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2026 · Geneva, Switzerland

#GenevaLovesData

In 2026, Geneva's heart beats to the rhythm of life-science data. Centred on Europe's leading conference on biological data science (ECCB) that took place from 31 August to 4 September, a programme of scientific and public talks, artistic performances and outreach initiatives brought data into the open – highlighting their contribution to society and the economy, while showcasing the city's unique ecosystem of scientific, institutional and international actors. Together, these initiatives reinforced Geneva's position as a global hub for trusted, high-quality data.

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Geneva's unique concentration of diplomacy, science and international organizations offers a powerful platform (...) to shape discussions on AI governance.

Simone de Montmollin
Swiss National Councillor

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Academic, government and industry leaders stress strategic value of data

Academic, government and industry leaders stress strategic value of data

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, other federal and cantonal authorities, leading scientists and entrepreneurs highlighted the central role of reliable life-science data in addressing societal challenges during ECCB 2026 – Europe's leading computational biology conference, which brought over 1,500 experts from 63 countries to Geneva to advance health, environmental protection and trustworthy AI.

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Programme highlights

Opening ceremony

Opening ceremony

Geneva at the centre of data-driven leadership and discoveries

Switzerland's highest federal and cantonal authorities inaugurated ECCB 2026 – reflecting the country’s strong investment in research and data infrastructure as well as the growing importance of life-science data in addressing global challenges. Swiss President Guy Parmelin, the WHO’s Jeremy Farrar and other opening day speakers emphasized how the impact of computational biology extends far beyond health and environmental innovations, to other scientific fields, digital sovereignty, international collaboration and responsible AI.

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Artistic performance

Artistic performance

"If data could breathe"

Conceived by choreographer Lucy Nightingale and coordinated by the creative agency episode(s), If data could breathe explored the living nature of data: how it flows, connects, and shapes our understanding of the world. Blending classical and contemporary expression, two classical dancers and one hip-hop dancer shared the stage, embodying the dialogue between structure and spontaneity, precision and creativity, much like data itself.

Watch the performance
Public forum

Public forum

Data at the intersection of science, policy and society

An afternoon for the French-speaking public and media tackled the societal implications of life-science data: from precision medicine and epidemics to ethics, sovereignty and global competition. Talks, hands-on activities and more, to demystify bioinformatics and interact with experts.

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Datarium exhibition

Datarium exhibition

Geneva at the heart of life science data

Launched in Geneva in August 2026 ahead of ECCB, this open-air exhibition invites everyone to explore life-science data through storytelling, striking scientific visuals and human perspectives. Datarium reveals how bioinformatics is shaping oncology, personalised health, epidemic preparedness, biodiversity and AI, and will continue its journey beyond Geneva.

Explore the online exhibition now

Powering life-science data

The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is the national, non-profit organization for life-science data. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, its scientists support research and concrete advances for innovation, health and the environment through high-quality data resources, tools and expertise. SIB also organizes ECCB 2026, bringing Europe's leading conference on biological data science to Geneva.

Powering life-science data
Our 90-second video

#GenevaLovesData
in action

An initiative by

SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics

In partnership with

Université de Genève Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève
BioAlps ELIXIR Swiss Personalized Health Network

And supported by

SERI State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
Republic and State of Geneva
Convention Bureau Geneva
City of Geneva

Press

Read the press releases about the launch of the initiative in French and German; the opening of the Datarium exhibition; and the launch of ECCB:

Selected coverage: