Glycomics in the Spotlight at Glyco27
Posted: June 11, 2025
Over 400 researchers, industry experts, and emerging talent in glycomics gathered for the 27th International Glycoconjugate Symposium (Glyco27), co-hosted with the 8th Canadian Glycomics Symposium, in Edmonton, Alberta, May 25–30, 2025. Over five and a half days, participants shared and explored cutting-edge advances in glycoscience and glycomics—the study of complex sugars known as glycans, which play critical roles in both health and disease. Notably, 50% of attendees were international, underscoring the global momentum behind this rapidly evolving field and its vast, untapped potential for innovation, therapeutic development, and economic impact.
“GlycoNet is proud to have partnered with IGO to bring Glyco27 to Canada for the first time in over 30 years—and for the first time ever in Alberta. Events like this catalyze innovation, spark transformative ideas, and accelerate the development of next-generation health solutions through glycomics. They lay the groundwork for the collaborations that will drive meaningful breakthroughs and long-term impact.” — Dr. Elizabeth Nanak, CEO of GlycoNet
Program Highlights
We are grateful that Canada’s Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer was able to join us and kick off the official start of the conference with opening remarks.
More than 60 plenary, keynote and invited speakers presented their work, travelling from numerous countries including Argentina, Canada, U.S., France, Portugal, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. Additionally, there were over 75 selected talks, 21 concurrent sessions, 150 posters, and three technical workshops totalling over 150 participants.
“As the Scientific Organizer of Glyco27, I’m incredibly proud of the program we assembled—bringing together leading experts from the global glycomics community to showcase the latest scientific breakthroughs.” — Dr. Matt Macauley, Associate Scientific Director of GlycoNet
National & International Glycomics Organization Workshop
A strategic workshop with representatives from 12 international organizations took place to discuss collaboration and partnerships in glycomics.
Participating Organizations:
Australian Glycoscience Society (AGS), Australia
Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC), USA
European Glycoscience Community, EU
GlycoNet, Canada
GlycoTwinning, EU
GlySpace, International
J-GlycoNet, Japan
I3S, Portugal
IGO, International
Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Australia
San Diego Glycobiology Training Centre, USA
Special Guests:
Mona Nemer (Chief Science Advisor, Government of Canada)
Sarah Lawley (Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Canada)
Karimah Es Sabar (Chair, GlycoNet Board of Directors)
Nils Petersen (Vice-Chair, GlycoNet Board of Directors)
Janice Bailey (GlycoNet Board of Directors)
Special Events
GlycoNet’s 10th Anniversary Reception
GlycoNet celebrated an exciting milestone with our 10th Anniversary Reception. It was wonderful to see many members of the GlycoNet community, as well as international colleagues, partners, and other supporters of the Network. Special guests in attendance included Bill Flanagan, President of the University of Alberta, and Dr. Mona Nemer, Canada’s Chief Science Advisor.
As part of marking a decade of discovery, we recognized some of the incredible contributions from members of the Network with awards:
- Dr. Mark Nitz, University of Toronto – Service Award
- Drs. Harry Brumer & Laura Sly, University of British Columbia – Research Excellence Award
- Dr. Ratmir Derda, University of Alberta – Community Builder Award
- Drs. Anne Halpin & Lori West, University of Alberta – Research Translation Award
- PanTHERA CryoSolutions – Most Successful Startup
- Dr. Matthew Macauley, University of Alberta – Cumulative Research Contribution Award
Thank you to past and present members of GlycoNet’s Board of Directors who attended, as well as several key people who contributed to the establishment and growth of GlycoNet. A special thank-you to former Scientific Director Dr. Todd Lowary, and former Board member Stewart Roth for their contributions that were essential to the creation of GlycoNet.
Banquet Dinner
At the symposium banquet in the beautiful Art Gallery of Alberta, we heard from special guest Sarah Lawley, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Health Policy Branch of Health Canada, and Dr. Sunil Rajput, Acting Executive Director of Health Innovation at Alberta Innovates.
Trainee Mixer
The next generation of glycoscientists spent a fun evening connecting in a relaxed atmosphere.
Thank you to everyone who made Glyco27 an event to remember!
Glyco27 may be over, but its momentum endures. Heartfelt thanks to the delegates, speakers, students, and volunteers whose energy filled Edmonton with discovery, and to all our sponsors and exhibitors for supporting the event, enabling conversations and interactions that will shape glycomics’ next breakthroughs.