The 5th Interdisciplinary Origin of Life Meeting for Early Career Researchers 2026 (IOoL26) will take place from 9–11 September 2026, hosted by Earth-Life Science Institute, Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan.
Organised by the Origin of Life Early Career Network (OoLEN), the meeting will bring together early career researchers working across the diverse and interdisciplinary field of origins-of-life science.
Early career members of the community—including master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and principal investigators within three years of starting their position—are invited to submit abstracts. Deadline: 2 May 2026 (extended from 15 April 2026)
About the meeting
Since its launch in 2018, the IOoL conference series has been hosted at institutions around the world, including Düsseldorf (Germany), Glasgow (UK, online), Montreal (Canada), and Strasbourg (France). The 2026 meeting marks its arrival in Tokyo.
IOoL26 offers a dedicated space for early career researchers to:
- Present their latest research in a supportive and informal setting
- Exchange ideas across disciplines related to the origin and nature of life
- Engage in discussions that help shape future research directions
- Build connections within a growing international community
The meeting is open to all early career researchers working in origins-of-life research. While membership in OoLEN is encouraged, it is not required.
About OoLEN
OoLEN is an international network that brings together early career scientists to strengthen and accelerate research on the origins of life. Its mission is guided by six core pillars: Inclusion, Post-disciplinarity, Exchange, Communication, Community, and Quality.
For further information or enquiries, please contact the OoLEN organising committee.