Innovation at the Intersections
The 2nd Pittsburgh Biomolecular Condensates Conference brings together scientists, early-career researchers, and students to explore the latest advances in the study of biomolecular condensates. This interdisciplinary meeting will highlight cutting-edge research on the formation, regulation, and functional roles of condensates in cellular organization, physiology, and disease.
The program will feature a diverse lineup of speakers who will discuss the biochemical, biophysical, and cellular principles governing condensate assembly, dynamics, and disassembly. Sessions will cover topics such as:
- Phase separation mechanisms and material properties of condensates
- The role of condensates in cellular organization, signaling, and stress responses
- Dysregulation of condensates in neurodegeneration, cancer, and other diseases
- Emerging tools and technologies to probe condensate biology
A key component of the conference will be a panel discussion on the current state and future directions of condensate research, fostering dialogue on open questions, challenges, and opportunities in the field. By uniting researchers from different disciplines—including cell biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and medicine—this meeting aims to catalyze new collaborations and innovative approaches to understanding biomolecular condensates.
Join us at Carnegie Mellon University for an engaging and dynamic exchange of ideas on condensate research!
▼ Keynote Speaker
Michael Rosen, Ph.D.
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
"Multi scale structure of chromatin condensates"
Matthew Wohlever, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh
Stefanie Heydayati, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, Carnegie Mellon University
Connor Chee
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Pittsburgh
Jose Lugo-Martinez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
Jasper Jeffrey
Ph.D. Candidate, Carnegie Mellon University
Longxin Xie
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Pittsburgh
Cary Boyd-Shiwarski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh
Bruce Armitage, Ph.D.
Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
Bokai Zhu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh
Shigeru Amemiya, Ph.D.
Professor, University of Pittsburgh
Saumya Saurabh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, New York University
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Date |
Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
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Location |
PNC Foundation Room, Tepper Quadrangle |
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Morning Session (Chair: Christie Passos) |
| 8:30-8:55 AM | Doors open / breakfast |
| 8:55-9:00 AM | Opening remarks |
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9:00-9:20 AM |
Matthew Wohlever |
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9:20-9:40 AM |
Bruce Armitage |
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9:40-10:00 AM |
Stefanie Heydayati |
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10:00-10:20 AM |
Break 1 |
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10:20-10:40 AM |
Jasper Jeffrey |
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10:40-11:00 AM |
Longzin Xie |
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11:00-11:20 AM |
Saumya Saurabh |
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11:20-12:20 PM |
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12:20-1:20 PM |
Lunch |
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Afternoon Session (Chair: Shawn Allen) |
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1:20-1:40 PM |
Jose Lugo-Martinez |
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1:40-2:00 PM |
Shigeru Amemiya |
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2:00-2:20 PM |
Cary Boyd-Shiwarski |
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2:20-2:40 PM |
Break 2 |
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2:40-3:00 PM |
Connor Chee |
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3:00-3:20 PM |
Bokai Zhu |
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3:20-4:20 PM |
Keynote Address - Michael Rosen |
| 4:20-5:00 PM | Reception |
The Future of Biomolecular Condensates: Challenges, Opportunities, and Collaboration
Join us for an engaging discussion with leading researchers from diverse backgrounds—including cell biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and medicine—as they explore the current state and future directions of biomolecular condensate research. This panel will tackle pressing questions such as:
- What’s next for the field?
- What are the biggest challenges?
- How can we integrate condensate biology into the broader scientific community?
Audience participation is encouraged! Submit your questions and suggest discussion topics in advance via our Q&A form to help shape the conversation.
This session promises to be a lively exchange of ideas, offering insights for both newcomers and established researchers in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the dialogue driving the future of biocondensate science!
Registration is open for all people interested in attending, up until the day of the event. Please submit questions for the panel discussion at least 1 day beforehand.
For questions or issues with registering, contact Dr. Huaiying Zhang at huaiyinz@andrew.cmu.edu.
Condensates 2025 will take place on May 22 from 8:30 AM - 5 PM in the PNC Foundation Room, Tepper Quadrangle.
- Dr. Huaiying Zhang
- Jasper Jeffrey
- Chrysoula Passos
- Gavin Treadaway
- Wade Schnorr
- Website design: Iulia Dumitriu