Save the date · 25–27 November 2026 Abstract submission is now open Registration is open
EU-CHROMNet · European Rare Diseases Research Alliance

European Network Conference on Chromatinopathies

Building the first European network for chromatinopathy research.

25–27 November 2026 İzmir Biomedicine & Genome Center · İzmir, Türkiye
Countdown to the conference
Welcome

A gathering to unite Europe's chromatinopathy community

Over two and a half days in İzmir, clinicians, researchers and patient advocates from across Europe come together to establish the first European network dedicated to chromatinopathies — rare genetic disorders caused by changes in the genes that regulate chromatin structure and gene activity.

We warmly invite you to join us on the Aegean coast to share science, build collaborations and shape the future of rare disease research.

— Prof. Uğur Özbek,
on behalf of the Organising Committee
Organised & supported by
ERDERA IBG RareBoost ERN-ITHACA European Union

This meeting is supported by the ERDERA Networking Support Scheme (NSS).

DNA double helix, laboratory pipetting and chromosomes — rare disease and genomics research
Rare disease & genomics research

From molecular mechanisms to clinical impact

Uniting genomics, epigenomics and clinical science to decode chromatinopathies.

About the conference

Bringing together Europe's chromatinopathy community

Protein structure alongside a connected map of Europe, representing the pan-European chromatinopathy research networkA pan-European network — connecting research across borders

Organised by an international, multi-stakeholder consortium with partners from the European Reference Networks (ERNs) and ERDERA, the conference unites expertise across countries and disciplines.

Its aim is to promote patient-centred research, strengthen collaborations, and lay the foundation for future European initiatives in chromatinopathy research.

Topics in focus
Disease mechanisms Clinical diagnostics Multi-omics Epigenomics Therapeutic development Patient involvement AI & structural modelling European networking
Key dates

Important dates

Abstract submission is now open. Registration is now open.

Registration opensOpen nowAugust 2026
Abstract submission opensOpen nowAugust 2026
Abstract deadlineConfirmed30 September 2026
Acceptance notificationsConfirmed15 October 2026
Early registration deadlineConfirmed2 October 2026
ConferenceConfirmed25–27 November 2026
Preliminary programme

Three days across foundations, technologies & collaboration

A preliminary outline — select a day to explore its sessions. The full timetable will follow.

Session 1Foundations and Mechanistic Insights

Setting the scientific scene — the molecular basis of chromatin regulation and how its disruption gives rise to chromatinopathies.

Session 2Clinical Landscapes of Chromatinopathies

Clinical presentation, phenotypic spectrum and diagnostic journeys across the family of chromatinopathy disorders.

Session 3Decoding the Epigenome–Transcriptome

Reading the interplay between epigenomic and transcriptomic signals to understand disease mechanisms.

RoundtableChromatinopathies Working Group under ERN-ITHACA

A discussion on establishing a dedicated working group within the ERN-ITHACA framework.

Session 4Emerging Technologies and Methodologies

New tools reshaping chromatinopathy research — from single-cell approaches to advanced multi-omics.

Session 5Therapeutic Opportunities and Patient Involvement

Emerging therapeutic strategies, developed hand-in-hand with the patient community.

SymposiumPatient Advocacy & Families Symposium

Centring the voices of patients and families in the research agenda.

NetworkingPoster Session · Early-Career & Established Investigators

A poster session and networking opportunity connecting early-career and established researchers.

Workshop 1Episignatures: Utility and Challenges

A hands-on workshop exploring the practical use and limitations of DNA methylation episignatures.

Workshop 2AlphaFold Applications in Chromatinopathies

Applying protein structure prediction to interpret variants and mechanisms in chromatinopathies.

RoundtableBuilding European Research Networks for Collaborative Funding Calls

Strategising joint funding applications and durable cross-border collaborations.

ClosingClosing Remarks & Future Directions

Reflections on the meeting and the roadmap for a lasting European chromatinopathy network.

Call for abstracts

Share your research

Researchers are invited to submit abstracts presenting original work related to chromatinopathies, rare diseases, epigenetics and associated technologies.

You must first register for the conference in order to submit abstracts

Suggested Keywords
Disease mechanismsClinical genetics Functional genomicsEpigenomics TranscriptomicsDiagnostics Computational biologyStructural biology TherapeuticsPatient-centred research AI applicationsRare disease networks

Click a topic to add it to your abstract's keywords.

Guidelines
Abstract details
Presentation preference
PosterOralEither
Abstract text & file
Fields marked * are required. You'll receive a confirmation by email.
Registration

Register to attend

Registration is required for all participants. The fee schedule is shown below; the live registration portal will open in August 2026 — the form below previews the details we'll ask for.

Registration fees
Registration categoryEarly birdRegular
Academic / Researcher€150€250
Student (PhD/MSc)*€100€150
Participants from Underrepresented Countries*€150€200
Patient Representatives*FreeFree
Industry€400€500
Invited SpeakersFreeFree

* Early-bird registration is available until 2 October 2026.

* Participants from Türkiye may register under the “Participants from Underrepresented Countries” category.

Bank account details

Please transfer the registration fee to the bank account below:

Account nameİZMİR BİYOTIP VE GENOM MERKEZİ
BankT.C. Ziraat Bankası
Branch1506 – 9 Eylül Üniversitesi / İzmir Şubesi
Account no1506839693645586
IBANTR27 0001 0015 0683 9693 6455 86
BIC / SWIFTTCZBTR2A
CurrencyEUR

Payment confirmation — please send your receipt

After completing your bank transfer, you must email your payment receipt (dekont) to euchromnet2026@gmail.com. Please include your full name and registration category in the message so we can confirm your payment. Your registration is finalised only once the receipt has been received.

Send payment receipt
Registration fee

The registration fee includes:

An optional social dinner may be added later.

Registration Form
Professional category
Academic / ClinicianResearcher / Post-Doc. Academic / Researcher — Underrepresented CountriesStudentIndustry
Additional details
Have you completed the registration payment?
⚠️Please note: Your registration will be confirmed only after payment has been received and proof of payment has been submitted.
Fields marked * are required. You'll receive a confirmation by email.
Funding & scholarships

Support for eligible participants

Limited funding support may be available for eligible participants, including students, early-career researchers, and participants from underrepresented and under-resourced countries.

Support may include

Depending on available funding and eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Applicants seeking funding support must submit an abstract to be eligible for consideration. In addition, applicants should submit:

Applications can also be submitted by email to conference@ibg.edu.tr.

Send email
Sponsorship opportunities

Partner with us

We welcome organizations, companies, foundations, and other stakeholders interested in supporting the conference and contributing to the advancement of research and collaboration in the field.

What we offer

A range of sponsorship opportunities will be available, including opportunities for visibility and engagement before, during, and after the conference.

Get in touch

For sponsorship opportunities and further information, please contact:

Kübra Ünal

✉️ kubra.unal@ibg.edu.tr
Speakers

Invited speakers

YA

Yasemin Alanay

Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
Türkiye
JG

Joost Gribnau

Leiden University Medical Center
Netherlands
AB

Albert Basson

University of Exeter
United Kingdom
FK

Frank Kaiser

University Hospital Essen
Germany
OB

Onur Başak

UMC Utrecht
Netherlands
EK

Ezgi Karaca

Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center
Türkiye
SD

Stefan Dimitrov

CNRS Université Grenoble Alpes
France
IP

Ilaria Parenti

University Hospital Essen
Germany
SD

Sofia Douzgou

Haukeland University Hospital
Norway
CT

Clara Tang

Kabuki Syndrome Foundation
United States
CG

Christian Gilissen

Radboudumc
Netherlands
TT

Tika Tkemaladze

Tbilisi State Medical University
Georgia
Speaker invitations are ongoing — more names to be announced
Scientific committee

The people shaping the programme

Uğur Özbek

Uğur Özbek

Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center
Türkiye
Siddharth Banka

Siddharth Banka

University of Manchester
United Kingdom
Zeynep Tümer

Zeynep Tümer

University of Copenhagen
Denmark
Tahsin Stefan Barakat

Tahsin Stefan Barakat

Erasmus University Medical Center
Netherlands
Holm Graessner

Holm Graessner

Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
Germany
Serap Erkek Özhan

Serap Erkek Özhan

Dokuz Eylül University
Türkiye
Burcu Akman

Burcu Akman

Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center
Türkiye
Organizing committee

The team behind the conference

Aliye Kübra Ünal

AY

Ayça Yiğit

BU

Begüm Utz

Beste Özkalay

ET

Emine Eylül Taşkın

Emre Özzeybek

EB

Ezgi Boyvatlı

KB

Kutay Bulut

Venue

Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center

EU-CHROMNet — European Network Conference on Chromatinopathies · 25–27 November 2026 · Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center konferans afişi

The Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) is a leading research institute dedicated to biomedical and genome sciences.

IBG coordinates the Horizon 2020 ERA Chair project RareBoost, strengthening scientific excellence, international collaboration and innovation in rare disease research.

DEÜ — İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) binası, İzmirİzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) — konferans mekânı
About İzmir

Located on Türkiye's Aegean coast, İzmir is a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage and Mediterranean atmosphere — from ancient ruins and Ottoman-era streets to sunlit bays and a lively seafront.

İzmir waterfront panorama at dusk with the historic Konak Clock Tower
Nearby attractions worth exploring
Ephesus, İzmir
Ephesus
Şirince, İzmir
Şirince
Agora of Smyrna, İzmir
Agora of Smyrna
Kemeraltı Bazaar, İzmir
Kemeraltı Bazaar
Konak Square, İzmir
Konak Square
Alaçatı, İzmir
Alaçatı
Çeşme, İzmir
Çeşme
Travel & accommodation

Planning your visit

Detailed guidance coming soon

Recommended hotels

A curated list of nearby hotels and rates.

Airport information

İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) connections.

Transportation

Getting to IBG by metro, tram and taxi.

Visa information

Entry requirements and invitation letters.

Maps & directions

Interactive map of the venue and area.

Contact

Conference secretariat

OrganiserEuropean Network Conference on Chromatinopathies
Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center
Locationİzmir, Türkiye
Sponsors & support

Organised & supported by

This conference is made possible through the collaboration of leading European rare-disease research organisations and the support of the European Union.

Co-funded by the European Union · Supported by the ERDERA Networking Support Scheme (NSS)