Conference-Specific FAQs
- What is ISCB?
- Who are the ISCB LATAM SoIBio SPBBC 2026 conference chairs?
- Who do I contact for information on the conference?
- Where will the conference be held?
- How can I pay to register for ISCB LATAM?
- Where do I register when I arrive at the conference venue?
- What language will the conference sessions and materials be presented in?
- Will I be able to present virtually?
- What is the poster size for in-person posters?
- Can I print my poster onsite? Where can I print my poster in Lima?
- What should I do if I lose something at the conference venue?
- Will there be a coat check/luggage storage during ISCB LATAM conference days?
- Are children allowed at the conference? Will childcare be available?
- Are guests of attendees allowed to attend ISCB LATAM?
- What is the policy on photography and image capture?
- Is there a policy about alcohol and smoking at ISCB LATAM?
- What are the meeting hashtags for social media?
Lodging and Local Logistics
- What are the conference hotels?
- Can I ship materials or items to my hotel?
- Where can I store my luggage while in Lima?
Location and Travel
- Where is Lima?
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
- How do I get to Lima?
- Where can I park my vehicle?
- What sightseeing opportunities are available in Lima?
Local Environment and Practical Info: Lima, Peru
- What is the local climate?
- What is the local time zone?
- What is the local electrical current?
- What is the local custom on tipping?
- What is the local currency?
- Who should I contact in the event of an emergency?
What is ISCB ?
Since its founding in 1997, the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) continues to be the only society representing computational biology and bioinformatics on a worldwide scale. ISCB serves a global community of over 4,000 researchers, practitioners, technicians, students, and suppliers dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of living systems through computation.
ISCB convenes the world’s experts and future leaders in top conferences and partners with publications that promote discovery and expand access to computational biology and bioinformatics globally. The Society delivers valuable training and information about education, employment, and advancements in science. Its open-access, reproducible science mentality ensures everyone—member or non-member—has access to scientific information.
Learn more about ISCB here.
Who are the Conference Chairs?
The conference chairs are:
Additional details are available here.
You can learn more about ISCB-Latin America SoIBio SPBBC Conference on Bioinformatics 2026 at: https://www.iscb.org/latam2026/home
Who do I contact for information on the conference?
For information about the conference, please reach out to ISCB Events (
Where will the conference be held?
ISCB LATAM SoIBio SPBBC 2026 will be held in Lima, Peru at the Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC) located at Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Barranco, Lima, Perú.
How can I pay to register?
Delegates can pay online using a credit card during registration, or they can pay by cheque or wire.
Credit cards
The following credit cards are accepted for registration: MasterCard and Visa. For offline credit card payment please use this form. Offline credit card payment is required for residents of certain countries.
To pay by cheque
Make your payment payable (USD) to the International Society for Computational Biology and mail it with a copy of your invoice to:
ISCB LATAM SoIBio SPBBC 2026 Registration
c/o ISCB
525-K East Market Street, RM 330
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
To pay by wire transfer
Delegates wishing to pay using a wire transfer will select “pay by wire” on the Additional Options page and the Payment page during registration. Wire transfer information will be found on the summary page once registration is complete, as well as at the bottom of your PDF invoice. There is a $25.00 fee charged for all wire payments.
Please note that any bank fees must be paid by the participant. Should funds arrive with bank fees deducted, payment of the difference will be charged to the participant at on-site registration.
The last day to pay by wire or cheque is Monday, October 26, 2026. After this time, only credit card payment is accepted.
Where do I register when I arrive at the conference venue?
TBD.
Will I be able to present virtually?
If your research is accepted for oral presentation and you are unable to present in person, ISCB requires notification at the time of acceptance and no later than Monday, October 19, 2026.
Virtual talks will be presented asynchronously, except in the case of visa denials.
For full instructions on virtual presentations, please review the instructions on the abstract submission page.
What language will conference sessions and materials be presented in?
All conference presentations and materials will be presented in English.
What is the poster size for in-person posters?
Your poster should not exceed 1.1 meters x 1.5 meters in size.
▶️NOTE: Only in-person poster presenters are required to have a physical poster to display in Lima.
Virtual poster presenters must upload their poster as both a PDF and an mp4 by Monday, November 2, 2026.
Presenter info page: https://www.iscb.org/faq/walkthroughs-tutorials-and-guides/presenter-information
Can I print my poster onsite? / Where can I print my poster in Lima?
Information coming soon.
What should I do if I lose something at the conference venue?
If you lose something while attending the conference, please check with event staff at the conference registration desk.
Will there be a coat check/luggage storage during conference days?
No, there will not be a coat check or luggage storage during conference days.
Are children allowed at the conference? Will childcare be available?
ISCB conferences are professional events. Children of registered ISCB conference attendees are welcome to attend the conference with their parent or guardian, as long as younger children are under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. Parents or guardians may bring children to educational events provided the child does not disrupt the event.
Childcare will not be provided.
Are guests of attendees allowed to attend?
ISCB allows guests (defined as a non-scientist friend or family member) of registered attendees. If you are a registered delegate who would like a guest to see your talk or poster presentation, please visit the registration desk to obtain a guest badge.
If you would like to bring your guest to a meal function at the conference, you can purchase a ticket for their entry at the registration desk, pending availability.
Please note: All guest badges must be requested on site at the registration desk and are required for visiting at the conference.
What is the policy on photography and image capture?
ISCB encourages open sharing of science, however, as an author, you have the right to restrict the use of photography or any other form of capture of your research. If you do not wish to allow others to share your research, disclose this at the start of your oral presentation or add a note to your poster.
Is there a policy about alcohol and smoking?
Alcohol: Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beer, and soft drinks may be offered during the meeting. Alcoholic beverages will be distributed per the laws and regulations of the country where the event is being held and is only allowed in designated areas.
Smoking and use of tobacco: ISCB conferences are tobacco and vaping-free events. Smoking and use of tobacco is permitted only in designated areas outside of the venue. Tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, are not permitted in the conference or at conference events.
UTEC Venue:
Per Peruvian law, smoking is forbidden in all indoor and outdoor areas of educational institutions. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes. Alcohol is not permitted in, or within 500 meters of, educational facilities.
What are the conference hashtags for social media?
The hashtag is #ISCBLATAM or #LATAM2026
Follow ISCB for all conference updates and announcements! You’ll find us on:
We encourage the use of social media at the conference to disseminate information, though we request that you observe the Conference Code of Conduct when posting.
If you have a specific complaint, suggestion, or comment related to the venue, conference, or conference logistics, please communicate your comment or concern to the staff at the registration desk or ISCB booth.
What are the conference hotels?
TBD
Can I ship materials or items to the hotel?
Please contact the hotel at which you’ve booked your accommodation directly to confirm whether they will receive shipments. In most cases, hotels will accept packages but may charge a handling or service fee.
Where can I store my luggage while in Lima?
If you need to store your luggage before you’re able to check into your hotel or prior to leaving the city, you can ask the front desk staff at your hotel if they are able to store your luggage for you.
You can also review luggage storage options through Bounce, Vertoe, or Stasher.
Where is Lima?
Lima is the capital city of Peru, located on the central coast of the country overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers. The city is found within the Peruvian coastal desert, just west of the Andes Mountain.
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Depending on where you live, you will need to meet certain entry requirements to visit Peru.
It is the responsibility of event attendees to ensure they have all necessary travel documents prior to arrival.
If you’re unsure whether you need a visa for travel, start by checking the IATA TravelCentre website. Here, you can input information about your trip and find details about what immigration and health requirements must be met.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, check your country’s government websites, travel pages of the country to which you’re traveling, or contact your local visa application center.
Visa and entry requirements for Peru can be found here.
If you require a visa letter to support your visa application, you can generate your letter by completing the Visa Letter Form (when available). NOTE: Please remember the following details to avoid issues when generating your visa letter:
- You must be registered before you can generate a visa letter.
- You must generate your visa letter using the email you registered with to attend the conference.
- Do NOT enter your EasyChair submission ID if you are generating your letter before Monday, October 12, 2026.
We recommend you start your visa letter application process no less than 12 weeks in advance of the conference start date (i.e., no later than Monday, August 17, 2026). You can still generate a visa letter after this date, but remember that your visa application may not be approved in time.
How do I get to Lima?
Plane
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is Lima’s main international gateway, with direct connections to major North American cities, as well as strong links across Latin America and Europe. The airport is located an approximate 40-minute drive from central districts depending on traffic.
From the airport, attendees can reach the city center by taxi (approximately S/40), local bus (IM-18 to Miraflores, approximately S/2), or rental car. Major car rental companies, including Hertz, Budget, and Avis, operate at the airport.
Bus
Long-distance buses are a common and affordable way to travel within Peru. Major operators include América Express, Cruz del Sur, and Civa.
Arrival terminals vary by company, but many are located in or near the La Victoria district, just south of Lima’s historic center. From there, attendees can take a taxi or rideshare service to their accommodation or the conference venue. If traveling during peak tourism periods or national holidays, booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Car
If you choose to rent a car at the airport, driving into central districts such as Miraflores or San Isidro is straightforward and typically takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Major routes from Jorge Chávez International Airport connect directly to Lima’s primary avenues, and navigation apps provide reliable real-time guidance.
For those traveling by road from other parts of Peru, Lima is accessible via the Pan-American Highway (1N/1S) along the coast, as well as inland routes including Highway 3S from Cusco. Travel times can vary significantly depending on distance and road conditions.
Where can I park my vehicle?
Most hotels offer secure parking; ask the front desk staff at your accommodation about parking options.
If you rent an AirBnB or apartment for your stay, or stay at a hostel, parking may or may not be available. Be sure to ask about parking options.
What sightseeing opportunities are available in Lima?
There are a multitude of attractions throughout Peru! You can start your search for what the country has to offer here. To find things to do in Lima specifically, simply type “Lima” in the search bar and explore the sightseeing and tourist opportunities available in the historically rich city.
Some attractions include:
- The historic city center
- The Lima Art Museum
- The Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca archaeological sites
- The Paracas and Beallestas Islands
If you’re looking for a place to take a walk and find a great view of the Bay of Lima, visit Parque del Amor in Miraflores.
Other famous tourist attractions in Peru—like the Nasca Lines, Machu Picchu, and Waynapicchu—aren’t located near Lima, but are certainly worth the trip if you’re able to include them in your itinerary!
To learn more about Lima, click here.
What is the local climate?
Lima is classified as a humid subtropical climate zone, leading to warm, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters.
February is the hottest month in Lima with a mean temperature of 24°C (75°F). The average low temperature in Lima is 15 °C (59°F) and the average high temperature is 28°C (82°F). August is the coldest month in Lima, averaging 17°C avg (63°F).
While rainfall occurs throughout the year, January has been recorded as the wettest month with an average 13.5mm (0.53") of precipitation.
What is the local time zone?
The time zone in Lima, Peru is Peru Time (PET; UTC -5h).
For more information on the local time in Lima, visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/peru/lima
What is the local electrical current?
Type A and type C power plugs and sockets are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.
If your country of origin does not use type A or C plugs/sockets, you will need to bring a plug adapter to ensure you can power and charge your devices. If the standard voltage in your country is lower than that used in Peru, you should also bring a voltage transformer to avoid damaging your devices.
What is the local custom on tipping?
Tipping in Peru is customary in many service settings, though practices vary by service type. Below are some general guidelines:
Restaurants
- 5–10% in mid- to high-end restaurants if a service charge (“servicio”) is not already included.
- In casual eateries, leave a small amount in soles or round up the bill.
Hotels
- Housekeeping: approximately US$2–3 per room, per day (in soles when possible).
- Porters: approximately US$1–2 per bag.
Guides and drivers
- Private or small-group tours: guides typically receive US$7–15 per person, per day.
- Drivers: approximately US$3–7 per person, per day, depending on service level.
Taxis
- No formal tip required. Agree on the fare in advance when possible and round up for helpful or efficient service.
- For multi-day treks or cruises, tipping is often pooled and guidance is usually provided by the operator in advance.
You can find more information on tipping in Peru here.
What is the local currency?
The sol (S/) is Peru’s official currency. Banknotes are issued in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles denominations.
Coins are issued in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles.
The American dollar (USD) is accepted in many commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Lima, especially in upscale areas and larger establishments. Visa is most commonly accepted, followed by Mastercard and American Express. For smaller purchases, such as local markets, street vendors, or for transportation, it’s best to have local currency (soles) on hand for payments.
Who should I contact in the event of an emergency?
If you experience an emergency while in Lima, you can reach out to iPerú, which provides official tourism information on attractions, routes, destinations, and tourist services.
For tourist-specific assistance, including theft or lost documents, contact the Tourist Police at (+511) 460 1060 or iPerú via WhatsApp at +51 944 492 314 or email (
Key Emergency Numbers in Lima:
- Police (General Emergency): 105 or 911
- Fire Department (Bomberos/Ambulance): 116
- Medical Emergencies (ESSALUD): 117
- Tourist Police (DIRTUR): 01 460 1060
- iPerú (Tourist Info & Assistance): (01) 574 8000 or 944 492 314
Important Information:
Language: English assistance is available through the Tourist Police and iPerú. Basic Spanish knowledge or a translation app will be necessary if calling 105 or 116.
Embassy Contact: For urgent consular services, U.S. citizens can call (+511) 618 2000 and Canadians can call (+511) 319 3200.
Private Ambulances: 116 (Voluntary Fire Brigade) is recommended for medical emergencies, as their services are excellent and free.