Introducing

Summer School in Peptide Science 2026

UPDATE - The Summer School Program is now available

Program and Abstracts for the Summer School in Peptide Science and the 2026 International Conference on Cyclic Peptides
VIEW PROGRAM

“It is my great pleasure to invite you to the inaugural Summer School in Peptide Science (SSIPS).

This Summer School is an initiative of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science (CIPPS), and will run in conjunction with the 5th International Conference on Cyclic Peptides (ICCP) at Heron Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia from 12–19 July 2026.

We have designed the Summer School for the training of graduate students and early-career post-doctoral researchers. Our faculty comprises leading international experts who will deliver lectures and workshops spanning peptide discovery, green chemistry, computational design through to peptide translation.”

Prof. David Craik, Director

Cyclic peptides

Prof. David Craik

University of Queensland, Australia

Confirmed

Teaching Faculty

Green peptide chemistry

Prof. Fernando Albericio

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

mRNA display (RaPID)

Prof. Hiroaki Suga

University of Tokyo, Japan; PeptiDream Inc. (Founder)

Synthetic protein chemistry

Prof. Philip Dawson

Scripps Research, USA

Chemistry of peptides and nucleic acids

Prof. Beatriz Garcia de la Torre

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Structural biology of peptide toxins

Prof. Norelle Daly

James Cook University, Australia

Peptide natural products

Prof. Wilfred van der Donk

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA

Computational biophysical chemistry

Prof. Yu-Shan Lin

Tufts University, USA

Biosynthetic pathways

Prof. Greg Challis

University of Warwick, UK & Monash University, Australia; ErebaGen (Co Founder and CSO)

Lead discovery and translation

Prof. Ratmir Derda

University of Alberta, Canada; 48 Hour Discovery (Founder and CSO)

Late-stage peptide modification

Prof. Lara Malins

Australian National University, Australia

Expect world-class lectures and workshops delivered by international leaders in peptide science. The Summer School in Peptide Science is an international forum on peptide science designed to equip the next generation of peptide chemists.
The program is aimed at people at the postgraduate and early-to-mid career levels, including early-career industrial scientists.

Peptides have gained significant interest as novel biomolecules in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors over the past decade.
Building on this impact, the summer school is designed to inform and educate emerging researchers, equipping graduate students and early-career researchers with knowledge from world leaders in synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, enzyme and protein engineering, in order to empower them as the leaders of tomorrow.

Secure your spot today and apply now!

Applications have been extended to Friday 10th April 2026
Join us for seven productive days on Heron Island. Each day offers something different, with a dynamic mix of lectures, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities with global leaders in the field. Limited to 40 participants (graduate students, early-career researchers in academia and industry.

To apply, send your Expression of Interest via the online portal, including:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Letter of Motivation (use the provided template found here)

• Letter of Support from your Principal Investigator Applications will be open until 10th April 2026 (with applicants being notified of outcomes on a rolling basis).

NOTE: Due to limited room availability, we encourage you to submit applications early.

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Successful applicants will also be registered for the 5th International Conference on Cyclic Peptides that will run concurrently with the programs designed for optimal synergy between events

Cost & Accommodation

The total cost for attending the entire event is $2,500 AUD
(approximately €1,400 Euro or $1,700 USD)

This will include:
• Registration to the Summer School in Peptide Science and 5th ICCP program
• Accommodation for seven nights in a shared room (3–4 people per room; single rooms available at a supplemental cost and subject to availability)
• One return ticket for the ferry from Gladstone to and from Heron Island
• Reef tax for entry into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
• Snorkelling equipment hire
• All meals

SSIPS 2026
Program Format

The program will cover the full spectrum of peptide and protein science; from the latest breakthroughs to emerging areas shaping the discipline. You will receive lectures throughout the day, hands-on workshops, and small discussion groups, with time in between to socialise and enjoy the island and its nature.

VIEW PROGRAM ITINERARY

Secure your spot to attend the Summer School in Peptide Science 2026 

APPLY NOW

Have a question about the upcoming

Summer School in Peptide Science 2026?

Please click below and provide us details in your email to us.

ASK US HERE
Heron Island Resort
Heron Island Turtle
Heron Island Wildlife
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Participating Institutions

The University of Queensland
The University of Sydney
Australian National University
Monash University
Queensland University of Technology
Edith Cowan University
CSIRO

International Partners

Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Rosalind Franklin Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Southampton
University of Tokyo
University of Washington

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CIPPS acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we work and live across Australia. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society, and acknowledge the contributions and sophistication of First Nations knowledges.

© 2026 - ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science