PIETER CULLIS
ALUMNI CONFERENCE
& Birthday Celebration
11-12 May 2026 | UBC, Vancouver, BC
PIETER CULLIS
ALUMNI CONFERENCE
& Birthday Celebration
11-12 May 2026 | UBC, Vancouver, BC
EVENT COUNTDOWN
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Celebrating Science, Innovation & Legacy
PIETER CULLIS
ALUMNI CONFERENCE
& Birthday Celebration
11-12 May 2026 | UBC, Vancouver, BC
EVENT COUNTDOWN
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rsvp form
Please complete the form below to let us know your intention to attend this event.
If you have photo(s) and/or video(s) related to Pieter’s life or career that you’d like to share as part of his birthday event, please upload those files below. If you have multiple large files you may have to upload them separately.
PROGRAM
Celebrating Science, Innovation & Legacy
Pieter Cullis would like to celebrate his 80th birthday with you in an exclusive, private event that combines three of his favorite things: innovative science, friends, and partying.
Pieter has invited many of the good people he has worked with and known over his decades-long career—colleagues, friends, collaborators and mentees—to gather for a celebration.
This will be not only a celebration of Pieter’s remarkable life to date, but also a celebration of collegiality and friendship, and of many scientific advances achieved through collaboration.
This by-invitation-only event will feature two days of reflections on past experiences, discussion and visioning. Many of Pieter’s professional accomplices will share stories of their experiences in the lab, the classroom and in companies he co-founded. Pieter and others will reflect on current developments of interest and areas of future promise in medical science. The second day will conclude with what is guaranteed to be a memorable evening of birthday festivities.
DAY 1
MONDAY, MAY 11
TIME
ACTIVITY
DETAILS
2:00 pm
welcome
Details
- Opening remarks
How Did We Get To Be This Good: 50 Years of Monumental Brilliance
Pieter Cullis2:15 pm
How it all began
DETAILS
I taught Cullis all he knows
Ben de Kruijff
Cullis gets credit for everything I’ve done
Tom Madden
Cullis made me kill my favorite mice
Marcel Bally
After working with Cullis, I became a musician
Lawrence Mayer
Cullis knows an awful lot about very little
Mick Hope
3:30 pm
break
3:45 pm
the graduate experience
- Flashback lightning talks
5:15 pm
wrap up
- Closing remarks
- Sponsors recognition
5:30 pm
reception
- Cocktail & buffet (Atrium)
DAY 1
MONDAY, MAY 11
2:00 pm
Welcome
- Opening remarks
2:15 pm
Old Guys Reminiscing: How it all began
I taught Cullis all he knows
Ben de Kruijff
Cullis gets credit for everything I’ve done
Tom Madden
Cullis made me kill my favorite mice
Marcel Bally
After working with Cullis, I became a musician
Lawrence Mayer
Cullis knows an awful lot about very little
Mick Hope
3:30 pm
Break
3:45 pm
The Graduate Experience
- Flashback lightning talks
5:15 pm
Wrap up
- Closing remarks
- Sponsor recognition
5:30 pm
Reception
- Cocktails & buffet (Atrium)
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
DAY 2
TUESDAY, MAY 12
TIME
ACTIVITY
DETAILS
9:00 am
welcome
DETAILS
- Breakfast (Atrium)
- Opening remarks
9:30 am
The Post-Doc & Visiting Scientist Experience
DETAILS
- Flashback lightning talks
11:15 am
Lunch
DETAILS
1:00 pm
The Company Experience
DETAILS
- Panel 1 – Building the Foundations
- Panel 2 – Expanding the Legacy
Panel 1 – Building the Foundations
Lipex Biomembranes & The Canadian Liposome Company
Pieter Cullis
Inex Pharmaceuticals
David Main
Northern Lipids
Tom Redelmeier
Precision NanoSystems
James Taylor
Acuitas Therapeutics
Ying Tam
Panel 2 – Expanding the Legacy
Molecular You
Rob Fraser
Integrated NanoTherapeutics
Chris Tam
NanoVation Therapeutics
Dom Witzigmann
Polymorphic BioSciences
Terri Petkau
2:45 pm
wrap up
- Closing remarks
- Sponsors recognition
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
DAY 2
TUESDAY, MAY 12
9:00 am
Welcome
- Breakfast (Atrium)
- Opening remarks
9:15 am
The Post-Doc & Visiting Scientist Experience
- Flashback lightning talks
11:15 am
Lunch
1:00 pm
The Company Experience
- Panel 1 – Building the Foundations
- Panel 2 – Expanding the Legacy
Panel 1 – Building the Foundations
Lipex Biomembranes & The Canadian Liposome Company
Pieter Cullis
Inex Pharmaceuticals
David Main
Northern Lipids
Tom Redelmeier
Precision NanoSystems
James Taylor
Acuitas Therapeutics
Ying Tam
Panel 2 – Expanding the Legacy
Molecular You
Rob Fraser
Integrated NanoTherapeutics
Chris Tam
NanoVation Therapeutics
Dom Witzigmann
Polymorphic BioSciences
Terri Petkau
2:45 pm
Wrap up
- Closing remarks
- Sponsors recognition
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
PARTY
TUESDAY, MAY 12
TIME
Wining & Dining
- Dinner reception & a few surprises
How We Have Changed the World
Onpattro
Mick Hope
Comirnaty
Tom Madden
Creating new companiess
Don Enns
The future
Pieter Cullis
TIME
ACTIVITY
DETAILS
TIME
WINING & DINING
- Dinner reception and a few surprises
How We Have Changed the World
Onpattro
Mick Hope
Comirnaty
Tom Madden
Creating new companiess
Don Enns
The future
Pieter Cullis
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
rsvp form
Please complete the form below to let us know your intention to attend this event.
VENUE
UBC Life Sciences Institute (LSI)
The Alumni Conference will be held at the Life Sciences Institute (LSI), University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver
The LSI Atrium and adjoining lecture theatres will host the two days of discussions, panels, and networking.
Address: 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Map below for directions and parking information.
The Birthday Celebration on the evening of Tuesday, May 12 will take place in Vancouver. The specific venue will be shared later this fall, once final RSVP numbers are confirmed.
HOTELS
NEARBY ACCOMMODATION
We’ve selected a few convenient hotel options near the University of British Columbia (UBC) and central Vancouver.
Rates vary, and we recommend booking early as May is a busy season in the city.
On UBC campus (walking distance)
West Coast Suites at UBC
Modern suites located right on campus. Comfortable and very convenient for the conference.
📍 5961 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 2C9
Close-by option near Kitsilano / Point Grey (15–20 min by car/taxi)
Boutique hotel on Granville Island, with views of False Creek. A cozy and unique Vancouver experience.
📍 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
Downtown Vancouver (20–30 min by car/taxi)
Iconic historic hotel in downtown Vancouver. Perfect for those wishing to enjoy the city centre while attending the event.
📍 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6
Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver (Mid-range, reliable)
A practical option for those who prefer to stay central with good amenities.
📍 1110 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R2
TRANSPORT
GETTING TO THE VENUE
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Taxi/Uber/Lyft: 25–30 minutes, approx. CAD $35–45.
Public Transit: Take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Broadway–City Hall, then transfer to Bus #99 B-Line to UBC (approx. 60 minutes total).
- Fare: CAD $10.15 (includes $5 YVR surcharge).
- Tickets available at SkyTrain station machines (credit/debit accepted).
From Downtown Vancouver
Car: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi/Uber approx. CAD $20–30.
Public Transit: Take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Broadway–City Hall, then transfer to Bus #99 B-Line to UBC (approx. 60 minutes total).
- Fare: CAD $10.15 (includes $5 YVR surcharge).
- Tickets: Available at SkyTrain station machines (credit/debit accepted).
From Kitsilano / Point Grey Hotels
Car: 15–25 minutes. Taxi/Uber approx. CAD $15–20.
Bus: 25–40 minutes depending on location. Use #4, #14, or #99.
- Fare: CAD $3.15 (adult, one-way).
- Tickets: Tap credit/debit on the bus or use a Compass Ticket.
Cycling/Walking: Some Point Grey accommodations are within 20–30 minutes by bike or on foot.
Parking at UBC
Public parking available at the Life Sciences Institute and nearby parkades.
Rates: approx. CAD $2–3 per hour or CAD $12–16 per day.
Travel Tips
- Vancouver traffic can be unpredictable — allow extra time, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours.
- Public transit accepts contactless credit/debit cards (no need for tickets in advance), or you can buy a Compass Card/Ticket at SkyTrain stations.
- For real-time directions and best routes, check Citymapper
Google maps directions | From the airport | YVR transportation options | UBC parking
faq
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The RSVP deadline is November 5, 2025. Please make sure to confirm your attendance by then so we can finalize catering, seating, and venue arrangements
We will do our best to accommodate late replies, but cannot guarantee availability for the evening celebration. To ensure your place, please RSVP by the deadline.
Yes, you can update your RSVP (attendance, guest, or dietary needs) until April 2026 by contacting the organizing team. After that, changes may be limited due to final logistics.
No. Attendance at both the conference and evening celebration is complementary.
Each invitee is welcome to bring one guest to the Tuesday evening celebration. Please make sure to indicate your guest’s name on the RSVP form so we can plan accordingly.
A detailed agenda, including keynote speakers and session topics, will be shared in February 2026. For now, you can view a high-level program outline on this page.
There will be keynote presentations and panel discussions highlighting both scientific and industry perspectives. This event will not include poster sessions, as the focus is on talks, panels, and shared memories.
No, this is an in-person event only. The Alumni Conference is designed as a private, invitation-only gathering to encourage meaningful connections.
Yes, casual photos are welcome. However, please be mindful during talks and panels. A professional photographer/videographer will also be present to capture key moments, and photos will be shared with attendees afterward.
Business casual for the conference sessions. For the evening birthday celebration, we encourage cocktail attire.
Yes. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be available throughout both days. Lunch will be served during the conference sessions, and a cocktail reception will follow the Monday program. Tuesday evening will conclude with a celebratory dinner.
Yes. Please indicate any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs on the RSVP form, and we will ensure options are available.
CONTACT
GETTING IN TOUCH
If you have any questions about this event, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Pacific Daylight Time (Vancouver): UTC-8
Sara Deacon
+1 778 238 2325
sdeacon@polymorphicbio.com
Sara Deacon
+778 238 2325
sdeacon@polymorphicbio.com
Central European Time (Paris): UTC+01:00
Marion Athané
+33 7 81 03 61 18
m.athane@nanovationtx.com
Marion Athane
+3 378 103 6118
m.athane@nanovationtx.com
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to be part of a unique celebration of science, innovation, and community. The Pieter Cullis Alumni Conference will bring together global leaders in lipid nanoparticle research for two days of scientific exchange, culminating in an evening celebration of Pieter’s 80th birthday.
Your support will help ensure this event’s success and place your organization at the heart of the Alumni Lipidome.
$20K
$12.5K
$7.5K
$5K
SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION
The organizers gratefully acknowledge the generous sponsorship of the following organizations and individuals:
Sponsor details coming soon
The University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.