Trailblazing Research
Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Silverthorne, Colorado, USA that convenes approximately 50-60 open, peer-reviewed conferences annually, across diverse life-science topics. Subjects bridge basic and clinical research, across academic, industry and global health sectors, to promote translational advances with medical impacts.
Most conferences are held in mountain venues across the American and Canadian West, with a select handful of events dispersed globally across six continents. Scientific programs are dictated by field experts, with guidelines from Keystone Symposia to encourage fresh perspectives and diverse participation. Our signature meeting format is designed to maximize informal networking among field leaders and students alike, to drive innovative and cross-disciplinary discussions and collaborations.
As part of our mission, Keystone Symposia is dedicated to supporting the next-generation of research leaders, with scholarships, travel awards and career-development opportunities for students and post-doctoral fellows—who comprise approximately 40% of meeting attendees. In addition, our Diversity in Life Science Programs provide career-advancement experiences and training to scientists from under-represented backgrounds, and developing nations, to ensure diverse representation within the life-science workforce across all levels.
A staff of 40 full-time, part-time or seasonal employees handles all aspects of administration, meeting management/logistics, attendee services, fundraising and marketing. These operations are funded by two sources: registration fees (~65-70%) and generous support from corporations, foundations, government entities and individuals (~30-35%).
Intimate Locations
Known as the ‘Castle in the City,’ Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has been the pinnacle of elegance since its debut in 1939, when a visit by the British royal couple sealed its reputation as one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Vancouver. In 2024, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was awarded in Condé Nast Traveler Magazine's annual coveted Gold List, the only Canadian hotel to receive this prestigious honour.
Our prime downtown location places you minutes from the city’s biggest attractions, including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Island and the Vancouver Seawall. Stroll a few blocks for great shopping on Robson Street and in historic Gastown. Our knowledgeable concierge team is delighted to assist you with sightseeing suggestions and restaurant reservations.
Networking & Career Development Opportunities
As part of our commitment to support and train the next generation of scientific leaders from all backgrounds, Keystone Symposia hosts Career Roundtables at our conferences. These workshops create a forum for field leaders to provide their unique perspectives on career development, professional pitfalls, and the breadth of scientific opportunities available to support trainee scientists. Established researchers are chosen from a broad range of backgrounds (i.e., diverse demographics, career stages, and career paths) to reflect a myriad of career-paths and experiences. Trainees and early-career investigators will have the opportunity to interact with field leaders for essential career development advice and networking opportunities.
“The most important message is that we all walk nonlinear paths and it is so easy to forget when we experience struggle or we look up at people in power position: it always looks so simpler on the other side…Thanks again for your investment on the trainees. Priceless investment on the present and future of science.”
–Valentina Greco, PhD, Carolyn Slayman Professor of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine
Meet-the-Editor RoundtablesMeet-the-Editor workshops are designed to foster connections between editors and scientists of all career stages. These mutually beneficial relationships help to facilitate the publication process for researchers, while providing editors insight into exciting new discoveries and research directions to showcase in upcoming journal issues. We encourage you to take advantage of this special session, to reach out to these editors during the meeting, and to get the inside scoop on fast-tracking your work for publication. Meet-the-Editors workshops are at select meetings. Please check the full program for meeting offerings.
Health Equity ForumsHealth Equity Forums engage diverse voices from around the world in conversations that raise awareness for health disparities in various disease states and initiate discussions on how to rectify health inequities through scientific research and discovery. Forums feature short talks or panel discussions that address health equity challenges, research goals and strategies, and showcase how scientists are bringing molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to drive clinical advances for diverse populations in need. Health Equity Forums are at select meetings. Please check the full program for meeting offerings.