What conference is the winter 2026 cohort attending and why should I apply?

This cohort will attend the annual meeting for the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB)! The SICB conference focuses on organismal, functional, and evolutionary biology. This conference attracts researchers that work with a broad array of organisms using many different methodologies. Presentations include topics such as evolution, development, morphology, ecology, systematics, behavior, endocrinology, ecology, and many more! You will be able to talk to graduate students about their institutions and experiences, and find out about their graduate programs. You might even find a potential graduate research advisor you want to keep in touch with! 

Attending a national conference like SICB has value even if you are not planning a research career. You will gain experience in presenting your work and yourself in a professional context, improving your interview skills and developing your understanding of the broader context of your research project. It’s a great resume builder whether you are applying for graduate school, medical school or another health professions graduate program, or applying for a job in a biological or related field. Conferences are for everyone!!

You will connect with your cohort of BCEENET student researchers before the conference in our BCEENET Conference Cohort pre-conference training, so you have a team of familiar folks to hang out with at the conference.

When and where is SICB 2026?

SICB 2026 is from January 3-7, 2026 and will be in Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center.

What is the application deadline for this cohort?

The first review of applications will begin May 1, 2025 but we will be accepting and reviewing applications until the spots are full.

What do I need to apply?

• You will need thoughtful paragraph long answers for the following short essay questions:

  1. What made you interested in this opportunity and how do you believe this experience will help you achieve your academic or professional career goals?

  2. What do you hope to contribute to the conference cohort and the broader conference community during your experience?

  3. Please describe any barriers you faced navigating your college experiences in STEM. 

• Contact information for someone who will write you a letter of recommendation. Letters are due two weeks after the application deadline, so you should contact your reference person before you apply.

• A title and a draft abstract for your project. If you need help drafting an abstract, check out our page on how to write an abstract.

If you have additional questions about the application process, please contact the Conference Cohort Team at bceenet.cohorts@gmail.com.