Focus sesions

At ECCB 2026, focus sessions are a scheduled part of the scientific program that concentrates on a specific topic or theme within computational biology, allowing speakers and participants to explore that particular area in depth. It differs from broader scientific sessions by narrowing in on targeted subjects (often emerging methods, focused research questions, or community-driven themes) and facilitates detailed discussion, exchange of ideas, and interaction among experts and attendees interested in that niche. These sessions are integrated alongside keynotes, highlight talks, poster sessions, and workshops in the ECCB programme to help researchers dive deeper into focused areas of interest within the broader field of computational biology.

Pushing the boundaries of computational biology developing new tools/executions that go beyond what current uses are, in ways that are more than the usual smaller steps

Emma Hodcroft – University of Bern & Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (Switzerland)

1 September (10:30 - 11:30)

Advances pioneered by computational biologists are redefining what is possible in data analysis, visualization, and collaboration. This session will highlight transformative approaches that have enabled analyses at unprecedented scale, from phylogenetics, to population-level genomics, and federated data infrastructures. Beyond their technical accomplishment, these tools can catalyze conceptual and cultural shifts: how can they reshape the questions we ask, the expectations of what we can achieve, and the next challenges we face.

Confirmed speakers:

Theo Sanderson – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK) – Taxonium, Pathoplexus
Angie Hinrichs – University of California, Santa Cruz (USA) – Genome Browser, UShER Tree
Nick Loman – University of Birmingham (UK) – CLIMB, COG-UK

Image generated using ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2026

Digital earth, living planet: biodiversity and climate in the age of big data

Robert Waterhouse – University of Lausanne & Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (Switzerland)

2 September (13:45 - 15:45)

This session will explore how large-scale data infrastructures are transforming our understanding of biodiversity and climate systems. It will highlight advances in aggregating, harmonising, and analysing massive environmental datasets to support evidence-based research and policy. Complementary perspectives will connect biodiversity informatics with emerging digital twin and Earth system modelling approaches. Together, the talks will emphasise the power of integrated big data frameworks to address interconnected ecological and climate challenges.

Image generated using ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2026