The “HIT” – Himmelfahrtstagung on Bioprocess Engineering is the most established conferences for the Bioprocess Engineering community in Germany. It is a meeting place that brings together researchers and innovators from academia and industry.
In 2026, the HIT will take place in Mainz, providing a unique platform to exchange ideas, present research, and strengthen the bioprocess engineering network.
The conference spans the full spectrum of bioprocess engineering—from microbial production systems to both established and emerging cell culture technologies. We welcome contributions that broaden the field beyond traditional white and red biotechnology, including novel foods and cellular agriculture, with perspectives from academia and industry and strong engagement of early‑career researchers. The HIT is characterized by a strong and collaborative community that values fresh perspectives, new ideas, and diverse contributions.
The HIT fosters an intensive single-track format that allows every participant to follow all contributions – from inspiring keynotes to presentations and newly introduced poster pitches.
We are particularly committed to offering young scientists’ visibility and networking opportunities and to making this conference a platform for the next generation of bioprocessing experts. Applications for the DECHEMA Industrial Bioprocess Award are also welcome. The award will be presented at the conference and includes prize money of up to €5,000.
In 2026, there will be another highlight for young talents: young postdocs can apply to give a presentation on biochemical engineering as part of the Rising Star Competition.
The selection committee will decide on the winner of the Rising Star Competition, who will receive support from the cooperating European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB), Microbial Division, covering the conference fee, travel expenses, and accommodation¹.
Join us in Mainz for HIT 2026 and be part of the discussion on the latest advances in bioprocess engineering!
¹ Details of cost coverage follow the conference travel/reimbursement policy; terms provided at application/award
We look forward to your contributions from research institutions, universities, and industry. New work that is not yet completed, recently started or in the planning stage can also be presented.
Deadline for the paper submission: 18 January 2026.
The conference covers the full spectrum of bioprocess engineering and especially invites contributions on the following topics:
Please prepare an abstract with 1-2 pages (incl. figures, max. size 1 MB, max. 2 pages).
The abstract should explicitly mention objectives, new results and conclusions or significance of the work.
Submission deadlines:
The selection of the contributions will be based on the review of the abstracts by the scientific committee.
Accepted abstracts will be published for all conference participants in a book of abstracts
(PDF file).
The congress language is English.
Please note: Registration fee cannot be waived for authors.
| Delegates | Members1) | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | 1.130 € | 1.145 € |
| Academia | 750 € | 765 € |
| PhD Student2) | 510 € | 525 € |
| Student2) (* up to the age of 26 years) |
400 € | 415 € |
1) Personal DECHEMA Members, 2) Proof of status requested
Mixed VAT: registration fee includes Business Package with 19% VAT., no VAT for scientific conferences according to § 4.22 UstG
How to become a DECHEMA Member?
The registration fee includes a conference ticket, the book of abstracts (PDF), the list of participants, the conference dinner as well as food & beverages during all coffee and lunch breaks.
The DECHEMA terms and conditions for conferences apply. Please note that the following information are excerpts and supplements to the general terms and conditions.
Registration is possible up to the beginning of the conference (subject to capacity in the lecture rooms). You will receive an email with a booking confirmation as well as hyperlinks to download your invoice and payment confirmation as PDF files.
Payment of participation fees is by credit card (Master-Card, Visa, Amex or Diners) or direct debit.
Cancellations will only be accepted in written form (i.e. by post or e-mail).
In case of no-show or cancellation of participation, the full participation fee must be paid. Details on cancellation deadlines and fees can be found in the conference terms and conditions.
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Jon Coffman
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Polona Žnidaršič-Plazl
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Manufacturers for laboratory equipment, producing companies in industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnologies as well as research institutes are invited to participate in the exhibition.
The exhibition, fully integrated in the conference, offers a unique opportunity to promote your technologies, products and services in the field of bioprocess technology.
At Himmelfahrtstagung on Bioprocess Engineering 2026 you can connect with decision makers from research and industry in the field of bio-pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemistry, process engineering and industrial bioeconomy. We expect about 200 participants from academia and industry.
We offer a range of opportunities for a participation of your company as exhibitor or sponsor:
Please feel free to contact us if you would otherwise like to participate in the "Himmelfahrtstagung 2026" through sponsorship.
Individual options adapted to your budget are possible at any time.
Dates to note:
The Max Buchner Research Foundation awards travel grants to young scientists for the presentation of scientific and technical research work at scientific forums, congresses, symposia, conferences and other specialist events in the fields of chemical engineering, process engineering, biotechnology and related research areas.
Researchers at universities and non-university research institutions who present a lecture or poster can apply for a travel grant.
Applications are assessed and approved on a quarterly basis. "Max Buchner Research Foundation Travel Grant" applications is 15 March 2026.
All information about the application process can be found at:
https://dechema.de/en/mbf.html
| Bastian Blombach | Technische Universität München, Straubing/D |
|---|---|
| Katrin Castiglione | Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg/D |
| Michaela Dehne | Universität Augsburg, Augsburg/D |
| Stephan Freyer | BASF SE, Ludwigshafen/D |
| Alexander Grünberger | KIT, Karlsruhe/D |
| Dirk Holtmann | KIT, Karlsruhe/D |
| Frank Lammers | Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt/D |
| Andreas Liese | Technische Universität Hamburg, Hamburg/D |
| Christian Naumer | BRAIN Biotech AG, Zwingenberg/D |
| Peter Neubauer | Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin/D |
| Jorgen Magnus | RWTH Aachen Universität, Aachen/D |
| Jochen Schaub | Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim/D |
| Ralf Takors | Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart/D |
| Roland Ulber | RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern/D |
| Michael Zavrel | Technische Universität München, Straubing/D |
Atrium Hotel
Flugplatzstr. 44
55126 Mainz
Tel.: +49 (0)6131 491 – 0
Fax: +49 (0)6131 491 – 128
Email:
A room contingent has been reserved at the above-mentioned conference hotel at a special rate of 139 EUR (incl. breakfast). The offers are valid until 29 March 2026.
Please contact the hotel directly for your reservation.
Are you planning to travel to Mainz by train? Take advantage of the DB event offer and travel to our conference at a discounted rate - with these added benefits:
Do you have any questions about the booking? The DB service team is happy to assist you at +49 (0)30 297 19 0 19. More info: www.bahn.de/eventangebote
More information: Invited Speakers
DECHEMA-Fokus-Themen:
