A Community Unlike Any Other
Events are at the heart of the Chemistry–Biology Interface (CBI) Training Program at UMass Amherst. Designed to foster collaboration, curiosity, and connection across disciplines, CBI events bring together graduate students, postdocs, and faculty from dozens of programs and departments across campus.
While CBI trainees and faculty form the core of our community, our events regularly attract a broader audience of researchers who are drawn to the interdisciplinary energy of CBI. Because CBI membership is open to anyone interested in the chemistry–biology interface—not only NIH-funded trainees—our events serve as an inclusive hub for scientists who value rigorous discussion, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a supportive academic community.
From seminars and chalk talks to retreats and hands-on workshops, CBI events create an environment where ideas are shared freely, collaborations are sparked, and students feel welcomed into a vibrant, intellectually engaged network.
CBI Seminars
CBI Seminars feature invited speakers whose research exemplifies innovation at the chemistry–biology interface. These talks expose trainees and attendees to cutting-edge science, diverse career paths, and interdisciplinary approaches while providing opportunities for discussion and networking with faculty and peers.
CBI Chalk Talks
CBI Chalk Talks offer an informal, interactive forum where speakers present ideas, experimental approaches, and unresolved questions in real time. This format encourages active participation, critical thinking, and open dialogue—hallmarks of the CBI training philosophy.
CBI Retreat
The annual CBI Retreat brings together trainees, faculty, and members of the broader CBI community for a day of scientific exchange, professional development, and community building. Featuring trainee presentations, faculty engagement, and networking opportunities, the retreat strengthens connections across disciplines and reinforces the collaborative culture of CBI.
CBI Workshops
CBI Workshops provide focused, skill-building opportunities tailored to the needs of interdisciplinary scientists. Topics may include experimental design, problem selection at the chemistry–biology interface, research rigor and reproducibility, and professional development. These workshops are designed to support both CBI trainees and the broader CBI community.
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Questions About CBI Events
Contact Us: cbiassist@umass.edu
413 – 545 – 7189