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- 5th Synthetic Biology of Natural Products Conference
5th Synthetic Biology of Natural Products Conference
10 Mar - 13 Mar 2026
Playa Mujeres, Mexico
-
Rebecca Goss
University of St Andrews
-
Colin Harvey
Hexagon Bio
-
Nigel Mouncey
DOE Joint Genome Institute
-
Jaclyn Winter
University of Utah
Early Bird - 11 Sep 2025 • Talk Submission - 11 Sep 2025 • Poster Submission - 11 Dec 2025 • Registration & Payment Deadline - 11 Dec 2025
Synopsis
Genome sequencing has revealed an enormous untapped biosynthetic capacity for natural products, only a small fraction of which have been characterized. Synthetic biology tools are being applied to translate this encoded diversity of biosynthetic pathways into their respective compounds; many of which are novel. The Synthetic Biology of Natural Products conference will integrate these disciplines with the goal of generating new platforms, tools, and technologies to capture, manipulate and engineer natural product genes and pathways. Converting this vast untapped genomic diversity into novel chemical leads for biomedical and agricultural applications will require breakthroughs in design, scale and biologics that currently limit the field.
Key Sessions
- (Meta)Genomics-Enabled Natural Product Discovery
- Synthetic Biology to Access and Optimize Natural Products
- Novel Chemistry and Enzymology of Natural Products and their Analogues
- Scaling up Natural Products Development
- Bringing Natural Products to the Market
Target Audience
Synthetic biology researchers and companies looking to learn the latest engineering and synthetic biology technologies for natural product discovery and development. Topics discussed during the conference will span the experimental spectrum from molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, metabolic engineering, drug discovery, biocontrol and pharmacology; from discovery to commercial development.
Educational Need
A new generation of tools and technologies is needed to convert the vast biodiversity found in natural product pathways into bioactive compounds and treatments. The Synthetic Biology of Natural Products conference will bring together a broad spectrum of researchers from academia and industry interested in learning about the latest developments in this new field.
Confirmed Speakers
Chairs
Rebecca Goss
University of St Andrews
Colin Harvey
Hexagon Bio
Nigel Mouncey
DOE Joint Genome Institute
Jaclyn Winter
University of Utah
Programme
Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the conference should begin no earlier than 14:00 with opening comments on Tuesday 10 March 2026. The conference will conclude no later than 12:30 on Friday 13 March 2026.
Registration Prices
| Ticket Type | Early Bird | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Single Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room. |
$2443 | $2544 |
|
Shared Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex, or if you have an accompanying adult. |
$2081 | $2182 |
|
Student Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option. |
$1161 | $1161 |
Additional Prices
| Addition Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
|
Additional Person This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices. |
$939 | $269 |
|
Extra Night Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night. |
$410 | $83 |
All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.
What's Included in our Registration Fees?
Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres during the conference period only:
- Conference registration.
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (10, 11, 12 March 2026) on a single or shared basis in a Delight King or Queen room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Daily coffee breaks.
- Gala dinner with an open bar.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Shared rooms may consist of either two queen beds or, one king and one queen sofa bed.
What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?
Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (10, 11, 12 March 2026) on a shared basis with a conference participant in a Delight King or Queen room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala dinner with an open bar.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.
What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?
Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (10, 11, 12 March 2026) on a shared basis with the parent/s in a Delight King or Queen room, maximum capacity 4 adults per room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala dinner with soft drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 4-11 years. Children 3 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 12 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (SLS Playa Mujeres). Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Rosie for further information.
What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?
Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in a Delight King or Twin room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: If you wish to extend your stay more than 1 night pre/post conference, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Rosie for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 4-11 years. Children 3 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 12 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (SLS Playa Mujeres).
Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.
Venue & Location
SLS Playa Mujeres
SLS Playa Mujeres is a luxury all-inclusive resort located in the beautiful Playa Mujeres area near Cancun, Mexico. The newly built hotel has a contemporary design and an upscale/chic atmosphere. The hotel features stylish and spacious accommodation, offering modern amenities and private balconies. Guests can enjoy a range of gourmet dining options, activities and facilities within the all-inclusive package including; 4 swimming pools, a secluded private beach, 18 bars/restaurants, 24 hour room service, kids and teens club, outdoor adventure course and splash zone, fitness centre, group fitness classes and non-motorized water sports.
General Information
Venue Rating
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Address
Supermanzana 3 Manzana 1, 77400 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nearest Airport
Cancun International Airport
Hotel Facilities
18 restaurants/bars
4 swimming pools
Private beach
Water park
Non-motorized watersports
Daily resort activities
Kids/teens club
Nightly entertainment
24 hour room service
Fitness center
Location
Mexico is a delightful combination of natural beauty, islands, ecological reserves and white sandy beaches. However, besides sun, sand and sea, this destination also offers an infinite variety of underwater activities to choose from: the diving, snorkelling and fishing here are outstanding and you will find an undersea world packed with tropical fish that live on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Sports enthusiasts might choose one of the many eco-tourism activities, such as cycling or hiking through the tropical forest or kayaking through mangroves, or something a little more adventuresome, like zip lining through the treetops.
Apart from the more well-known ancient Mayan archealogical sites such as Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá you may like to visit the Aktun Chen caverns, voted one of the Top 10 underwater walks by National Geographic described as a truly magical experience.
Transportation
Cancun International Airport is approximately 35 minutes from SLS Playa Mujeres. Unlike other airports, Cancun airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.
If you wish to share a return transfer to the airport then we would suggest waiting and organising this on-site at the hotel. The hotel have registered taxis readily available, you simply need to speak to the concierge on the day of your departure (approx $56 to Cancun International Airport). This will allow attendees to share return transfers with others who have similar flight times.
Private Transportation Companies
There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Cancun area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.
Amstar
Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
Local Activities
Please come back soon for further information regarding local activities.
Group Activities
Please come back soon for further information regarding group activities.
Submitting an Abstract
There are several presentation opportunities available at this meeting, in both talk and poster form. To be considered for either option, please register for the conference, upload your abstract when prompted to do so, and select your preferred presentation method. Once submitted, you will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. You will also receive an email to confirm the outcome of your abstract review.
If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email Rosie directly.
Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.
Note: talk slots are limited for each conference, and we often receive more submissions than spaces available. If your talk submission is unsuccessful on this occasion, your abstract will automatically be considered for a poster presentation as an alternative.
Accepted for a Short Talk
If you are accepted for a Short Talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches for programme updates, these will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab in the navigation panel to the left.
On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30 minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac to ensure a smooth and timely transition between presenters, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify AV prior to the session. A HDMI cable is usually available on the podium to accommodate this.
Our AV technician will run through microphone options and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer ahead of your talk.
We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases, and our Session Chairs will assist with keeping everyone to time.
Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines:
Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.
Accepted for a Poster Presentation
We recommend bringing your poster along with you to the conference as our venues do not have onsite printing facilities. If you wish to independently source local printing, please feel free to do so – the hotel address can be found under the ‘Venue’ tab if needed.
Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.
Upon arrival to the conference, the Fusion team will give you instructions for displaying your poster. Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the dedicated poster session.
Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session(s) and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.
Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and can be collected on the final day of the conference.
LinkedIn forum
The Synthetic Biology for Natural Products Network LinkedIn group is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference. The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics. To join, please follow the link below.
Conference History
If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only.
Conference Manager
Rosie Johnson
Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today
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