The Astbury Conversation returns to Leeds in 2024

The Astbury Conversation – the University of Leeds’ biennial flagship event for structural molecular biology – is back for 2024.

The event, which will take place on 8-9 April at the University of Leeds' Esther Simpson Building, brings people together from across the globe to discover, explore and inspire ideas, while showcasing the latest innovations that are making waves in molecular biology.

This year’s theme is ‘Illuminating Life’, which will shine a light on the hidden world of macromolecules.

Delegates can expect to network with over 250 researchers, hear from a range of outstanding speakers – including multi-award-winner Professor Xiaowei Zhuang – and participate in lively poster sessions.

Since its inception in 2016, the Astbury Conversation has drawn prominent speakers from around the world, including three Nobel Prize winners.

Programme highlights

Public lecture: Professor Xiaowei Zhuang

Professor Xiaowei Zhuang develops pioneering imaging methods to reveal the molecular mechanisms of cellular function. Inventions from her lab, such as the super-resolution imaging method known as stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and the single-cell transcriptome imaging method known as multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH), allow imaging of cells and tissues with single-molecule sensitivity, nanometer-scale resolution, and genomic-scale throughput.

Zhuang and her team apply these methods to investigate an array of biological questions pertaining to molecular structures in cells, chromatin in the nucleus, regulation of gene expression, and the organization of distinct cell types in tissues.

Poster session

An opportunity for academics to display their research and network with potential collaborators.

Astbury Roadshow

A series of interactive engagement events at local high schools.


Astbury Conversation is for anyone with an interest in the world of molecular biology, biophysics and medicinal chemistry, including students, academics, researchers, and businesses. 

Buy tickets and view the full programme online.

Further information