The PolyBio Convergence Summit
The PolyBio Convergence Summit is a working meeting designed to accelerate progress against infection-associated chronic diseases by bringing together the diverse stakeholders needed to move scientific discoveries into real-world diagnostics and treatments. It will take place November 18–20 at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Participants will explore the latest advances in persistent infections and their emerging roles in conditions such as Long COVID, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disorders, and the biological processes underlying aging. Discussions will focus on the practical challenges that must be addressed to translate these discoveries into validated diagnostics, clinical trials, and effective therapies.
Unlike a traditional scientific conference, the Summit is built around interaction rather than long presentations. Short, focused talks from leaders across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, diagnostics, clinical medicine, and regulatory science will serve as catalysts for moderated panel discussions and collaborative problem-solving.
By convening different stakeholders in the same room, the PolyBio Convergence Summit is designed to foster new collaborations, identify shared priorities, and accelerate the development of solutions for millions of people living with infection-associated chronic illness.
Note: Applications to attend are subject to approval.
Behind the Summit
The PolyBio team is working alongside experienced event and media partners to bring the Convergence Summit together and extend the conversations beyond the three days in Cambridge.
Speakers
More than 40 leading scientists, clinicians, innovators, and other experts will come together to share their work and perspectives on infection-associated chronic disease. Explore the confirmed speaker lineup below, with additional speakers to be announced.
Subject to change.
Agenda
The agenda consists of 3 full days of programming and networking.
Subject to change.
Venue
American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Cambridge, MA
The American Academy for Arts & Sciences was founded in 1780, during the American Revolution, by John Adams, John Hancock, and 60 other scholar-patriots who understood that a new republic would require institutions able to gather knowledge and advance learning in service to the public good.
It is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address significant challenges.
The Academy honors excellence and convenes leaders from every field of human endeavor to examine new ideas, address issues of importance to the nation and the world, and work together “to cultivate every art and science which may tend to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people.”
Hotel Information
Preferred Hotel:
Cambria Hotel
Somerville, a short ride from the venue.
Discounted room block for those who book early - click HERE.
Other Options:
Sheraton Commander
16 Garden Street, on Cambridge Common
The Charles Hotel
1 Bennett Street, Harvard Square
Cambridge Common House
2 Garden Street, 16 rooms
Transportation Information
DROP-OFF & VEHICLE ENTRANCE
200 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA 02143
All cars, taxis and rideshares. No parking on site.
By T
Red Line to Harvard or Porter Square, then a short ride or walk.