USCCN Conference 2026 – From Preservation to Innovation: Connecting Microbial Collections to Advance Science

May 13, 2026
July 31, 2026

Location

Providence, RI, USA

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About the Conference

Join us on July 31, 2026 at the Providence Convention Center (Rhode Island, USA) for the USCCN Conference “From Preservation to Innovation: Connecting Microbial Collections to Advance Science”, co-located with Plant Health 2026, the annual meeting of the American Phytopathological Society.

This conference will bring together collections managers and users, researchers, and industry partners to:

  • Share updates on USCCN past, present, and future
  • Discuss current challenges and opportunities facing microbial collections
  • Highlight success stories and best practices
  • Explore collaborations
  • Shape the path forward for a sustainable USCCN community

Important Dates

  • May 1, 2026 – Travel stipend application deadline – CLOSED
  • June 19, 2026 – Registration cancellation deadline (no refunds after this date)
  • July 3, 2026 – Hotel discount booking deadline
  • July 31, 2026 – Conference

Registration

Registration fees are in USD.

Regular Fee* On-Site Fee**
Student $125 $150
Professional $200 $250

*Regular registration available March 24 – July 28, 2026
**On-site registration July 31, 2026

Registration includes:

  • Coffee breaks
  • Lunch
  • Networking reception

Cancellation Policy:
Full refunds available until June 19, 2026 (minus $10 of precessing fees). No refunds will be granted after this date.

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Draft Agenda (as of May 28)

Friday, July 31

 

Time Topic / Talk
8:30 AM Registration and badge pick-up
9:00 AM Welcome, introductions and opening remarks
9:15 AM USCCN 2.0 Overview: Structure, aims, and progress – Dusti Gallagher, USCCN Project Manager
Session 1: Challenges & Opportunities with Microbial Collections
Moderator: Andrew Newman, Ginkgo Bioworks
9:30 AM Importance of data provenance and tracking strains to sequence; sustaining membership to genome portal – Jonathan Jacobs, ATCC
9:50 AM Automated storage and databases – Ryan McCann, Ginkgo Bioworks
10:10 AM Practical lessons from transforming strain collections into dynamic digital R&D assets – Thomas Roder, Abrinca Genomics
10:30 AM AI & data – Maciej Wiatrak, University of Cambridge
10:50 AM ☕ Coffee Break & Networking
Session 2: Collection Success Stories
Moderator: Dusti Gallagher, USCCN
11:20 AM Panel Discussion – How collections drive measurable scientific impact
Participants:

  • Ruth Cheng, ATCC
  • Ryan McCann, Ginkgo Bioworks
  • Colin Maxwell, Ruby Bio
12:20 PM Group Picture
12:30 PM 🍽 Networking Lunch
1:30 PM Keynote: George diCenzo, Queen’s University, 2025 Porter Award Winner
Rhizobial genomics and taxonomy: An overview of the Canadian Collection of Agricultural Soils
Session 3: Mobilizing Collaborations Across Collections
Moderator: Victoria Knight-Connoni, ATCC
2:15 PM U.S. Collaborations – Kirk Broders, NRRL
2:35 PM CABI & European Collaborations – Matthew Ryan, CAB International
2:55 PM ☕ Coffee Break & Networking
Session 4: Paving the Way for the Future
3:25 PM Session Introduction – Dusti Gallagher, USCCN
3:30 PM Community Thought Leaders Panel Discussion: The Value of Collaborations
Moderator: Andrew Newman, Ginkgo Bioworks
Participants:

  • Neha Potnis, Auburn University
  • Colin Maxwell, Ruby Bio & Kyria Boundy Mills, Phaff Yeast Collection, UC-Davis
  • Kirk Broders, NRRL
  • Matthew Ryan, CABI
  • George diCenzo, Queen’s University
4:15 PM Guided Discussion & Q&A – Moderators: Rick Bennett and Kyria Boundy-Mills, USCCN Steering Committee
5:00 PM Wrap-up & Announcements – Dusti Gallagher, USCCN
5:15 – 7:15 PM 🥂 Networking Reception with Light Hors d’Oeuvres

 

Practical Information

The Conference will take place at the
Rhode Island Convention Center
1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Accommodation

The USCCN negotiated a discounted rate for Conference attendees at the Graduate by Hilton Providence, located within walking distance (5 minutes) from the Conference venue.

We encourage you to book early to secure your room as only a limited number of rooms are guaranteed at this rate.

Discounted rate conditions:

  • Rate: $209 (excluding state and local taxes)
  • Booking should be made before July 3, 2026

To book a room:

  • Online: Go to this page
  • By Phone: call Hotel Reservations at 401-421-0700, choose Option 1, mention Group Reservation Code #936

Travel Stipend – Applications are now CLOSED

A limited number of travel stipends ($1,000 each) are available to support conference attendance.

Important: Recipients are responsible for registering for the conference, booking their travel and accommodation, and covering all other expenses upfront. The $1,000 stipend will be provided at the start of the Conference on Friday, July 31.

Eligibility & Review Criteria:
Applications will be reviewed based on career stage, relevance of work to microbial collections, and potential impact on the field.

Application Timeline:

  • Applications open: March 24, 2026
  • Application deadline: May 1, 2026 – 5:00 PM EDT
  • Notifications: May 18, 2026

Conference Organizing Committee

  • Rick Bennett, University of Kentucky
  • Edward Dudley, Penn State University
  • Dusti Gallagher, USCCN and Phytobiomes Alliance
  • Victoria Knight-Connoni, ATCC
  • Adam Newman, Ginkgo Bioworks

Questions?

For questions about registration, travel stipend, or the conference program, please contact us.