About this Event
Symposium Title: Advances in Microbiome Research: Host Communities to the Global Environment
- 2026 PennCHOP Microbiome Symposium
- To register click on the "Reserve a spot" button
- ABSTRACTS: To submit an abstract see below instructions or
- Symposium Theme: From host communities to the global environment
- Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of abstract submissions
- Breakfast and lunch provided!
- Cocktail reception hour on Day 2 (Thursday, Dec 3rd) at end of event with hors d'oeuvres and drinks
Join us for an exciting in-person event, the 2026 PennCHOP Microbiome Symposium! Sponsored by the Penn CHOP Microbiome Program; a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. This symposium will bring together experts in the field of microbiome research to explore the latest advancements and discoveries in microbiome research including our keynote speakers from visting institutions as well as our own Penn and CHOP researchers.
This event promises to be a hub of knowledge exchange and networking opportunities. Don't miss out on this unique chance to learn from renowned speakers, engage in discussions, and connect with fellow researchers. Register, mark your calendars, and be a part of this remarkable gathering in December 2026!
Details:
The event will be hosted over two days as follows.
Day 1 (Wednesday, Dec 2nd in BRB/KRB Gaulton Auditorium): Educational workshop
- Workshop Title: From Phage Genomes to the Gut Virome
- Workshop lead by Kyle Bittinger, PhD (CHOP), & Ahmed Moustafa, BPharma, PhD (CHOP)
- Limted capacity - register today to secure your spot
Day 2 (Thursday, Dec 3rd in BRB/KRB Gaulton Auditorium): Symposium with Speakers' Sessions and Poster Displays
- Abstract submissions: Please submit abstract using our Abstract Submission Form
- Follow-up for questions: Contact Jim Burns at [email protected]
- Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, November 16th, 2026
- Poster abstracts (500 words max.)
- Cash Prizes: 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash prizes for top abstract submissions!
List of Speakers on Day 2, Thursday, December 3rd, 2026 (9 AM- 5:00 PM)
Keynote Speakers
- Frank Schroeder, PhD - Cornell University
- Sean Gibbons, PhD - Institute for Systems Biology (ISB)
- Raina Plowright, PhD - Cornell University
- Jordan Bisanz, PhD - Pennsylvania State University
- Robert R. Jenq, MD - City of Hope National Medical Center
University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Speakers
- Paul Planet, MD, PhD
- John R. Lee, MD
- Audrey Odom John, MD, PhD
- Frederic Bushman, PhD
- Joel Babdor, PhD
- Carolyn McGann, MD
- Mohmad-Gabrial Alameh, PhD
- Laurel E. Redding, VMD, PhD, DACVPM
- Michael Silverman, MD, PhD
Location Information
Day 1 - Wednesday, Dec 2nd - Educational Workshop: Biomedical Research Building (BRB/KRB), 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, BRB Gaulton Auditorium
Building Website: https://facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/biomedical-research-building-2
Day 2 - Thursday, Dec 3rd - Symposium with Speakers' Sessions and Poster Displays: Biomedical Research Building (BRB/KRB), 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, BRB Gaulton Auditorium
Building Website: https://facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/biomedical-research-building-2
Penn Parking Information: https://transportation.upenn.edu/visitor-parking
Day 1-Wednesday Dec 2nd
🕑: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Day 1 - Wednesday, Dec 3rd - Educational Workshop - Location Information
Info: Educational Workshop Location: Biomedical Research Building (BRB), 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, BRB Gaulton Auditorium. Building Website: https://www.med.upenn.edu/mtp/brbaud.html
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration and Breakfast
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Educational Workshop - Part 1
Info: Workshop Title: From Phage Genomes to the Gut Virome. Workshop led by Kyle Bittinger, PhD & Ahmed Moustafa, BPharma, PhD .
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break
Info: A boxed lunch will be made available to participants.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Educational Workshop - Part 2
Info: Workshop Title: From Phage Genomes to the Gut Virome. Workshop led by Kyle Bittinger, PhD & Ahmed Moustafa, BPharma, PhD .
Day 2 - Thursday Dec 3rd
🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Day 2 - Thursday, Dec 3rd - Symposium Location Information
Info: Symposium with Speakers' Sessions and Poster Displays: Biomedical Research Building (BRB/KRB), 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, BRB Gaulton Auditorium. Building Website: https://facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/biomedical-research-building-2
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registrant check-in
Info: Check-in outside of BRB auditorium.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM
Open Remarks
Info: Opening remarks by TBA
🕑: 09:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Speaker Session 1 Topic - The Metabolome of the Microbiome
Info: Moderator: Gary Wu, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Co-Director of the PennCHOP Microbiome Program
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:35 AM
Speaker Session 1 - Keynote Speaker Frank Schroeder, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Frank Schroeder, PhD, Cornell University
🕑: 09:35 AM - 09:55 AM
Speaker Session 1 - Paul Planet, MD, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Paul Planet, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 09:55 AM - 10:15 AM
Speaker Session 1- John R. Lee, MD
Info: Title: New Perspectives on Short Chain Fatty Acids and Infectious Complications, John R. Lee, MD, University of Pennsylvania
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:35 AM
Speaker Session 1 - Audrey Odom John, MD, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Audrey Odom John, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 10:35 AM - 10:55 AM
Break
Info: Break (20 minutes)
🕑: 10:55 AM - 12:05 PM
Speaker Session 2 Topic - New Analytic Technologies
Info: Moderator: Ahmed Moustafa, BPharm, PhD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:25 AM
Speaker Session 2 - Keynote Speaker Sean Gibbons, PhD
Info: Title: Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake: MEDI, Sean Gibbons, PhD, Institute for Systems Biology (ISB)
🕑: 11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Speaker Session 2 - Frederic Bushman, PhD
Info: Title: New Methods for Analyzing the Human Virome, Frederic Bushman, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:05 PM
Speaker Session 2 - Joel Babdor, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Joel Babdor, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
🕑: 12:05 PM - 12:45 PM
Lightning Talks Session
Info: Lightning Talks Session: The top-rated abstract submitters will present 5 minute presentations in a “Lightning Talk” format. Moderator: Kyle Bittinger, PhD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Lunch & Poster Board Exhibit Session
Info: Box lunch in BRB Commons Area; Poster Board Exhibits set-up in BRB Commons area for review and discussion.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 03:05 PM
Speaker Session 3 Topic - The Microbiome and the Environment
Info: Moderator: Elizabeth Grice PhD, University of Pennsylvania
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM
Speaker Session 3 - Keynote Speaker Raina Plowright, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Raina Plowright, PhD, Cornell University
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Speaker Session 3 - Keynote Speaker - Jordan Bisanz, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Jordan Bisanz, PhD, Penn State University
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:05 PM
Speaker Session 3 - Carolyn McGann, MD
Info: Title: TBA, Carolyn McGann, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 03:05 PM - 04:35 PM
Speaker Session 4 Topic - The Translational Microbiome
Info: Moderator: Nikhil Pai, MD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 03:05 PM - 03:35 PM
Speaker Session 4 - Keynote Speaker Robert R. Jenq
Info: Title: TBA, Robert R. Jenq, MD, City of Hope National Medical Center
🕑: 03:35 PM - 03:55 PM
Speaker Session 4 - Mohmad-Gabrial Alameh, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Mohmad-Gabrial Alameh, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:15 PM
Speaker Session 4 - Laurel E. Redding, VMD, PhD, DACVPM
Info: Title: TBA, Laurel E. Redding, VMD, PhD, DACVPM, University of Pennsylvania
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:35 PM
Speaker Session 4 - Michael Silverman, PhD
Info: Title: TBA, Michael Silverman, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
🕑: 04:35 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Info: Closing remarks will be by TBA
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Hors d'oeuvres & Cocktail Reception Hour with Posters
Info: Hors d'oeuvres & Cocktail Reception Hour in BRB Commons area;
Posters will be on display for review and discussion.
Event venue & nearby stays
Biomedical Research Building (BRB), 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, United States
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