Generative AI in Genomics (Gen2): Barriers and Frontiers

ICLR 2026 Workshop  |  April 26 or 27  |  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Hybrid)

Contact: genai-in-genomics@googlegroups.com



Generative AI has successfully unlocked the design of proteins for directed evolution, yet, the analogous task in genomics, targeted engineering of cellular and tissue states, remains a burgeoning but relatively underdeveloped frontier. Many generative AI applications in genomics often involve retrofitting vision or language architectures to genomic data, which fall short of tackling domain-specific challenges. In parallel, multiple data generation efforts are underway to create foundational datasets capable of supporting the next generation of generative models that promise generalization across biological contexts.

Our workshop, Gen2: Generative AI in Genomics, aims to move beyond consensus narratives and critically engage with these domain-specific barriers and expanding frontiers for biological impact. Through debate-style panels, expert talks from both genomics and generative AI domains, and contributed presentations, we set out to shape an emerging field roadmap: from data generation priorities, to biologically grounded evaluation frameworks, and model designs that respect the hierarchical nature of genomic and cellular mechanisms. Following the workshop, we will synthesize these discussions and attendee presentations into a shared report that lays out a community-driven path forward. We welcome submissions that unearth domain-specific challenges and demonstrate new opportunities for generative AI applications in genomics.

Please check out our Call for Papers, submit your work, and join us at ICLR 2026 this April!

Updated deadline for all paper submissions: 11 Feb 2026, AoE.

Submit Your Paper

News

8 Feb 2026: One last extension! We extended our paper submission deadline to Feb 11! Submit your work at: OpenReview

5 Feb 2026: We extended our paper submission deadline to Feb 8!

28 Dec 2025: We now accept submissions on OpenReview in the form of full workshop papers (5-8 pages) and tiny papers (2-4 pages). Submission deadline: Feb 7.

22 Dec 2025: We are recruiting reviewers! If you have a background in computational genomics and/or ML/AI and would be interested, please fill out our Reviewer Sign-Up Form.

2 Dec 2025: Our workshop submission was accepted to be held at ICLR 2026! We are working set up our OpenReview page for accepting submissions. Stay tuned!

Invited Speakers


Organizers

Names are listed in alphabetical order.


Primary Organizing Committee

Advisory Committee

Sponsors


TBD