GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
HONORARY MEETING CHAIR
EXECUTIVE CO-CHAIRS
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Dani Ballesteros, PhD University of Valencia, Spain
Frederick Cassels, PhD PATH, 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
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.
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.
Abstract Submission is OPEN. 
Please note CRYO2026 does not offer a virtual presentation option. After monitoring association and annual meeting trends, and review of logistical and budgetary considerations, the Society for Cryobiology has made the decision that CRYO2026 will be an in person only event.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Closes: February 19th 2026
Review Period: February 20th – March 9th, 2026
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.
DAYONG GAO YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 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 FEBRUARY 19TH, 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.
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
We’ll be unveiling details of invited speakers very soon!
Registration will open in 2026.
SPONSORS
