Join us in Sydney for the second edition of the Sydney Biomolecular Condensates Symposium, hosted by the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. We are bringing together researchers from across Sydney and beyond to share the latest advances in biomolecular condensate research and related fields.
The 2026 symposium will be a one-day event featuring invited talks, selected oral presentations and a poster session. Building on the success of our inaugural meeting, this year's symposium will place a particular emphasis on providing a platform for higher degree research (HDR) students and early career researchers (ECR) to showcase their work.
We anticipate many of the selected oral presentations will be delivered by HDR students and ECRs from across the biomolecular condensates community, while welcoming attendance and participation from researchers at all career stages. Participants are also encouraged to share their research through the poster session.
Topics will range from the fundamental science of phase separation to emerging characterisation tools, RNA and RNA binding proteins, disease connections, and potential applications.
Whether you are deeply involved in condensate research or simply curious to learn more, this is a friendly forum to meet colleagues, exchange perspectives, and spark collaboration.
Dr Luke McAlary is a Research Fellow in Molecular Horizons from the School of Science at the University of Wollongong.
His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron disease (MND) and protein misfolding. His work investigates how disease-associated proteins, particularly TDP-43 and SOD1, undergo changes in structure, condensation and aggregation that contribute to neurodegener1ative disease.
Dr McAlary has made important contributions to understanding how RNA-binding properties regulate TDP-43 homeostasis through condensate formation and how molecular chaperones influence TDP-43 condensation and aggregation.
His research combines biochemical, biophysical and cellular approaches to uncover the mechanisms that regulate protein homeostasis and identify potential therapeutic strategies for MND.
Dr McAlary will present about Fluorescent Molecular Rotors as Probes for Biomolecular Condensates.
Professor Pall Thordarson is a Professor in the School of Chemistry and Director of the UNSW RNA Institute at UNSW Sydney.
His research spans supramolecular chemistry, systems chemistry, biophysical chemistry and nanomedicine, with a particular focus on understanding how molecules interact and self-assemble to form functional materials and biological systems.
Professor Thordarson’s research includes the study of protein and RNA self-assembly, RNA–peptide interactions, self-assembled gels and supramolecular systems, with applications ranging from nanomedicine and drug delivery to biomolecular materials. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to supramolecular and self-assembly chemistry and has published extensively in leading journals.
His interdisciplinary research provides fundamental insights into molecular interactions and self-assembly, offering new perspectives on the mechanisms underlying complex biomolecular systems.
Professor Thordarson will present about Understanding the molecular grammar of RNA interactions.
Share your research at the Sydney Biomolecular Condensates Symposium 2026 at the University of Sydney through an oral presentation or poster.
Please submit your abstract in the Ticket Information section when registering.
Further details regarding oral presentations and posters will be provided following registration.
This is a free event. Registration is essential to secure your place.
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