GENERAL INFORMATION
CRYO2026 | JULY 15-17TH | SEATTLE, WA, USA
CRYO2026 is a hybrid meeting taking place in Seattle and online. Virtual participation is available via livestreamed and recorded sessions. Option to present virtual poster.
ABOUT CRYO2026
The Society for Cryobiology‘s annual CRYO meeting is the world’s premier meeting devoted to all aspects of low temperature biology and medicine.
This 3-day meeting brings together academia, industry, government, and non-profit stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines including fertility preservation, regenerative medicine, vaccines and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, conservation, and much more. They are bound by one theme: an interest in the effect of low temperature on biological systems, and how to harness the power of low temperature biology to benefit medicine and global health.
You could find yourself getting a cup coffee with a chemist, a transplant surgeon, an engineer, a physicist, a conservation veterinarian, or a world-class academic researcher.
Who will you discover at CRYO2026?
ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR CRYOBIOLOGY
The Society for Cryobiology was founded in 1964 to bring together those from the biological, medical and physical sciences who have a common interest in the effect of low temperatures on biological systems. The purpose of the Society is to promote scientific research in low temperature biology, to improve scientific understanding in this field, and to disseminate and apply this knowledge to the benefit of mankind. Cryobiology: International Journal of Low Temperature Biology and Medicine, published by Elsevier, is the official journal of the Society for Cryobiology.
The Society for Cryobiology welcomes global membership applications from students, individuals and organizations engaged with low temperature biology research.
Learn more about the membership benefits and join today to benefit from reduced conference registration fees, a free digital journal subscription, and much more.
Register
HOW TO ACCESS MEMBER RATES
Membership rates are available to all members in good standing of the Society for Cryobiology.
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Individual Member – $120
Early Career Professional (ECP) – $75
Student Member – Free with evidence of current enrolment
IN PERSON REGISTRATION
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION
Until April 27th, 2026
$675 – Members/Retired Members
$475 – Early Career Professional Members
$345 – Student Members
$895 – Non-Member/Public
STANDARD REGISTRATION
April 28th – June 30th, 2026
$775 – Members/Retired Members
$575 – Early Career Professional Members
$375 – Student Members
$995 – Non-Member/Public
LATE REGISTRATION
July 1st – 17th, 2026
$875 – Members/Retired Members
$675 – Early Career Professional Members
$445 – Student Members
$1095 – Non-Member/Public
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION
Until April 27th, 2026
$335 – Members/Retired Members
$215 – Early Career Professional Members
$150 – Student Members
$445 – Non-Member/Public
STANDARD REGISTRATION
April 28th – June 30th, 2026
$385 – Members/Retired Members
$250 – Early Career Professional Members
$170 – Student Members
$495 – Non-Member/Public
LATE REGISTRATION
July 1st – 17th, 2026
$435 – Members/Retired Members
$285 – Early Career Professional Members
$190 – Student Members
$545 – Non-Member/Public
IN PERSON ADDITIONS
ONE DAY PASS – $350
Please contact us with your preferred date.
ACCOMPANYING GUEST – $375
Accompanying Guest passes include access to all catered and social events during the 3 day meeting. Accompanying Guests do not have access to the scientific program. You can add an accompanying guest pass when you complete registration.
FREE VIRTUAL REGISTRATION – LLMIC RESIDENTS & UKRAINIAN CITIZENS
Are you a current resident of a country classified as low or lower-middle income as defined by the World Bank or a Ukrainian citizen? You qualify for free virtual registration.
LLMIC RESIDENTS
Upload proof of your current residency in a Low or Lower-Middle Income country as defined by the World Bank. Your document must include your name and address, and be dated after January 01, 2026. Acceptable documents include bank statements, utility bills etc. Passports are not acceptable proof.
Note – Citizens of LLMIC countries who are residing in a non-LLMIC country do not qualify for this discount.
CITIZENS OF UKRAINE
Proof of citizenship is required such as ID page of passport or national ID card.
CANCELLATION
Ineligible registrations or registrations that do not provide appropriate proof of LLMIC residency/Ukrainian citizenship will be canceled without notice or recourse.
REGISTRATION NOTES
***IMPORTANT – SOCIAL EVENTS***
If your university or company requires separate invoices for the registration fee and social events (eg your affiliation will pay for the registration fee but you must pay for social events yourself) add only the registration to your form and CONTACT US to request to add in your chosen social events. We can easily generate an additional invoice, but we cannot edit an existing invoice.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- In Person registration cancellations before June 14th, 2026 will receive a full refund, less a $50 administration fee.
- In Person registration cancellations on or after June 15th, 2026 will forfeit the registration fee in full.
- In Person registration cancelled due to denial of visa will receive a refund in full without incurring the $50 administration fee. Documentation of the visa denial is required.
- In Person Social Events, Tours, and Student Events are non-refundable in all cases.
PRESENTING AUTHORS
All presenting authors must pay the registration fee in full. Financial support is not available for presenting authors who are not students.
Intelligence on Ice: AI Transforms Cryopreservation Science – Perspectives from Academia and Industry
Jon Belof, PhD
Fellow, AI for Science, AMD
Markus Buhler, PhD
Jerry McAfee (1940) Professor in Engineering, MIT
Christopher Austin, MD, MSc
Global Medical Director | Cancer Screening, Lunit Cancer Screening
Next Generation Biobanking: Building Living Libraries for the Future of Medicine
Sebastian Giwa, PhD
Founder of Sylvatica Biotech, Ossium Health, Elevian Inc, Expanse Bio and the Organ Preservation Alliance
Jonathan Ting, PhD
Associate Investigator, Allen Institute for Brain Science
Genevieve Boland, PhD
Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School; Section Head of Melanoma/Sarcoma Surgery, and Surgical Director of the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at Massachusetts General Hospital
Jim Vaught, PhD
Editor Emeritus, Biopreservation and Biobanking
Marianna Bledsoe
Editor-in-Chief, Biopreservation and Biobanking
Transforming Transplantation Through Organ Preservation
Kevin Myer
President and CEO, Life Gift
Seyed Alireza Rabi, MD, PhD
Surgical Director, Heart Transplant Program, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Canada
Not Just Fertility! Harnessing Cryopreservation to Protect Threatened Species
Cynthia Steiner, PhD
Associate Director in Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Lily Parkinson, DVM, DACZM, Cert Aq V, DACVECC
Clinical Veterinian, Chicago Zoological Society
Mary Hagedorn, PhD
Senior Research Scientist, Smithsonian Institution
Jessye Wojtusik, PhD
Association of Zoos and Aquariums Sea Star SAFE Program
From Manufacturing to Patient: Enabling Scalable and Ready-to-Use Therapies
Indresh Srivastava, PhD
Vice President, Vaccine Development, NOVAVAX
The full program will be available shortly.
Late Breaking Abstract Submission is currently OPEN.
Deadline: June 1st.
Note – late breaking abstracts can only be accepted as poster presentations due to full allocation of speaker slots. 
NEW Virtual Poster Presentation is now available.
Submit your abstract through the regular channel to participate as a virtual delegate.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Closes: March 2nd, 2026
Review Period: March 3rd – March 17th
Program Creation & Review: March 18th – March 26th
Author Notification: March 27th, 2026
If you require a visa (excluding ESTA) to enter the USA, please submit your abstract as soon as possible and complete the visa support letter request form immediately.
HONORARY MEETING CHAIR
EXECUTIVE CO-CHAIRS
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Dani Ballesteros, PhD University of Valencia, Spain
Frederick Cassels, PhD PATH, USA
L. Burak Kara, PhD Carnegie Mellon University, USA
Katie Pollock, PhD Bristol Myers Squibb, USA
Nancy Levinger, PhD Colorado State University, USA
Jennifer Nagashima, PhD Smithsonian Institution, USA
Matt Powell-Palm, PhD Texas A&M University, USA
Nadia Shardt, PhD Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Shannon Tessier, PhD Harvard Medical School; Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Jim Vaught, PhD Editor Emeritus, Biopreservation and Biobanking, USA
Huiping Yang, PhD University of Florida, USA
Gang Zhao, PhD University of Science and Technology of China, China
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Nicole Evans Society for Cryobiology, USA
SEATTLE, WA, USA
Seattle is a prime destination for cryobiology, with strong ties to life sciences, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry. The city is home to major corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, as well as a plethora of biotech firms, helping to drive innovation in healthcare. Major cryo hubs in Seattle include leading research institutions, such as the University of Washington, Seattle University, the Allen Institute, the Fred Hutchison Cancer Institute, and more.
Seattle, known as the “Emerald City” due to its lush, green surroundings, is also home to icons such as the Space Needle, Pike Market, the original Starbucks store, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Washington State’s natural beauty abounds nearby, with landmarks like Mount Rainier and Puget Sound, offering a refreshing escape from the busy city.
Seattle is easy to reach with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations in North America, Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
We can’t wait to meet you in Seattle.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Bristol Myers Squibb
5:00 – 7:00 PM July 14th, 2026
Bristol Myers Squibb, 400 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
The welcome reception is included in your registration fee.
A free UW Shuttle connects campus with Dexter Ave.
The CRYO2026 welcome reception is proudly presented by Bristol Myers Squibb at their Seattle 400 Dexter Ave site. From the 12th floor patio of their downtown location, enjoy extensive views of Lake Union, the Space Needle, and the mountains. During the reception, small groups can participate in an optional tour of process development lab spaces on the 10th floor led by BMS staff.
Let us know during registration if you plan to attend.
CRYO2026 BANQUET
Ivar’s Salmon House 7:30 PM July 16th, 2026 401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA $90/adult A leisurely 20 minute walk from the UW campus
A Seattle institution, established in 1938, Ivar’s Salmon House specializes in Northwest and Alaskan alder-smoked seafood dishes prepared in an open pit Native American barbecue (non-seafood and vegan options are available).
The restaurant is a beautiful cedar replica of a Native American Longhouse, decorated with traditional Native American art, decor and historic photos. The restaurant features panoramic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.
INTERNATIONAL CRYOBIOLOGY YOUNG RESEARCHERS (ICYR) SOCIAL EVENT
Seattle Space Needle6:30 PM July 15th, 2026 Space Needle, 400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109 $10 Students and Early Career Professional Members / $42 all others 25-30 minutes via public transport
Experience Seattle’s most iconic view as you rise 605 ft. above the city at the Space Needle. Lean out on the “floor-to-forever glass” and take in sweeping views of downtown, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains from a unique vantage point. If you see only one thing, see everything! Join ICYR’s tour for a memorable way to experience Seattle during your time at CRYO2026.
See https://www.spaceneedle.com/ for more information.
Official CRYO2026 Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott
4501 12th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
- Room Block Rate: $219 + tax
- Booking Cut Off Date: June 23rd, 2026
- Cancellation Policy: 48 hours notice required to avoid one night penalty
- Nights Available to Book: July 13th – July 18th
Located near the University of Washington, Residence Inn Seattle University District features spacious suites (which all include kitchen) and a free daily hot breakfast buffet. The UW campus is a leisurely .3 mile (~6 minute walk) from the hotel.
All delegates are encouraged to book through the link below to take advantage of the negotiated discounted rate, which also helps us to fill our room block commitment.
Alternative Accommodations
On Campus Accommodation
Single Rate: $138/night
Double Room Rate: $87.50/night
Triple and Quad rooms also available.
Students and Early Career Professionals can take advantage of on campus accommodation. Single and double rooms are available through UW’s guest housing. All rooms feature extra long twin beds and private bathroom. A $150 deposit is required to book, and reservations must be paid for 10 days in advance of your stay.
Cancellation Policy: Cancelations and Refunds All refund requests will incur a $25.00 Refund Processing Fee. Guests who cancel their reservation with the Conference Services Office seven calendar days or more prior to their scheduled check-in date will receive a full refund less the $25.00 Refund Processing Fee.
Guests who cancel less than seven calendar days prior to their arrival date will forfeit their $150.00 reservation prepayment and will be refunded any remaining account balance less the $25.00 Refund Processing Fee. If the Conference Services Office receives no advance cancelation and a guest does not show, Conference Services will not issue a refund, and the guest will forfeit the entire reservation prepayment.
Alternative Hotels
In the event that the CRYO2026 official hotel sells out, below are details of other nearby hotels. Please note these are not official CRYO2026 hotels and there is no room block. You should make your booking directly.
- Watertown Hotel – A Staypineapple Hotel
- The Graduate by Hilton Seattle
- University Inn – A Staypineapple Hotel
The Husky Union Building (HUB), University of Washington
ADDRESS
4001 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195
CRYO2026 will take place at the Husky Union Building on the beautiful University of Washington campus, located just 20 minutes North-East of downtown Seattle.
Recently renovated, HUB is home to a 14,000 square foot ballroom, alongside many other event spaces. The lower floor hosts HUB Games, which is home to a bowling alley, an e-sports lounge, table tennis and pool tables, and other gaming consoles and board games. The HUB also contains the Husky Den Food Court, a dining hall which contains a variety of food options.
ACCOMMODATIONS
A variety of hotels surround the UW Campus. Details on the official CRYO2026 room block will be made available shortly.
Those looking for a budget friendly solution may also choose to stay on campus at one of the Residential Halls (rooms approximately $70/night). Booking information will be available soon.
Target dedicated low temperature biology professionals by sponsoring and exhibiting at CRYO2026.
Sponsorship opportunities start from $2,000.
Table top exhibition is $2,500 with discounts available for start-ups and non-profits.
We will be happy to tailor a package to suit your requirements.
To learn more about sponsorship and exhibition please contact us
Recent Exhibitors
DAYONG GAO YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD
APPLICATIONS CLOSE APRIL 15, 2026
Established in 2019, the Dayong Gao Young Investigator Award, sponsored by Goldsim, is an early career award for cryobiologists in the first 10 years of their post-PhD career (graduation date no earlier than July 2016). The award carries an honorarium of $5,000.
The winner will attend CRYO2026 and have the opportunity to present an overview of their career and research to date.
For more information on the Dayong Gao Young Investigator Award and how to apply, please see the Society for Cryobiology website.
STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS AND AWARDS
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 13TH, 2026
Each year the Society for Cryobiology presents a number of awards and travel grants to students from around the globe to recognize excellence in student research and to assist in funding student participation at the meeting.
Travel Grants – based on need. Typically from $300 – $1,000.
Critser Award – based on need. For the top ranked student abstract.
Crystal Award – $1,500. For the winner of the best student oral presentation.
Poster Award – $500. For the winner of the best student poster.
For more information on all student awards and travel grants available please see the Society for Cryobiology website.
HOW TO APPLY:
1. Submit your <300 word abstract for peer review and acceptance to CRYO2026 through the usual submission channel at https://openconf.org/cryo2026. See the submission guidelines under ‘Submit an Abstract’ above for details
2. Download and complete the EXTENDED ABSTRACT FORM, and save as a PDF
3. Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM (you will upload your Extended Abstract PDF here)
Please note we require both Open Conf abstract submission and the extended abstract form. Your extended abstract will be reviewed by the Awards Committee for grants and awards purposes. Your Open Conf abstract submission will be peer reviewed for acceptance and presentation at the meeting.
To complete the application you will need:
- Your completed extended abstract form saved as a PDF
- Proof of student enrolment or graduation date (see the list of acceptable proof on the form).
- Your Open Conf abstract ID number
- To be a current student member of the Society for Cryobiology or have submitted a pending application for membership. Student membership is free.
LLMIC Residents and Ukrainian Citizens
Current residents of a country classified as low or lower-middle income as defined by the World Bank and Ukrainian citizens are eligible for free virtual registration to CRYO2026.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Complete the form below, including proof of eligibility
STEP 2: Use the discount code generated in the form to REGISTER FOR CRYO2026. The code will only work for virtual registration.
PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY
LLMIC Residents must upload a recent utility bill in their name (dated within the last 6 months) showing residence in a qualifying country.
Ukrainian citizens must upload proof of citizenship such as a passport or national ID card.
CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
Registrations that do not provide appropriate proof of residency or citizenship will be cancelled without notice.
GENERATE MY DISCOUNT CODE
After you have submitted this form please complete virtual registration on the Society for Cryobiology website.
SPONSORS
