on campus at the University of British Columbia (Point Grey) via the official accommodation page:
Specific accommodations on the UBC campus include:
- West Coast Suites at UBC – a residence-style hotel on campus.
- Gage Suites at UBC – self-contained suites near campus amenities.
You may also book hotels in nearby neighbourhoods such as Kitsilano, Point Grey Village, Dunbar, or Kerrisdale, all of which provide convenient access to UBC.
Rooms on campus fill up quickly, so we recommend reserving your accommodation as soon as you complete registration.
How to get to the venue
The conference will be held at the AMS Student Nest, located at:
6133 University Blvd, UBC, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Here are the recommended transportation options to reach the venue.
By Public Transit
Bus: The most convenient buses are the #99 B-Line, #25, #33, #41, and #49, all of which stop at UBC Exchange, a short walk to the AMS Student Nest.
By Car
From Downtown Vancouver: Take W 4th, W 10th or SW Marine Drive west to UBC. • Parking: Available at the Health Sciences Parkade, which is a 5-minute walk from the venue, or at the North Parkade, which is a 10-minute walk.
By Bicycle
Bike Racks: Available around the AMS Student Nest. UBC is bike-friendly with multiple bike lanes leading directly to the campus.
By Air
Vancouver International Airport (YVR).Transport to Venue: From YVR, you can take the Canada Line from the airport to Broadway-City Hall Station and then transfer to the #99 B-Line bus to UBC. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare from the airport will take about 30 minutes.
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
BRONZE SPONSOR
Venue
UBC AMS NEST
6133 University Blvd
UBC Campus, Vancouver BC, Canada
V6T 1Z1