Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • UBC Robson Square Theatre (C300)
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Harris Lewin
Executive Council Chair, Earth Biogenome Project
Harris A. Lewin is a Research Professor at Arizona State University and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Davis. He previously served as UC Davis’s Vice Chancellor for Research and held the Robert and Rosabel Osborne Endowed Chair in Evolution and Ecology. Before UC Davis, he spent 27 years at the University of Illinois, where he led major genomics and biotechnology initiatives. Lewin’s research explores mammalian chromosome evolution and its connections to adaptation, speciation, and cancer origins. In 2017, he co-founded the Earth BioGenome Project and now chairs its Executive Council. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of the Wolf Prize in Agriculture.
Mark Blaxter
Head of the Tree of Life Programme and Senior Group Leader
Wellcome Sanger Institute
Mark Blaxter leads the Sanger Institute’s Tree of Life programme, generating and analyzing genome sequences from thousands of species across the tree of life, especially Britain and Ireland (the Darwin Tree of Life project). His own research portfolio focuses on the genomics of neglected, non-model organisms - especially using the chromosomally-complete genome sequences generated by Tree of Life work - and the interpretation of those genomes in ecological and evolutionary contexts (including, inter alia, parasitic and free living nematodes, tardigrades, gastropod and bivalve molluscs, butterflies, bees, flies, birds, algae, fungi and bacteria).
About the Event
Responding to changes in our biodiversity is one of the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. As ecosystems shift in response to habitat fragmentation, climate change and land use pressures, the species and ecological processes that sustain life are being driven to react and adapt.
The 2026 Genomics Forum features expert conversations on the solutions and emerging opportunities at the intersection of genomics and biodiversity science. Researchers, Indigenous leaders and partners will explore how genomics can deepen our understanding of changes in biodiversity and accelerate evidence based actions to preserve, conserve and manage our ecosystems.
This year’s sessions feature:
- global initiatives to unveil the genetic diversity of the world’s species
- Indigenous stewardship and data sovereignty
- advances in tools for biodiversity monitoring and management
- the untapped potential of natural products research and the bioeconomy
Join us on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the UBC Robson Square Theatre (C300) to connect with researchers, partners and decision makers who will shape the future of biodiversity
POSTER COMPETITION
This year's event also features a lunchtime poster session. Entry is open to students and researchers who want to submit a poster related to genomics and biodiversity. Top posters will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to present a short pitch at the end of Genomics Forum 2026.
Detailed requirements are available on the poster competition entry form. Abstract submissions close on Friday, March 27.