Important Deadlines 

Early Registration Deadline: December 28, 2026 

Scholarship Deadline: October 29, 2026 

Short Talk Abstract Deadline: October 29, 2026 

Poster Abstract Deadline: February 2, 2027 

Meeting Summary 

Title: Antibodies as Drugs: Evolving Designs, Formats and Approaches 

Date: February 22 - 25, 2027 
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB, Canada  

Scientific Organizers: James E Crowe, Jr., Lisa Purcell, and Jonah Rainey 

Keynote Speaker(s): James Zou, Stanford University 

To mark 40 years since the approval of the first monoclonal antibody for therapeutic use, this conference will highlight the major advances that have accompanied the field. While innovation continues with traditional formats, these large molecules now encompass conjugates, multiple targets, target selectivity, and de novo design alongside combinations and innovative dosing paradigms. This conference will highlight the innovations that have afforded antibodies unparalleled success in combatting rare diseases for a few patients to deployment to millions in record time during the recent pandemic. By sharing the major strides gained across different modalities, this conference aims to bring together the innovators who can apply these advances to new clinical indications for patients. 

Attendees will be exposed to the most cutting-edge technologies employed in antibody development. Each session will build and expand on the last, allowing for deep interrogation of the innovations across indications and platforms. First, the conference will delve into multispecific antibodies and the use of combinations or engagement of specific targets for specific indications. Next, selectively active antibodies and novel platforms for conditional engagement will be discussed. A deep discussion on exogenous targets and advancements in pathogens will be included. Finally, a discussion on novel scaffolds will include discussion on other formats and antibody-like molecules. Further, this meeting is being held concurrently with the “Computational Drug Discovery” conference and includes a joint session for attendees to hear from pioneers in the field to explore how computational approaches to antibody design can be applied across these modalities. 

*This meeting will be held jointly with Computational Drug Discovery: Tools Across the Translational Pipeline 

View the program 

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*Keystone Symposia Scholarships & Awards* 

Keystone Symposia offers discounted registration to students in undergraduate, M.S., Ph.D., or M.D. programs, providing access to the latest scientific advances, technologies, and approaches to further research and careers.  

In addition, several financial aid opportunities are also available to support attendance at its scientific meetings: 

• Student and Postdoctoral Scholarships provide up to $1,200 to help defray travel, lodging, registration, and related costs when presenting a poster at an in-person conference. Awards are competitive, based on the abstract’s scientific quality and relevance, and you must apply by the individual scholarship deadline for the desired meeting (abstract + mentor letter required).   

• Early-Career Travel Awards (ECITAs) support early-career investigators with funding to attend meetings; these also require application by the posted deadline for each conference.  

• Global Health Travel Awards (GHTAs) provide financial aid for scientists, clinicians, fellows, and students from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to participate in select Keystone Symposia meetings, especially those focused on global health topics. These awards may cover registration, lodging, airfare, and ground transportation, and applications are submitted through the Financial Aid Portal by the listed meeting deadlines. Learn which meetings have in-person GHTAs available: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid/global-health-awards/ghta-listing 

For details on eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for financial aid, visit: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid.