Conference Description
The Physics of Viruses and Protein Cages GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Virus capsids and structurally related protein cages are self-assembling and often symmetrical nanoscale structures, with broad implications for the understanding of disease as well as the development of new therapies, vaccines, and materials. Their formation entails the co-assembly of hundreds of proteins into exquisitely uniform structures and the synchronized encapsulation of internal components, all without external control. Though such structures comprise many copies of relatively few components, they perform remarkable functions both inside and outside of host cells. Virus particles package, protect and deliver a sensitive genomic cargo, while protein-based compartments of cellular microbes create exclusive microenvironments for biocatalysis. They share a simplicity in composition and purpose such that treating them as physical entities allows unique insight into the basic functions of biological matter.
The 2026 Physics of Viruses and Protein Cages GRC will bring together the physical, biological, and materials perspectives that are rapidly shaping the field of virology and the study of related nanoscale compartments as physical functional systems. The community will unite to understand the form and function of the molecular components of these systems, and to take inspiration from them in designing and evolving purpose-built biomimetics for diverse applications. Participation will include those from a wide range of disciplines bridging basic and applied science, including material science, synthetic biology, physics, biochemistry, mathematics, biomedical engineering, computer science, and chemistry.
The conference chair is currently developing their preliminary program, which will include 9 sessions and the names of the invited speakers and discussion leaders for each of these sessions. Please check back regularly for updates to this information.
