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
PIETER CULLIS
ALUMNI CONFERENCE
& Birthday Celebration
11-12 May 2026 | UBC, Vancouver, BC
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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
Missed the RSVP deadline? Please contact the organisers.
Please complete the form below to let us know your intention to attend this event.
Please complete the form below to let us know your intention to attend this event.
share photo
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 via the link below.
If you have difficulty uploading your file(s), please contact the organizers.
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.
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. Files must be uploaded individually and be no larger than 128MB each. If you have more than five files to share, after submitting the first five refresh this page and complete this form again. If you have difficulty uploading your file(s), please contact the organizers.
PROGRAM
Celebrating Science, Innovation & Legacy
Pieter 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, taking place in the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) building on UBC’s Vancouver (Point Grey) campus. 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 at the Terminal City Club in downtown Vancouver.
DAY 1
MONDAY, MAY 11
life sciences institute (LSI) Building, UBC
TIME
SESSION
CONTRIBUTORS
1:00 pm
welcome & OPENING REMARKS
lecture hall
Pieter Cullis
1:30 pm
Old Guys Reminiscing:
How it all began
lecture hall
Moderator: Pieter Cullis
Tom Madden
Acuitas Therapeutics
Marcel Bally
BC Cancer
Lawrence Mayer
Celator Therapeutics
Mick Hope
Acuitas Therapeutics
2:45 pm
COFFEE break
atrium
3:15 pm
the graduate experience: Presentations & Discussion
lecture hall
Moderator: Dominik Witzigmann
Rajiv Nayar
HTD Biosystems Inc.
Helen Loughrey
National Research Council
Simon Eastman
Global Manufacturing ProNAi
Barb Mui
Acuitas Therapeutics
Mike Parr
Evonik Healthcare
Ismail Hafez
Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Sam Chen
Integrated NanoTherapeutics
Yao Zhang
Cullis Lab
5:15 pm
closing remarks
lecture hall
Don Enns
5:30 pm
cocktail reception
atrium
DAY 1
MONDAY, MAY 11
1:00 pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Pieter Cullis
1:30 pm
Old Guys Reminiscing: How it all began
Moderator: Pieter Cullis
Tom Madden
Acuitas Therapeutics
Marcel Bally
BC Cancer
Lawrence Mayer
Celator Therapeutics
Mick Hope
Acuitas Therapeutics
2:45 pm
Coffee Break
3:15 pm
The Graduate Experience: Presentations & Discussion
Moderator: Dominik Witzigmann
Sandy Schmid
Chan Zuckerberg Biohub
Rajiv Nayar
HTD Biosystems Inc.
Helen Loughrey
National Research Council
Simon Eastman
Global Manufacturing ProNAi
Barb Mui
Acuitas Therapeutics
Mike Parr
Evonik Healthcare
Ismail Hafez
Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Sam Chen
Integrated NanoTherapeutics
Yao Zhang
Cullis Lab
5:15 pm
Closing Remarks
Don Enns
- Sponsor recognition
5:30 pm
Cocktail Reception
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
DAY 2
TUESDAY, MAY 12
life sciences institute (LSI) Building, UBC
TIME
SESSION
CONTRIBUTORS
8:30 am
welcome BREAKFAST
atrium
9:00 am
OPENING Remarks: “The Wisdom of the Elder”
lecture hall
Pieter Cullis
9:30 am
The Post-Doc & Visiting Scientist Experience: presentations
lecture hall
Moderator: Chris Tam
Dave Fenske
University of Fraser Valley
Steve Ansell
Acuitas Therapeutics
Paul Tardi
Jazz Pharma
Norbert Maurer
Inex Pharma
Terry Allen
University of Alberta
Blake Farren
MD
Roy van der Meel
Eindhoven University of Technology
Amy Walker
4BaseBio
Miffy Cheng
UBC
Paulo Lin
Acuitas Therapeutics
10:30 am
coffee break
atrium
11:00 am
The Post-Doc & Visiting Scientist Experience: presentations
lecture hall
As in previous session
11:30 am
The National Centres of Excellence Experience
lecture hall
Moderator: Karimah Es Sabar
Natalie Dakers
CDRD
Diana Royce
NMIN
12:15 pm
Lunch
atrium
1:15 pm
The Company Experience: presentations & discussion
lecture hall
Moderator: Euan Ramsay
Lipex Biomembranes (1985) and Northern Lipids (1992)
Mick Hope
Inex Pharmaceuticals (1992)
David Main
Acuitas Therapeutics (2009)
Mick Hope, Pieter Cullis
Precision NanoSystems (2010)
James Taylor
Molecular You (2014)
Rob Fraser
Integrated NanoTherapeutics (2014)
Chris Tam
Genxys (2014)
Martin Dawes
NanoVation Therapeutics (2020)
Dom Witzigmann
Seragene (2022)
Christian Kastrup
Polymorphic BioSciences (2022)
Pieter Cullis
3:30 pm
closing remarks
lecture hall
Pieter Cullis & Mick Hope
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
DAY 2
TUESDAY, MAY 12
8:30 am
Welcome Breakfast
9:00 am
Opening Remarks: “The Wisdom of the Elder”
Pieter Cullis
9:30 am
The Post-Doc & Visiting Scientist Experience: Presentations
Moderator: Chris Tam
Dave Fenske
University of Fraser Valley
Steve Ansell
Acuitas Therapeutics
Paul Tardi
Jazz Pharma
Norbert Maurer
Inex Pharma
Terry Allen
University of Alberta
Blake Farren
MD
Roy van der Meel
Eindhoven University of Technology
Amy Walker
4BaseBio
Miffy Cheng
UBC
Paulo Lin
Acuitas Therapeutics
10:30 am
Coffee Break
11:00 am
The Post-Doc & Visiting Scientist Experience: Discussion
Contributors as in previous session
11:30 am
The National Centres of Excellence Experience
Moderator: Karimah Es Sabar
Natalie Dakers
CDRD
Diana Royce
NMIN
12:15 pm
Lunch
1:15 pm
The Company Experience: Presentations & Discussion
Moderator: Euan Ramsay
Lipex Biomembranes (1985) and Northern Lipids (1992)
Mick Hope
Inex Pharmaceuticals (1992)
David Main
Acuitas Therapeutics (2009)
Mick Hope, Pieter Cullis
Precision NanoSystems (2010)
James Taylor
Molecular You (2014)
Rob Fraser
Integrated NanoTherapeutics (2014)
Chris Tam
Genxys
Martin Dawes
NanoVation Therapeutics (2020)
Dom Witzigmann
Seragene (2022)
Christian Kastrup
Polymorphic BioSciences (2022)
Pieter Cullis
3:30 pm
Closing Remarks
Mick Hope & Pieter Cullis
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
birthday celebration
TUESDAY, MAY 12
terminal city club, vancouver
5:30 pm
Wining & Dining
TIME
ACTIVITY
DETAILS
6:30 PM
WINING & DINING
- Dinner reception and a few surprises
DETAILs forthcoming (spring 2026)
DETAILED agenda forthcoming (spring 2026)
PRACTICAL INFO
VENUES
UBC & Terminal City Club
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 will be held at the Terminal City Club in downtown Vancouver.
A private event space in this premier club will host the event’s evening birthday festivities.
Address: 837 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1B6
Map below for directions.
HOTELS
NEARBY ACCOMMODATION
We’ve selected a few convenient hotel options near the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the birthday celebration venue, the Terminal City Club.
Rates vary, and we recommend booking early as May is a busy season in the city.
Special rate
(2 min walk from birthday venue; 20–30 min by car/taxi from conference venue)
Azur Hotel
The only hotel in Western Canada to join a distinguished Leading Hotels of the World portfolio that includes over 400 boutique luxury properties worldwide.
833 West Pender Street, Vancouver,
BC, V6C 1K7
On UBC campus
(walking distance from conference venue)
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)
Granville Island Hotel
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)
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Luxury)
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
https://www.fairmont.com/
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
What happens if I miss the RSVP deadline?
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.
Can I change my RSVP after submitting it?
Yes, you can update your RSVP (attendance, guest, or dietary needs) until April 3, 2026 by contacting the organizing team. After that, changes may be limited due to final logistics.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. Attendance at both the conference and evening celebration is complementary.
Is there a limit to the number of guests I can bring?
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.
When will the full agenda be shared?
A detailed agenda, including keynote speakers and session topics, will be shared in April 2026. For now, you can view a high-level program outline on this page.
Will there be keynotes or poster sessions?
There will be no keynote presentations or poster sessions, as the focus is on talks, panels, and shared memories.
Will the event be livestreamed or hybrid?
No, this is an in-person event only. The Alumni Conference is designed as a private, invitation-only gathering to encourage meaningful connections.
Can I take photos/videos during the conference?
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.
Is there a dress code?
Business casual for the conference sessions. For the evening birthday celebration, we encourage cocktail attire.
Will food/refreshment/meals be provided?
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.
Will there be vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free meal options?
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!
SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION
The organizers gratefully acknowledge the generous sponsorship of the following organizations and individuals.
GOLD SPONSORS
HexTwo
Investing in Canadian Life Science
HexTwo Capital is a Canadian venture capital company co-founded by Pieter Cullis that invests in innovative life science ventures.
Accelerating Progress for Partners Developing Genetic Medicines
NanoVation helps partners overcome one of the biggest barriers in genetic medicine: enabling nucleic acid delivery beyond the liver with the potency, safety and tissue reach required for next-generation therapies.
Polymorphic BioSciences Inc.
Polymorphic BioSciences is a life sciences company focused on translational R&D and incubation of early stage technologies or concepts related to lipid nanoparticle RNAs and personalized healthcare.
SILVER SPONSORS
SUPPORTERS
CONTRIBUTORS
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.
Gold
Silver
Supporter
Contributor
Gold
$20K
- Sole sponsorship of a core event activity, with the opportunity for a presentation (speaker or video)
- Individual photo with Pieter
- Full page ad in the print program
- Full slide in looping event slideshow
- Large logo on all event materials
- Acknowledgement in Opening & Closing Remarks
- Acknowledgement in all event communications
Silver
$12.5K
- Co-sponsorship of a core event activity, with the opportunity for a short presentation (speaker or video)
- Group photo with Pieter
- Half-page ad in the print program
- Half-slide in looping event slideshow
- Medium logo on all event materials
- Acknowledgement in Opening & Closing Remarks
- Acknowledgement in all event communications
Supporter
$7.5K
- Quarter-page ad in the print program
- Quarter-slide in looping event slideshow
- Small logo on all event materials
- Acknowledgement in Opening & Closing Remarks
- Acknowledgement in all event communications
Contributor
$5K
- Logo in the print program
- Logo in looping event slideshow
- Small logo on all event materials
- Acknowledgement in Opening & Closing Remarks
- Acknowledgement in all event communications