Synthetic biology holds tremendous promise for transforming diverse sectors of the bioeconomy, including healthcare, agriculture, and the sustainable production of materials and energy. Both the United States (U.S.) and South Korea recognize its importance and have designated synthetic biology as a strategic priority. By promoting collaborative research and the exchange of knowledge, resources, and innovations, these two countries can advance the global bio-based economy and set international standards for safe and responsible synthetic biology.
Building on the successes of the 1st and 3rd U.S.-Korea Synthetic Biology Conferences held in Korea (December 2022 and November 2024) and the 2nd U.S.-Korea Synthetic Biology Conference in the U.S. (November 2023), we will hold the 4th U.S.-Korea Synthetic Biology Conference in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This conference aims to further deepen scientific exchange and foster new research collaborations between the two countries. The main theme of this year’s meeting will be Artificial Intelligence and Biomanufacturing, emphasizing new strategies in AI, synthetic biology, and industrial biotechnology. Through keynote lectures, interactive sessions, and group discussions, participants will engage in collaborative brainstorming, generating innovative approaches and identifying future milestones in synthetic biology.
Venue: Institute for Genomic Biology, Conference Room 612
Agenda
Day 1: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
| 9:00 - 9:10 AM | Opening Remarks | |
| 9:10 - 10:10 AM | Keynote I (Speaker from Korea) | |
| 10:10 - 10:40 AM | Coffee Break | |
| 10:40 - 11:40 AM | Keynote II (Speaker from US) | |
| 11:40 AM - 1:00 PM | Break & Lunch | |
| 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Senior Presentations - 4 Speakers (US & Korea) | |
| 3:00 - 3:30 PM | Coffee Break & Networking | |
| 3:30 - 5:30 PM | Early Career Presentations - 4 Speakers (US & Korea) | |
| 5:30 - 6:10 PM | Group Discussion (Topic 1 & 2) | |
| 6:10 - 6:30 PM | Group Discussion Presentation | |
| 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Dinner & Networking |
Day 2: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
| 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Poster Session I (odd numbers) | |
| 10:10 - 10:40 AM | Coffee Break & Networking | |
| 10:40 - 11:40 AM | Poster Session II (even numbers) | |
| 11:40 AM - 1:00 PM | Break & Lunch | |
| 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Senior Presentations - 4 Speakers (US & Korea) | |
| 3:00 - 3:30 PM | Coffee Break & Networking | |
| 3:30 - 5:30 PM | Early Career Presentations - 4 Speakers (US & Korea) | |
| 5:30 - 6:00 PM | Wrap-Up, Feedback, Future Plans & Closing Remarks |