33rd Annual Meeting of ISBN
Dates: February 22nd – 26th, 2026
New Zealand
Organizer: Donna Rose Addis with Lynette Tippett and Anna Mitchell
Contact Donna (draddis@research.baycrest.org) if you have any questions or run into barriers making hotel reservations.
VENUE
CONFERENCE DATES AND STRUCTURE
February 22nd – 26th, 2026
- February 22: Opening reception (evening, Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co.)
- February 23: Full conference day
- February 24: Full conference day
- February 25: Full conference day (incl. Business meeting, Presidential lecture & Banquet dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard)
- February 26: Excursion to Tiritiri Matangi Island
The full conference program can be found here.
Recipients of 2026 Travel Awards
We are pleased to announce the Recipients of the 20206 ISBN Travel Awards:
Dr. Emma Karlsson
Dr. Soyun Kim
OPENING RECEPTION
February 22nd
Join us from 6pm for drinks and bites on the Upper Deck of Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co., overlooking Auckland’s stunning Viaduct Harbour
PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
February 25th
We are very pleased to announce that this year’s Presidential Lecture will be given by Prof. Mike Dragunow from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand. His work investigates neurodegenerative mechanisms and therapeutic targets using human brain–based cellular models. Prof. Dragunow has established and leads several biobanks and analytical platforms for large-scale neuropharmacology research.
BANQUET DINNER
February 25th
Mudbrick Vineyard
126 Church Bay Road,
Oneroa, Waiheke,
New Zealand
Note: Ferry for Waiheke Island departs from Piers 11 and 12 at the Auckland Ferry Terminal. Departure is at 5pm, returning to Auckland at 10:15pm.
EXCURSION
February 26th
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Join us for a day trip to this island bird sanctuary to see New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna (including endangered bird species, stunning beaches and panoramic views back to Auckland).
Note: Ferry for Tiritiri Matangi departs from the Explore Booking Kiosk at Viaduct Harbour.
Departure is 8:45am, returning to Auckland at 4pm.
Trip includes a guided walk and packed lunch. No food for purchase is available on the island.
OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Day tours to Hobbiton and Waitomo (glowworm) Caves
If you are interested in taking one of these day tours, please visit our ISBN Day Tours google sheet to connect with other ISBN members who want to do the same.
HOTEL
Cordis Hotel
83 Symonds Street, Grafton,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Reserve your room via this link to secure the special ISBN room rates (as low as $230 NZD or ~$135 USD per night for Superior rooms with no cancellation fee) between Friday 20th to Friday 27th February, 2026. No cancellation fees.
Note: Rooms with two Double beds cost an additional $100 NZSD per night on top of the ISBN rate. To reserve this room configuration, use the ISBN booking link and reserve a King or twin Singles room on your preferred dates. Then forward your confirmation email to the reservation team <cdakl.resv@cordishotels.com> and ask to “upgrade to twin Double beds under the ISBN rate”.
We recommend you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
TRAVEL INFO
AIR: The airport closest is the Auckland Airport (AKL).
North American gateways:
– NYC, LAX, SFO
– Vancouver
Eastern Gateways:
– Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.)
– Middle East (Dubai, Doha)