Looking Back at YIM 2026

Celebrating conversations, collaborations, and the community that continues beyond the meeting

The 18th Young Investigators’ Meeting (YIM 2026), held from 2 – 6 March 2026 in collaboration with Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, brought together nearly 150 participants from across India and overseas, including 75 early career researchers. Over four and a half days, young investigators, postdoctoral fellows, mentors, institutional leaders, funders, and other policymakers came together to exchange ideas and build collaborations towards the purpose of strengthening India’s life sciences research.

YIM has always been more than a conference; it is a space where early-career researchers find mentors, build lasting professional relationships, and gain practical insights into establishing independent research careers. This page captures the highlights, resources, reflections, and memories from YIM 2026, allowing participants to revisit the experience while offering future applicants a glimpse into what they can expect.

YIM 2026 at a Glance

  • 2 – 6 March 2026
  • Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
  • 39 Young Investigators
  • 35 Postdoctoral Fellows
  • 9 National and International Mentors
  • 17 Speakers
  • 19 Institutional Leaders representing ~20 institutions
  • Four and a half days of scientific discussions, mentorship, networking, and career development

Highlights from the meeting

The programme combined keynote lectures, mentor talks, panel discussions, life science funding sessions, institutional interactions, and networking opportunities designed specifically for early-career researchers.

Participants explored topics including:

  • Building and sustaining research groups in India
  • Funding opportunities
  • Leadership and career development
  • Building meaningful collaborations across disciplines
  • Faculty recruitment and institutional expectations
  • Science engagement

Interactive formats such as breakout ​‘rooms’ and ​“Ask Me Anything” sessions encouraged open conversations, allowing participants to engage directly with mentors and peers in an informal setting. 

What made YIM 2026 special?

YIM 2026 reminded its attendees that scientific excellence needs focused mentorship, a supportive community, collaboration and platforms that facilitate these.

The feedback from participants reflected the value they found in the meeting. Here are some highlights:

  • Sessions received consistently high ratings for quality and scientific content
  • Mentor talks and keynote sessions were among the highest-rated programme components
  • Networking opportunities were highly appreciated, particularly during interactive sessions
  • Nearly all participants said they would recommend YIM to colleagues

The feedback also provided constructive suggestions that will help shape future editions of YIM, including improvements to session duration, transportation logistics, and digital resources. 

The following stood out for most participants:

  • Honest conversations with mentors and other senior leaders
  • Opportunities to network with peers
  • Practical career advice
  • Exposure to funding agencies and their expectations
  • The real problems of establishing laboratories in India and how to navigate them
  • Learning through shared experiences rather than formal lectures alone

Many participants described YIM as a unique platform where questions could be asked openly and meaningful professional relationships could begin. 

Resources

Explore the resources generated during and after the meeting.

Stories from YIM 2026

Read reflections from participants, mentors, and organisers that explore the themes, discussions, and experiences that made YIM 2026 memorable.

Related articles

Gallery

We shared highlights from the meeting on our social media platforms, capturing keynote lectures, breakout discussions, networking sessions, mentor interactions, and memorable moments from across the event.

Browse the LinkedIn posts below to revisit the meeting through photographs and snapshots that reflect the collaborative spirit and vibrant community of the Young Investigators’ Meeting.

LinkedIn photo highlights

A legacy beyond the meeting

The impact of YIM extends well beyond the meeting. New collaborations begin, mentorship relationships continue, and participants remain connected through a growing network of researchers across India and beyond.

As one participant reflected through the feedback wall, YIM is not simply about finding answers, it is about finding people, perspectives, and possibilities. It is this sense of community that continues to shape careers long after the meeting concludes.