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Attending the Metabolic Engineering 16 (ME16) Conference, held June 15-19, 2025, in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a unique opportunity to dive into the latest breakthroughs, connect with top professionals, and gain insights from both industry and academia. As the premier event for the metabolic engineering community, ME16 offers a packed program spanning from workshops to poster sessions and networking events, with plenty to experience.
Here’s how you can make the most out of ME16 and turn it into a truly memorable event.
Plan your schedule
With so many sessions and activities, it’s essential to prioritize and plan ahead.
- Map out key sessions: Start by reviewing the preliminary technical program to identify sessions most relevant to your field and interests. From workshops and keynote presentations to career panels, creating a schedule will help you stay focused and engaged throughout the event.
- Prioritize poster and oral sessions: Poster sessions are a hallmark of ME16, offering valuable networking and feedback opportunities. Each poster will be presented twice, and the second session includes a standing buffet to encourage discussion. Plan which poster and oral sessions to attend to engage with peers and industry leaders in an in-depth dialogue. Speakers will also be available after their talks for further questions and discussions.
Tap into unique networking opportunities
Networking is one of the main highlights of ME16. With professionals from all over the world, you’ll find opportunities to connect with experts in academia and industry alike.
- Don’t miss the mentor lunches: ME16 has designed “Lunch with a Legend” and “Industrial Mentoring Lunch” sessions specifically for early-career attendees, giving you the chance to have meaningful conversations with experienced professionals. If you’re looking for guidance, career advice, or just inspiration, these intimate settings are perfect for engaging with mentors and role models in your field.
- Present your research on the stage in a RapidFire session: These brief presentations offer trainees and early career faculty with an opportunity to give a brief oral presentation. 40 poster presenters will be selected to give a 1-minute presentation to the entire meeting audience on the lecture stage. This offers an opportunity to give a preview of the work covered in the poster, elevate awareness of your research and gain valuable presentation experience.
- Explore Copenhagen with fellow attendees: ME16 has organized several social events, such as a sightseeing boat tour and conference banquet, to help you network in a relaxed environment. Tuesday’s excursions to Copenhagen attractions, many of which include dinner, offer another fantastic opportunity to forge connections with attendees from diverse backgrounds.
Experience both academic and industry perspectives
ME16 brings together the academic and industrial realms of metabolic engineering, allowing you to gain insights into both research and application.
- Attend start-up company presentations: Throughout the week, start-up companies will be featured to highlight how metabolic engineering research can be translated to commercial applications. Learn about how to build a career translating technical research into a business. Be sure to also visit the display areas that will be set up throughou the meeting to keep the discussion going.
- Join the IMES Early Stage Researchers’ Session: If you’re a PhD student or post-doc, don’t miss the Thursday session organized by the IMES Early Stage Researchers’ group. This event offers the opportunity to connect with others at a similar stage in their career.
Grants and awards opportunities
ME16 is committed to supporting the growth of young professionals in metabolic engineering. Be sure to take advantage of the resources available:
- Apply for registration and travel grant support: ME16 offers financial support through registration and travel grants for early-career attendees. Apply if you’re eligible, as this support can make attending the conference more accessible and affordable. To be eligible, applicants must submit an abstract.
Apply by April 1, 2025 for IMES registration support to ME16
- Monetary prizes for poster presenters: If you’re presenting a poster, be prepared to engage in discussions with senior judges who will evaluate your work. This experience not only gives you the chance to win prizes but also to connect with experts who can provide insights and guidance on your research.
Deadline for new general submissions: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
Deadline for new poster session submissions: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
- IMES awards: Apply to these metabolic engineering awards to be recognized in your field.
Submit your nomination by February 1, 2025
Keep in touch
After ME16, keep the momentum going by maintaining the relationships and knowledge you gained.
- Connect with contacts on LinkedIn: Stay in touch with people you met, whether they’re mentors, peers, or professionals in the field. A quick message to reconnect can solidify these relationships for future collaboration or mentorship.
- Follow us: Be sure to follow AIChE and IMES on LinkedIn to stay unformed about upcoming events, updates, and opportunities within the metabolic engineering community.
Check out more of our favorite moments from ME15.