Large Language Models for Bioinformatics 2026
November 14-15, 2026
Workshop Info
Welcome to the 2026 Large Language Models for Bioinformatics Canadian Bioinformatics Workshop webpage!
Workshop code: LLM_Ed-2611
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15, 2026
Location: Room 8-207, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering (ICE), University of Alberta, Edmonton (in person)
Workshop listing: bioinformatics.ca
Travel and venue: Edmonton logistics page (map, transit, hotels). Weekend building-access details will be emailed closer to the workshop.
About the Workshop
This two-day workshop focuses on the applications of large language models (LLMs) in bioinformatics. Participants will first be introduced to foundational machine learning (ML) concepts, followed by an in-depth exploration of LLMs and their growing role in bioinformatics. The program includes lectures and hands-on labs covering LLM applications in genomics, proteomics, and natural language processing (NLP). Participants will learn how to use LLMs, and which LLMs to use, for coding in bioinformatics, gene prediction/annotation, protein structure/function analysis, and large-scale literature analysis in their research.
Course Objectives
After the course, participants should be able to:
- Explain the key concepts of large language models and their applications in bioinformatics, including genomics, proteomics, and general informatics.
- Apply LLMs to perform bioinformatics coding tasks.
- Utilize LLM-based tools for analyzing bioinformatics data in genomics, including gene prediction/annotation, protein structure/function prediction, and large-scale literature analysis.
- Integrate LLMs into bioinformatics workflows for research and analysis.
Target Audience
Post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, bioinformaticians, computational biologists, and researchers in the life sciences domain, focused on individuals involved in bioinformatics projects with an interest in applying large language models and artificial intelligence to genomics, proteomics, and NLP research.