The European Congress of Biotechnology (ECB) is a flagship scientific meeting with a long-standing tradition in advancing biotechnology across Europe and beyond. It was first held in 1978 in Interlaken, Switzerland, marking the inauguration of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) link to the EFB info. Since then, the congress has been organised regularly in major European cities, reflecting the evolution and growing impact of biotechnology in medical, agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors.

The 20th edition, ECB2026, will take place from 28 June to 1 July 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium, at the unique venue “A Room with a ZOO.” Organised by the EFB in collaboration with the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) link to VIB info, ECB2026 will bring together researchers at senior and early-career stages, representatives from academia and industry, and industry leaders to discuss the latest scientific advances, emerging technologies, and future directions of biotechnology, continuing nearly five decades of excellence and collaboration.