Redefining ‘what’s possible’ at the annual meeting

I am so looking forward to the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting, April 12–15 in Chicago, and to seeing you there. This year’s theme is “Make It Possible.” How fitting for an event that drives discovery, changes the trajectories of research projects and careers, and helps determine what’s on the horizon in biochemistry and molecular biology. We will visit the vibrant city of Chicago and have a lot of fun along the way.

I have attended the annual meeting for decades, and it is a highlight of my professional year. Since I first started attending, the meeting’s content has evolved with the field, organizers have experimented with new formats, and we’ve embraced new ideas and directions. All the while, the meeting has maintained its core commitment to scientific excellence and community building. Those are what keep bringing me back — and I hope will bring you.

It’s a high-impact event — a worthwhile investment for all who are dedicated to advancing the field of biochemistry and molecular biology and their careers.

Scientific programming

There’s a lot to be excited about in 2025. Foremost, the scientific program features groundbreaking research and visionary talks that will ignite new ideas and propel innovation.

Thematic symposia: A dozen scientific symposia with more than 100 invited speakers will highlight new findings and approaches that are redefining what we will do next and how we will do it. These events also offer important opportunities to present your science and interact with colleagues across the diversity of biochemistry and molecular biology — including chemical, structural and synthetic biology; rapidly developing areas in metabolism, molecular transport and pseudoenzyme function; and exciting new directions in cancer biology, RNA and the metals of life. As 2025 co-chairs Donita Brady and Dave Pagliarini wrote: “Creativity and innovation emerge from intersections — of perspectives, approaches and experiences.” I urge you to submit an abstract for consideration for a spotlight talk or lightning talk!

Featured speakers: The 2025 program is packed with great speakers — from pioneers to people whose work is upending what we thought we knew.

Two special lectures will highlight how fundamental science transforms the future of health.

The first will feature Melissa J. Moore, a pioneering RNA researcher and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator who served as the chief scientific officer of Moderna when it was developing its COVID-19 vaccine that helped rein in the pandemic. She received the ASBMB William C. Rose Award for distinguished mentorship in 2011.

The second special session will feature Richard Silverman of Northwestern University, a pioneering basic scientist working on the molecular mechanisms of potential medicines. His work led to the blockbuster drug pregabalin, more commonly known as Lyrica, used to relieve pain in patients with fibromyalgia and other conditions.

In addition, we will have 10 plenary lectures by ASBMB award-winning scientists covering scientific topics and career journeys that will connect you across our broad field — such as cancer therapeutics, genome stability, phase separation, the kinome, liver cancer, lipid-binding proteins and antimalarial drug resistance.

Emerging investigator seminars: This brand new, daylong event will feature seminars from outstanding postdoctoral and graduate student researchers. Speakers will be selected from volunteered abstracts, so please indicate your interest in presenting when you submit yours. And if you’re a hiring manager scouting for talent, you will want to be at this event.

Poster sessions: The poster sessions are always a high point. More than a thousand researchers will present their very latest findings, making this exhibit floor a hub of groundbreaking science and fresh ideas that will spark new collaborations and propel the next big breakthroughs.

Special interest groups: Finally, we are enhancing our special interest groups to help you connect with others who are as excited as you are about your work, discuss shared challenges and formulate solutions together. Or maybe you want to explore a new area for development — these interest groups offer a great way to introduce yourself and engage with a new, welcoming community. The interest groups will hold scientific sessions that include time for networking, and, to extend these discussions, they will also hold meetups in the exhibit hall.

Education, careers, diversity and networking

ASBMB values its vibrant community of scientist–educators who are developing the next generation of scientists. These members teach, mentor and coach undergraduate and graduate students, and the meeting will offer a range of content geared to improve all of our teaching and learning strategies. We will also have networking opportunities and dedicated programming to celebrate women in BMB and support diversity in the research workforce.

And there is still more — the annual meeting also offers an array of professional-development workshops and sessions as well as one-on-one mentoring to meet the needs of scientists at all stages of their careers, including technical skills, publishing, grant writing and leadership. And a new career fair will welcome employers and graduate programs eager to connect with ASBMB members. ASBMB’s federal advocacy, such an important part of our year-round work, will also be visible with sessions that engage federal funders and explore advocacy strategies in the new year.

Join us!

ASBMB’s annual meeting has something for everyone — you and your science belong here. It’s a gathering where the future of biochemistry and molecular biology takes shape: driving scientific advances, connecting across subspecialties and getting a glimpse into the exciting possibilities ahead. All as part of a welcoming and engaged professional community.

Join us! Together, we’ll determine what’s possible for our field, build careers and new connections, and enjoy a wonderful time in an exciting and culturally rich city.

Look for details about this year’s ASBMB Annual Meeting programming here. I look forward to seeing you in Chicago in April!