Maastricht will be the place to be for the international biochemistry and molecular biology community from 4 to 8 July 2026, when it will host the 50th FEBS Congress. Although this may seem a long way off, there is every reason to take action now. Registration is now open for the FEBS Young Scientists Forum, which will take place from 2 to 4 July 2026.

For 25 years, the Young Scientist Forum (YSF) has run alongside the FEBS Congress, offering young researchers an additional event where they can meet each other and expand their network. The YSF offers a fully catered (and reimbursed!) multi-day programme prior to the FEBS Congress. Those selected for the YSF not only have their travel and accommodation expenses for the YSF reimbursed, but also the fee for the subsequent FEBS conference and their stay there. As if that were not enough, all YSF participants are also permitted to present a poster at the FEBS conference.

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‘It’s a pretty cool scholarship,’ says Ricfrid van der Marel of the YSF2026 organising committee. According to him, it is a unique opportunity for young researchers. ‘I participated in the YSF in Turkey in 2024 and it was great fun. The programme is of a high standard, and you get to meet lots of people from all over Europe. I am still in contact with several of the other participants.’

‘You really have to put in the effort, but you get a lot in return.’ 

Ricfrid van der Marel, YSF2026 organising committee

The deadline for registration is 10 December 2025. Those who apply should be prepared for a bit of competition. Van der Marel: ‘The YSF is very popular. There is room for 100 participants, but around 400 people usually apply.’ Scientific quality is paramount in the selection process, which is handled by the FEBS organisation. ‘You apply using a form and have to write a serious motivation letter. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it,’ says Van der Marel. For those considering participation, there are a few crucial criteria: applicants must be under 35 years old, affiliated with an academic institution, and members of their national FEBS organisation. In the Netherlands, this is the NVBMB, and in Belgium, it is the BMB.

Van der Marel gives us a sneak preview of the YSF2026 programme, which will take place in Wageningen. ‘We will start on Friday 2 July with a drinks reception and dinner, followed by the first lecture in the evening. The second day will be filled with scientific lectures and career talks by scientists, followed by a social programme in the evening. On Sunday, we will conclude with the final presentations before travelling together to Maastricht for the start of FEBS2026. Over the coming weeks, the editors of C2W | Mens & Molecule will keep you informed about the speakers and the programme.

Visit the website for everything you need to know about YSF2026.

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