Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the field of bioinformatics, and this development took centre stage at the 11th UBC Annual Symposium. The event brought together a vibrant community of researchers, students, and other professionals to meet and deepen our understanding of bioinformatics.
The symposium, held on 7 November 2025 at the Princess Máxima Center, explored the theme Bioinformatics in the Age of AI. The day featured three keynote lectures, two sessions of short research pitches and a poster competition. This created a full programme of inspiration and exchange for all bioinformatics researchers in Utrecht and beyond.
Keynotes: From molecular puzzels to RNA's secrets
The scientific programme opened with Alexandre Bonvin of Utrecht University, who presented how physics-based and AI-driven modelling can be used to solve the complex 3D puzzles of biomolecular interactions. His talk illustrated how computational approaches, like the HADDOCK software developed by his team, are advancing the way scientists investigate the molecular foundations of life.
Later in the day, Sebastian Lobentanzer from Helmholtz Munich and EMBL-EBI delivered a lecture titled “Agentic Systems Are Upon Us.” He explored how intelligent systems that act autonomously can accelerate biomedical research and inspire new ways of thinking about data and discovery.
The closing keynote was delivered by Yiliang Ding of the John Innes Centre. She shared how her pioneering research on RNA structures in living cells is uncovering new insights into the ways gene regulation is controlled. Ding also praised the Utrecht bioinformatics community for its energy and involvement. She noted she was very pleasantly surprised to see such big crowd, all from the same bioinformatics community in Utrecht.
Pitch Talks & poster presentations
Bioinformatics and applied sciences
Another highlight of the morning was the presentation by Chris van Oevelen from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, which recently joined the UBC network. Van Oevelen outlined how the HU aims to further embed bioinformatics within both education and practice-oriented research. He warmly invited attendees to collaborate and explore new opportunities for connection between the HU and other research institutes across Utrecht Science Park.
Reflecting on the event, UBC Board member Ronnie de Jonge expresses pride in the growing cohesion and enthusiasm of Utrecht’s bioinformatics community. “This year’s theme was highly relevant, with machine learning emerging as the most frequently mentioned expertise in the community. Also, it is inspiring to see how the community keeps evolving, with researchers and students eager to learn from one another. As keynote speaker Yiliang Ding noted, we truly have an interactive and dedicated community here. This what makes this symposium so special.”
The symposium review was also published on the UU website by Aschwin Tenfelde