Transforming undergraduate education in the molecular life sciences

Re-examining what we teach and how we teach it

July 24–27, 2025
Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn.

• View the program schedule
• Register
• Submit an abstract

Join us for a small interactive education-focused ASBMB meeting to re-examine existing practice and develop new engaging approaches to supporting student success in biochemistry and molecular biology. Reconnect with peers, meet new colleagues and increase your network of education-minded professionals while exploring the Twin Cities.

Talks and panel discussions will include sessions on the skills, competencies and key concepts we teach through biochemistry and molecular biology content, as well as on the pedagogical approaches that lead to student achievement. Each day will begin with a keynote talk on topics such as culturally-responsive pedagogy, an indigenized chemistry curriculum, alternative grading practices and fidelity of implementation. Keynotes will be followed by panel discussions and break-out sessions, with opportunities to learn about several education-focused NSF-funded projects, including CUREs, assessment, case-based learning and biomolecular visualization. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with program directors to learn about funding opportunities for education projects.

Anyone interested in biochemistry and molecular biology education — from experienced practitioners to postdocs and graduate students considering careers involving teaching — is encouraged to attend.

Important dates

Abstracts

Two types of abstracts are being accepted. Submit a poster abstract, an abstract for a catalyst conversation or one of each. Each category requires a unique abstract.

1. Poster abstract

A traditional poster session will be held in the evening of Friday, July 25.
Some abstracts submitted for poster presentation will be selected for podium talks.

2. Catalyst Conversations abstract

Catalyst Conversations will be held on Friday and Saturday. Attendees will break out into small groups to participate in and discuss presentations. Catalyst Conversations abstracts should describe a "chalk talk," an interactive instructional activity or classroom instructional materials. All Catalyst Conversations submissions will be programmed for a short demo during one of the breakout breakfast sessions.

Submit abstract

Abstract submission guidelines

• Abstract title field allows 200 characters maximum.
• Abstract body field allows for 350 words maximum (not including authors and affiliations).
• Text may be typed or copied and pasted into the abstract title and body fields.

Presentation requirement

All speakers and poster presenters are required to present in person at the scheduled date and time of their sessions. Registration is required at the time of abstract submission. Abstract submission does not guarantee registration.

How to submit an abstract

ASBMB members

1. Click “Submit Abstract" button.
2. Enter the email address associated with your ASBMB member profile. (Don't remember the email associated with your member record? Contact membership@asbmb.org before proceeding.)
3. Once your email address is validated by the system, enter the password associated with your ASBMB member profile. (Don't remember your password? Click "Forgot your password?" to have your password emailed to you. Check your junk mail and spam filter if you do not see the reminder email in your inbox.)
4. Do NOT create a new profile if you do not remember either the email address or the password associated with your ASBMB membership account. Contact membership@asbmb.org and request this information prior to submitting.
5. Select the, "Submit and Continue" button at the bottom of the page.
6. Select the "Submit Abstract" button to enter your abstract submission.

Non-members

1. Click “Submit Abstract" button.
2. Click the "Create an ASBMB Account" button to set up your user profile.
3. Complete the profile fields and select the, "Submit and Continue" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Select the "Submit Abstract" button to enter your abstract submission.

Registration

ASBMB members will receive a $50 discount on their registration fee which will be applied during checkout Not a member? Join the ASBMB and save!

NOTE: Registration is on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until capacity is reached. This may mean that the conference registration closes before the officially posted registration deadline. To secure your spot at the conference, we encourage you to register early.

What’s included

• All sessions, poster sessions and meeting materials
• Lodging for 3 nights (arriving on July 24, departing on July 27) in on-campus housing at Macalester College.
• The following meals are included in your registration fee:
  • Thursday, July 24: Dinner
  • Friday, July 25: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Saturday, July 26: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Sunday, July 27: Breakfast

Note: Lodging is not included in the commuter rates.

Lodging

Lodging arrangements will be made in on-campus housing. All housing arrangements must be made through ASBMB during the registration process.​

If you require an early arrival or late departure (one night pre- and/or post-meeting) you may purchase these additional nights during the registration process for $45 per room per night.

Registration changes

Registration changes will be accepted as space allows until June 24, 2025, and can be made by contacting meetings@asbmb.org.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received in writing on or before June 24, 2025, are subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after June 24 due to final guarantee commitments. Email meetings@asbmb.org and attach a copy of your meeting registration receipt/paid invoice to cancel your registration.

Location

The conference will be held at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.  

Visas

All individuals traveling from outside of the United States should apply for a visa as soon as possible and at least four to five months prior to their date of travel.

• The most up-to-date information about traveling to the U.S. can be found at the U.S. State Department website.
• Scientists visiting the U.S. may find helpful information at the National Academies of Sciences website.
• Find visa appointment wait times here.

Please do not wait until you receive your registration confirmation before applying for a visa. We encourage you to apply for your visa right away if you are considering attending to avoid delays and longer than anticipated wait times.

If you need a letter of invitation for your visa process, please email meetings@asbmb.org.

• Please include ‘LETTER OF INVITATION’ as the subject line of this email.
• Body of email must include:
  • Your name as it appears on your passport
  • Your affiliation and mailing address
  • Best contact number and email address

Health and safety

Mask-wearing and other health and safety measures will be determined based on local, state and venue guidelines and will be communicated to attendees prior to the conference.