The conference "The Expanding Genetic Code and Beyond" will serve as a forum to explore frontiers in the evolving genetic code, nucleic acid editing, synthetic biology and their transformative applications. We will highlight recent advances in genetic code expansion and protein evolution that push the boundaries of precision protein engineering. This meeting will showcase technology's profound impact on life science and health, from dissecting complex biological pathways to developing novel therapeutics. Furthermore, we will explore the exciting potential of synthetic genomes and artificial enzymes for catalysis, highlighting how these technologies are revolutionizing fields ranging from sustainable chemistry to synthetic biology. By bringing together leading experts, this conference aims to foster collaboration and drive innovation, propelling the expanding genetic code and its related technologies towards groundbreaking discoveries and applications.

Peng CHEN, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Peking University

Yun GE, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory

Shixian LIN, Zhejiang University

Tao LIU, Peking University

Xiaozhou LUO, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Ryan MEHL, Oregon State University‬‬

(in alphabetical order)

Keynote Speakers

Jason CHIN, University of Cambridge 

William DEGRADO, University of California, San Francisco

Jay KEASLING, University of California, Berkeley

Invited Speakers

Ahmed BADRAN, The Scripps Research Institute

Ned BUDISA, University of Manitoba

Patrick CAI, University of Manchester

Abhishek CHATTERJEE, Boston College

Junbiao DAI, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Bryan DICKINSON, The University of Chicago

Xue Sherry GAO, University of Pennsylvania

Jiantao GUO, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Thomas HUBER, Australian National University

Kathrin LANG, ETH Zürich

Chang LIU, University of California, Irvine

Chenli LIU, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Haiyan LIU, University of Science and Technology of China

Peilong LU,  Westlake University

Gerard ROELFES, University of Groningen

Jiangyun WANG, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nanxi WANG, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Yuzhou WU, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Haifeng YE, East China Normal University

Demin ZHOU, Peking University

NOTE: More speakers to be announced.

Yingjin YUAN, Tianjin University

Shushu JIANG, Vita

TBA

SEPTEMBER 22

Overview: Theoretical Foundations and Technical Principles

Module 1: Fundamentals of Genetic Code Expansion and Photo‑crosslinking

· Historical development, fundamental principles, and key advantages of genetic code expansion

· Applications of genetically encoded photocrosslinking and basic principles of crosslinking mass spectrometry analysis

SEPTEMBER 23

Hands‑on Training: Application of Genetically Encoded Photo-crosslinking in Protein–Protein Interaction Studies 

Module 2: Incorporation and Characterization of Noncanonical Amino Acids

· Plasmid construction and transformation strategies

· Selection and site-specific incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs)

· Protein expression, SDS-PAGE analysis, and mass spectrometric characterization

Module 3: Photo‑crosslinking, Chemical Labeling, and Sample Preparation

· Photo‑crosslinking of proteins containing photo‑crosslinkers

· Click chemistry-based labeling and biotin enrichment

· Sample preparation workflows for mass spectrometry

Module 4: Mass Spectrometry-Based Identification and Data Analysis

· Standard workflows for protein identification

· Experimental strategies for crosslinking mass spectrometry

· Data analysis software and computational workflows

This conference will feature a poster presentation session, with an award for outstanding posters. We sincerely invite you to submit your abstract and participate in the poster presentation (encouraging the display of the latest research advancements or unpublished research topics).

How to Participate: Submit abstract for poster when register.

Poster Requirements: If you participate in the poster presentation, please print the poster yourself and bring it to the conference venue to be posted in the designated area by the staff.

Poster Size: Width 80 cm*Height 120cm

Registration Deadline: September 17, 2026

Please click the Register link at the top of this web page to proceed with the registration process.

Registration Fees

*Please upload valid documents for review if you are a student.

Notice

1. When making transfers, please include the following note: GCE + [Your Full Name].

2. Please complete the registration and payment before September 17, 2026. Attendees registering on-site will be provided with only the electronic program.

3. The electronic invoice for the registration fee will be sent to the registered email address within 15 working days after the symposium.

Refund Policy

1. A 2% administrative fee will be charged for all refund transactions.

2. Refund requests submitted after 18:00 (GMT+8) on September 20, 2026 will not be processed.

Email: symposium@smart.org.cn

Tel: +86-173 2236 4121

We do not provide centralized accommodation for this symposium. Participants can arrange their own accommodation by contacting nearby hotels. (If you encounter any difficulty in booking a hotel, please contact us at symposium@smart.org.cn.)

Phishing Alert: Please be alert to fraudulent emails claiming to offer symposium accommodation or hotel services. These phishing attempts may request payment or personal information. If you receive such an email, do not reply, click any links, download attachments, or share any information. We appreciate your vigilance.

1. EVEN Hotels Shenzhen Guangming Cloud Park, an IHG Hotel

Address: No. 98 Zhenyuan Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen

The hotel is 200 meters (~3-minute walk) from the conference venue.

Contact: Mr. Zhou, +86-135 0841 8360

2. Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming Cloud Park, an IHG Hotel

Address: No. 98 Zhenyuan Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen

The hotel is 200 meters (~3-minute walk) from the conference venue.

Contact: Mr. Zhou, +86-135 0841 8360

3. SYSU Academic Vila, Shenzhen Campus

Address : No.66 Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, Guangming District, Shenzhen

The hotel is 2.5 kilometers (~5-minute drive) from the conference venue.

Contact : Mr. Ran, +86-133 3028 2207

4. Guangming CIMC Executive Apartments Hotel

Address: CIMC Executive Apartments Hotel, Qiaoming Road, Fenghuang Street, Guangming District, Shenzhen

The hotel is 7.6 kilometers (~20-minute drive) from the conference venue.

Contact: Mr. Lu, +86-138 2659 2644