Program Dates
May 27-29, 2026 (Wed-Fri)
Location
Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1206 W Gregory Dr, Urbana, IL 61801
Program Information
This certificate program is designed to provide in-depth and hands-on training about laboratory automation and AI/ML tools in synthetic biology. The iBioFoundry hosts multiple liquid handlers, analytical equipment, and peripherals integrated through robotic arms for seamless automated experimentation at scale. This program provides a unique opportunity to learn and explore state-of-the-art laboratory automation and AI/ML for your research workflow.
Hands-on Training
Access to state-of-the-art laboratory automation infrastructure.
AI/ML Design
Integrate AI/ML tools with automation for iterative DBTL cycles.
Scale & Reproducibility
Miniaturize & scale-up assays, Do more for less.
Registration Details
Registration Fee: $3,000
Industry Partners: $2,500
Capacity: Limited to 20-25 participants to ensure hands-on access.
REGISTER HEREPlease email contact@ibiofoundry.illinois.edu for questions and more information.
Draft Schedule
| Day | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 (Wed) | Morning |
Welcome & Overview: Introduction to the course objectives Core Concepts: Introduction to Synthetic Biology, Biofoundry, and AI/ML Core Concepts: Liquid handling and robotic experimentation |
| Afternoon | Hands-on Tutorials: Automated robotic workflows and AI live tutorials | |
| May 28 (Thu) | Morning |
AI Models: Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) Discovery: AI for Protein and Metabolic Engineering Industry Partner: Seminar featuring industry partners |
| Afternoon | Hands-on Tutorials: Automated robotic workflows and AI live tutorials | |
| May 29 (Fri) | Morning |
Case Study #1: Autonomous Protein Engineering Case Study #2: Automated/Autonomous Metabolic Engineering Conclusion: Short assessment, awarding of certificates, and group photo |
Frequently Asked Questions
The registration fee is all-inclusive regarding the educational experiencem and covers tuition for all sessions and any required course material. Food & Beverage: breakfast, lunches, and refreshments/snacks. Networking receptions (if applicable).
No. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare/travel and lodging. We strongly recommend booking early to secure the best rates. More information on this page below:
Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start date will receive a full refund minus a $150 processing fee.
Cancellations within 14–30 days are eligible for a 50% refund.
No refunds are issued for cancellations within 14 days of the event, but you may transfer your ticket to a colleague.
Please visit the Platform and Instrumentation page to get more insights into the automation infrastructure.
The course will be held at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1206 W Gregory Street, Urbana, IL, 61801). The NSF iBioFoundry will use its automation facility for hands-on training.
Yes. We will send an separate email to ask for your dietary needs. We will work with our caterers to ensure options are available for you.
We have drafted a high-level abstract of the program that can help:
A unique in-person 3-day certificate program empowering participants to tackle the challenges of scale and reproducibility that limit biotechnology R&D using state-of-the-art lab automation fully integrated with AI/ML tools to create closed-loop design, build, test, and learn cycles. This course will provide the foundational context for this new era of biological innovation with lectures from industrial and academic leaders in the fields of AI, automation, and machine learning. Participants will get hands-on experience with the AI/ML tools that are accelerating synthetic biology and take part in expert led demos of the automation workflows that bring these designs to life.
Please bring a laptop/tablet for digital notes and exercises. The dress code is business casual. We also recommend bringing a light jacket for Midwest weather.
Program Flyers
