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Zymo Research and the Institute for Genome Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Partner to Host a BioFestival Supporting Scientific Innovation and Academic Research
IRVINE, CA (July 22, 2025) — Zymo Research, a global leader in sample preparation technologies and next-generation sequencing services, is excited to partner with the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) to co-host a unique on-campus BioFestival on Oct. 17, 2025. Designed to support emerging scientists and foster a culture of innovation, this event is uniquely themed around Oktoberfest to create a fun, engaging environment for student-led discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The BioFestival will feature interactive science-centric booths, professional networking opportunities, and the BioDisruptor Grant Competition, where students can present their research for a chance to win over $9,000 in cash prizes and access more than $20,000 in Zymo Research product credits and services.
“At Zymo Research, we’re all about empowering the next generation of scientists with opportunities to share their ideas,” said Marc van Eden, PhD, Vice President of Corporate Development at Zymo Research. “That’s why we’re so excited to bring our travelling BioFestival to IGS. It’s a chance to celebrate science, creativity, collaboration, and identify areas of disruptive research.”
In addition to competing for research funding through lightning talks and poster presentations, students will have the opportunity to engage with Zymo’s leading technologies in sustainable sample collection, DNA and RNA purification, genomics, microbiomics, and epigenetics. The event will also offer free food and drinks, science-themed games, creative giveaways, and a vibrant atmosphere that blends academic rigor with celebration.
Following successful events at the University of Southern California and the California Institute of Technology, this upcoming BioFestival marks a continued effort to build bridges between academia and the life sciences industry, and to empower students with the resources they need to shape the future of disruptive research.
In addition to Zymo and IGS, other participating organizations include the Center for Advanced Microbiome Innovation and Research (CAMRI) and Maryland Genomics, both at UMSOM, and industry partners Illumina and PacBio.
To learn more about the BioFestival at the University of Maryland School of Medicine or to apply for the BioDisruptor Grant Competition, visit: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-biofestival-maryland.
Interested in bringing BioFestival to your institution? Contact us at
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About Zymo Research Corp.
Zymo Research, a privately owned biotech company founded in 1994, is a global leader in molecular tools for life sciences. Driven by the principle "The Beauty of Science is to Make Things Simple," Zymo Research is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address complex scientific challenges.
Known also as The Epigenetics Company, Zymo Research offers a comprehensive range of technologies, including solutions for sample collection, DNA/RNA purification, library preparation, microbiomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, genomics, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services.
In addition to its cutting-edge technologies, Zymo Research is committed to sustainability. By engineering environmentally friendly solutions, the company strives to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future through scientific innovation.
For more information, please visit www.zymoresearch.com and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.