Dear colleagues,
We cordially invite you to attend the 21st International Conference on Retinal Proteins (ICRP2026), which will be held in Siena, Italy, from September 14th to 19th, 2026.
Light-sensitive retinal-binding proteins, commonly called “rhodopsins”, are found in all domains of life, from Archaea to Eukaryota, where they function as visual and non-visual photoreceptors, ion pumps, ion channels, and photoenzymes. Recently, their steady expansion has been accompanied by a growing range of rhodopsin-based technologies, including optogenetic tools and sensors, mimics, and variants useful in applications ranging from environmental remediation to gene therapy. In the ICRP2026 edition, we will also emphasize the role played by rhodopsins in basic chemical research, where they have helped to establish, both theoretically and experimentally, concepts such as spectral tuning, ultrafast reactivity, quantum efficiency, space-saving coordinates, and—most importantly—the molecular-level factors that control them.
The ICRP was established in 1984 as the only international conference to comprehensively address retinal-binding proteins. Since then, the conference has been held every two years at different venues around the world. Its main objective is to provide a forum for sharing the latest research results in rhodopsin studies, including structural, spectroscopic, genetic, biochemical, evolutionary, and physiological investigations, as well as emerging technologies.
In the heart of Tuscany, beautifully situated among rolling hills, Siena is renowned for its historical and artistic heritage predating the Renaissance, as well as its food and wine culture.
We hope to see you soon in Siena for an engaging and intense scientific exchange.
With our best regards,
Massimo Olivucci (University of Siena & Bowling Green State University, USA)
Chair
Kwang-Hwang Jung (Sogang University, Republic of Korea)
Co-Chair