We are excited to host an academic conference focused on the transformative role of molecular tools in cell biology. Over the past few decades, innovations such as fluorescent proteins and proximity labeling enzymes have significantly advanced our understanding of cellular mechanisms and subcellular landscapes. These molecular tools have enabled researchers to visualize and manipulate cellular processes with unprecedented precision, leading to breakthroughs that have reshaped our approach to cell biology.
By gathering external experts and internal investigators, we will create an engaging platform to share knowledge and inspire new ideas. This gathering not only serves to showcase the potential of molecular tools but also aims to engage a broader scientific audience and attract attention to the outstanding work of our colleagues.
This event will be hosted in a hybrid format, giving you the option to attend in-person and to enjoy the enhanced networking and experience the beautiful St. Jude campus in Memphis, TN. As always, we also welcome virtual attendees to join us from around the world. To encourage broad participation from researchers around the world registration is free.
Register to Attend
Join researchers and field experts from around the world at the Tools4Cells conference on February 25, 2026. This hybrid event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.
In-person attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, network with colleagues, present their research, and experience the one-of-a-kind creative atmosphere on the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital campus in Memphis, TN.
Registration is free and required for both in-person and virtual participants.
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Keynote speakers
- Luke Lavis, PhD
Janelia Research Campus
Using modern organic chemistry to transform old dyes into tools for 21st century biology - Elizabeth M.C. Hillman, PhD
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
High-speed 3D microscopy and wide-field optical mapping approaches for dynamic, functional, and metabolic in vivo imaging - Fan Liu, PhD
Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie
Developing proteome-wide cross-linking mass spectrometry approaches to characterize structural interactomes
Spatial Proteomics
- Paul Tillberg, PhD
Janelia Research Campus
Developing and applying expansion microscopy - Keriann Backus, PhD
University of California, Los Angeles
Applying chemiproteomics to cysteine biology - Ewa Bomba-Warczak, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Study of lifelong maintenance of mitochondrial networks in long-lived cells - Dolores Irala, PhD
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Investigating astrocyte-neuron communication during brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders
Bioorthogonal Lipid Probes
- Itay Budin, PhD
University of California, San Diego
Developing new tools to study membrane lipid composition in cells and whole organisms - Jeremy M. Baskin, PhD
Cornell University
Pioneering innovative chemical approaches to probe the biology of lipids and membranes
Fluorescent-based protein tool
- Klaus M. Hahn, PhD
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Developing and applying methods to address basic questions in spatio-temporal control of signaling - Alison G. Tebo, PhD
Janelia Research Campus
Using protein engineering to develop chemical biology tools - Jason Vevea, PhD
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Developing chemigenetic tools to interrogate organelle quality control - Chi-Lun Chang, PhD
St. Jude Children Research Hospital
Investigating the dynamic spatial organization of inter-organelle logistics
- Luke Lavis, PhD
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The agenda is coming soon.
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Submit Abstract
We welcome abstracts for the poster session from researchers in all areas of cellular and molecular biology with an interest in the use of molecular tools to advance our understanding of cellular systems. All abstracts will be for poster presentations.
We invite and encourage abstract submissions from trainees, postdocs, and established investigators.
You must be registered to attend the conference in person to submit an abstract. All poster presentations will be given in person.
Abstract submissions will close on November 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM Central.
All author notifications will be sent no later than December 1, 2025.
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Hotel Accommodations
We've partnered with The Memphian Hotel, an eclectic and globally-inspired hotel located in midtown Memphis, just minutes from the symposium venue.
Enjoy a special group rate for attendees, available for stays from February 24 thru February 26, 2026.
Rooms are limited, so we recommend booking early to secure your stay. This special rate will end on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Hotel amenities include:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- 24-hr state-of-the-art fitness studio
- Off-street parking for hotel guests
- Located directly in midtown, surrounded by restaurants and very near Overton Park
Note: St. Jude will provide direct transportation to and from The Memphian to campus on the day of the event!
Travel Accommodations
Airport
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the closest airport, located about 15 minutes from downtown.
Airport Transportation
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) readily available
- Tradition taxis and shuttles also available at the airport
Get to know the community, city life and distinctive culture that makes Memphis so special.
