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- 8th DNA Repair/Replication Structures & Cancer Conference
8th DNA Repair/Replication Structures & Cancer Conference
#DRRSC27
Prices from:
$1,350.0007 Nov - 10 Nov 2027
Playa Mujeres, Mexico
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John Tainer
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
-
Xiaodong Zhang
Imperial College London / Francis Crick Institute
Early Bird - 10 May 2027 • Talk Submission - 10 May 2027 • Poster Submission - 07 Sep 2027 • Registration & Payment Deadline - 07 Sep 2027
Synopsis
Our understanding of DNA Damage Responses (DDR) and their deep integration with immune signaling is rewriting the rules of precision oncology. Targeted therapies have delivered remarkable gains in efficacy and tolerability, yet tumors keep finding a way back, rewiring DDR networks or acquiring reversion mutations to escape treatment. Staying ahead of this moving target demands mechanistic knowledge at every scale: from the atomic choreography of individual enzymes to the dynamic, mesoscale networks that coordinate the cell's response to damage in real time.
We are living through a golden age of discovery tools. Cryo-electron microscopy/tomography, mass spectrometry, single-molecule biophysics, precision gene editing, and high-throughput omics, now supercharged by artificial intelligence, are giving us an unprecedented opportunities to reveal biology in motion, converting static atomic structures into dynamic, physiologically relevant actions. These breakthroughs are unlocking scientific questions once thought intractable, but they are also outpacing traditional, siloed disciplines. To keep pace, the field must be bold enough to redraw its own boundaries and embrace a genuinely cross-disciplinary approach.
The 8th DNA Replication/Repair Structures & Cancer Conference (8th DRRSC), convening in November 2027, will bring together scientists from across this rapidly evolving landscape to turn cutting-edge structural insight into real translational opportunities. In an era of tightening research budgets, cross-disciplinary partnership is no longer optional, it is the most powerful lever we have for tackling big biological problems efficiently and creatively. Conference talks and discussions will spotlight DNA replication, transcription, and repair stress responses, with a sharp focus on exploiting synthetic lethality in DDR-deficient cancers, including new strategies for robust predictive biomarkers and rational, clinically actionable combination therapies. By fusing emerging clinical breakthroughs with trans-disciplinary structural and mechanistic insights, the 8th DRRSC promises a vibrant, exciting exchange of ideas that will spark new collaborations and accelerate the pipeline from molecular structure to patient impact.
What makes this meeting unique?
"I can honestly say your meeting, by combining hardcore structure-function studies with beautiful biology, hits an important area that many meetings miss; being part of that science is just terrific." — Prof. Ben Van Houten, University of Pittsburgh
"Most participants contribute unpublished data and powerful discussions that identify and fill knowledge gaps with game-changing insights that make me want to stand up and cheer." — Prof. John Tainer, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
"This is my favorite meeting where every talk is directed at mechanisms in DNA replication and repair. The talks really inform me on what mechanisms are being considered, particularly those outside my immediate favourite pathway. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner allow you to talk and propose problems that you haven't fully understood. You get the American, European, and Asian science coming together.” — Dr. Susan Tsutakawa, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Plenary Speakers
Lori Passmore (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology)
Jesper Qualmann Svejstrup (University of Copenhagen)
Rising Star Plenary Speakers
Amanda Chaplin (University of Leicester)
REDEFINING THE NHEJ DNA REPAIR MECHANISM THROUGH CRYO-EM
Nitika Taneja (Erasmus University Medical Center)
BUILDING A SAFE HAVEN FOR DNA: CHROMATIN REORGANIZATION ACROSS SCALES UNDER REPLICATION STRESS
Invited Speakers
Zhucheng Chen (Tsinghua University)
Alessandro Costa (The Francis Crick Institute)
MECHANISMS OF HISTONE EXTRACTION SHAPE EPIGENETIC INHERITANCE PATHWAY CHOICE
Taekjip Ha (Boston Children's Hospital)
Karl-Peter Hopfner (Gene Center, LMU Munich)
Maria Jasin (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Serena Nik-Zainal (University of Cambridge)
SCARS, STATES AND SELECTION: DECODING DNA REPAIR IN CANCER GENOMES
Mark O'Connor (AstraZeneca)
STRUCTURE-GUIDED DISCOVERY OF A POTENT AND SPECIFIC CLINICAL PKMYT1 INHIBITOR
Eli Rothenberg (NYU Grossman School of Medicine)
Katharina Schlacher (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Titia Sixma (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
Bennett Van Houten (University of Pittsburgh)
Johannes Walter (Harvard Medical School)
Steve West (Francis Crick Institute)
PARP INHIBITORS INDUCE CENTROMERIC DNA INSTABILITY
Scott Williams (NIH/NIEHS)
Wei Yang (National Institutes of Health)
Timothy Yap (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Shan Za (Columbia University)
FROM PARylation TO Ku: REPAIRING AN EVOLVING GENOME
Session Chairs
Walter Chazin (Vanderbilt University)
Dorothy Erie (University of North Carolina)
Patrick Sung (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)
Susan Tsutakawa (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)
Jessica Tyler (Weill Cornell Medicine)
Confirmed Speakers
Chairs
Plenary Speakers
Invited Speakers
Zhucheng Chen
Tsinghua University
Alessandro Costa
The Francis Crick Institute
Taekjip Ha
Boston Children's Hospital
Karl-Peter Hopfner
Gene Center, LMU Munich
Maria Jasin
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Serena Nik-Zainal
University of Cambridge
Mark O'Connor
AstraZeneca
Eli Rothenberg
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Katharina Schlacher
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Titia Sixma
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Bennett Van Houten
University of Pittsburgh
Johannes Walter
Harvard Medical School
Steve West
The Francis Crick Institute
Scott Williams
NIH/NIEHS
Wei Yang
National Institutes of Health
Timothy Yap
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Shan Zha
Columbia University
Programme
Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the conference should begin no earlier than 14:00 with opening comments on Sunday 07 November 2027. The conference will conclude no later than 13:30 on Wednesday 10 November 2027.
Registration Prices
| Ticket Type | Early Bird | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Student Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee if a room sharer is not specified. Both same-sex and mixed accommodation options available. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option. |
$1350 | $1350 |
|
Shared Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee (same-sex and mixed accommodation options available), or if you have an accompanying adult. |
$2260 | $2361 |
|
Single Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room. |
$2525 | $2650 |
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee if a room sharer is not specified. Both same-sex and mixed accommodation options available. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option.
- Early Bird
- $1350
- Full Price
- $1350
Shared
Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee (same-sex and mixed accommodation options available), or if you have an accompanying adult.
- Early Bird
- $2260
- Full Price
- $2361
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room.
- Early Bird
- $2525
- Full Price
- $2650
Prices exclude VAT (where applicable).
Additional Prices
| Addition Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
|
Additional Person This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices. |
$906 | $228 |
|
Extra Night Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night. |
$352 | $76 |
Additional Person
This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices.
- Adult
- $906
- Child
- $228
Extra Night
Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night.
- Adult
- $352
- Child
- $76
All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.
What's Included in our Registration Fees?
Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres during the conference period only:
- Conference registration.
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (07, 08, 09 November 2027) on a single or shared basis in a Delight King or Queen room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Daily coffee breaks.
- Gala dinner with an open bar.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Shared rooms may consist of either two queen beds or, one king and one queen sofa bed.
Super Early Bird Terms & Conditions
- This ticket type requires full payment from the point of booking and is non-refundable.
- This ticket type cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
- This ticket type is not applicable to fully or partially funded speakers.
- This ticket can be transferred free of charge to another attendee, provided we are given notice at least 14 days prior to the conference start date. Transfers must be like-for-like, meaning the replacement attendee must meet the same eligibility requirements and the ticket type and rate cannot be changed.
- This ticket type is also subject to our general Terms and Conditions of Booking.
Early Bird Terms & Conditions
- The deposit for this ticket type is non-refundable. The balance is subject to our general Terms and Conditions of Booking.
- The Early Bird ticket is subject to full payment being received by the published Early Bird deadline.
- If full payment is not received by the deadline, the Early Bird rate will no longer apply. The difference between the Early Bird ticket price and the standard ticket price will be invoiced to the attendee's Fusion account.
- This ticket can be transferred free of charge to another attendee, provided we are given notice at least 14 days prior to the conference start date. Transfers must be like-for-like, meaning the replacement attendee must meet the same eligibility requirements and the ticket type and rate cannot be changed.
- Pricing/discount eligibility are determined at the time of booking and we reserve the right to verify eligibility.
- This ticket type is also subject to our general Terms and Conditions of Booking.
Student Terms & Conditions
- The deposit of this ticket type is non-refundable. The balance is subject to our general Terms and Conditions of Booking.
- Student tickets are available only to attendees who meet the applicable student eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to request valid proof of student status at any time.
- This ticket can be transferred free of charge to another attendee, provided we are given notice at least 14 days prior to the conference start date. Transfers must be like-for-like, meaning the replacement attendee must meet the same eligibility requirements and the ticket type and rate cannot be changed.
- Pricing and eligibility are determined at the time of booking and we reserve the right to verify eligibility.
- This ticket type is also subject to our general Terms and Conditions of Booking.
What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?
Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (07, 08, 09 November 2027) on a shared basis with a conference participant in a Delight King or Queen room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala dinner with an open bar.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.
What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?
Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (07, 08, 09 November 2027) on a shared basis with the parent/s in a Delight King or Queen room, maximum capacity 4 adults per room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala dinner with soft drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 4-11 years. Children 3 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 12 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (SLS Playa Mujeres). Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Felicity for further information.
What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?
Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at SLS Playa Mujeres:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in a Delight King or Twin room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: If you wish to extend your stay more than 1 night pre/post conference, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Felicity for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 4-11 years. Children 3 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 12 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (SLS Playa Mujeres).
Important Note
Please note that registration prices are based on a specific hotel room category. Although we have a number of rooms pre-reserved, your accommodation can only be secured once your registration balance has been paid in full.
As hotel occupancy increases, availability in our designated room category may become limited. To secure your stay and current rate, we encourage delegates to settle balances as soon as possible.
Please be aware that if your travel plans and, therefore, accommodation requirements are not secured promptly, registration prices may increase. This will occur if we need to align your booking with a different room category, should our allocated rooms sell out.
Venue & Location
SLS Playa Mujeres
SLS Playa Mujeres offers a contemporary setting for scientific conferences, combining high-spec meeting facilities with an integrated, all-inclusive environment that supports both structured sessions and ongoing collaboration. Located in the tranquil Playa Mujeres area, just north of Cancun, the resort provides a focused setting while remaining easily accessible for international delegates.
The modern design and thoughtfully planned layout create a professional yet comfortable atmosphere, with a variety of flexible spaces suited to formal presentations, panel discussions, and smaller breakout interactions. The all-inclusive format enables a seamless delegate experience, where shared dining and social spaces naturally encourage informal exchanges and continued discussion beyond scheduled sessions.
Accommodation is spacious and carefully designed, with private balconies and contemporary amenities that offer a relaxing retreat between sessions. These spaces allow delegates time for rest, reflection, and preparation, helping to support sustained engagement throughout the programme. Multiple onsite dining venues, shared lounges, and outdoor spaces provide opportunities for participants to connect in an informal setting, fostering meaningful conversations and collaboration outside of structured sessions.
Our programmes intentionally dedicate free time, allowing participants to maintain a balanced pace across the conference. Access to the beach, pools, and wellness facilities offers opportunities to recharge, while the surrounding environment lends itself to relaxed, informal networking.
This property is well suited to those travelling with family, with dedicated children’s and teens’ facilities, including a kids’ club, adventure areas, and family-friendly activities. This allows delegates to remain fully engaged in the conference programme, while also spending quality time with family over free time.
General Information
Conference Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Address
Supermanzana 3 Manzana 1, 77400 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nearest Airport
Cancun International Airport
Hotel Facilities
18 restaurants/bars
4 swimming pools
Private beach
Water park
Non-motorized watersports
Daily resort activities
Kids/teens club
Nightly entertainment
24 hour room service
Fitness center
Location
Mexico is a delightful combination of natural beauty, islands, ecological reserves and white sandy beaches. However, besides sun, sand and sea, this destination also offers an infinite variety of underwater activities to choose from: the diving, snorkelling and fishing here are outstanding and you will find an undersea world packed with tropical fish that live on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Sports enthusiasts might choose one of the many eco-tourism activities, such as cycling or hiking through the tropical forest or kayaking through mangroves, or something a little more adventuresome, like zip lining through the treetops.
Apart from the more well-known ancient Mayan archealogical sites such as Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá you may like to visit the Aktun Chen caverns, voted one of the Top 10 underwater walks by National Geographic described as a truly magical experience.
Transportation
Cancun International Airport is approximately 35 minutes from SLS Playa Mujeres. Unlike other airports, Cancun airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.
If you wish to share a return transfer to the airport then we would suggest waiting and organising this on-site at the hotel. The hotel have registered taxis readily available, you simply need to speak to the concierge on the day of your departure (approx $55-$60 to Cancun International Airport). This will allow attendees to share return transfers with others who have similar flight times.
Private Transportation Companies
There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Cancun area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.
Amstar
Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
Local Activities
Please come back soon for further information regarding local activities.
Submitting an Abstract
There are several presentation opportunities available at this meeting, in both talk and poster form. To be considered for either option, please register for the conference, upload your abstract when prompted to do so, and select your preferred presentation method. Once submitted, you will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. You will also receive an email to confirm the outcome of your abstract review.
If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email the Conference Manager directly.
Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.
Note: talk slots are limited for each conference, and we often receive more submissions than spaces available. If your talk submission is unsuccessful on this occasion, your abstract will automatically be considered for a poster presentation as an alternative.
Accepted for a Short Talk
If you are accepted for a Short Talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches for programme updates, these will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab in the navigation panel to the left.
On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30 minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac to ensure a smooth and timely transition between presenters, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify AV prior to the session. A HDMI cable is usually available on the podium to accommodate this.
Our AV technician will run through microphone options and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer ahead of your talk.
We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases, and our Session Chairs will assist with keeping everyone to time.
Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines:
Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.
Accepted for a Poster Presentation
We recommend bringing your poster along with you to the conference as our venues do not have onsite printing facilities. If you wish to independently source local printing, please feel free to do so – the hotel address can be found under the ‘Venue’ tab if needed.
Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.
Upon arrival to the conference, the Fusion team will give you instructions for displaying your poster. Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the dedicated poster session.
Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session(s) and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.
Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and can be collected on the final day of the conference.
LinkedIn forum
The DNA Research Network is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference.
The Linkedin Group is designed to bring together the global community of researchers and scientists interested in the study of DNA. Relevant specialties are wide-ranging, reflecting the importance of DNA Research in many aspects of health and disease, including; DNA Repair, DNA Replication, DNA Damage, Cancer, Chromosomal Instability, RNA and Nucleic Acids. The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics.
Conference History
If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only.
Conference Manager
Felicity Harrap
Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today
As a family run business, our dedication runs deep. We’re committed to each other and, even more so, to every attendee’s experience, delivering a level of care and passion that’s truly unmatched.