The Oliver Smithies Nobel Laureate Symposium is an annual event which invites prominent Nobel Laureates to share their stories, groundbreaking work, and highlight the experiences and driving forces that led to their success.

Call for Applications: Smithies Postdoctoral Chair

This is a high impact leadership opportunity to help plan a signature, full day scientific event honoring the legacy of Dr. Oliver Smithies and welcoming a distinguished Nobel Laureate to UNC Chapel Hill. The Postdoctoral Chair leads the postdoctoral planning committee, works closely with faculty and the Office of Research, and introduces the Nobel Laureate at the keynote seminar. Submit your application materials to Janelle Cross by June 5, 2026!

10th Annual Oliver Smithies Nobel Symposium Featuring Dr. Jennifer Doudna

The 10th Oliver Smithies Nobel Symposium was an extraordinary success, welcoming more than 700 attendees from across the UNC community and beyond. The symposium featured Dr. Jennifer Doudna, whose keynote lecture was widely praised as thoughtful, illuminating, and deeply inspiring. Throughout the day, Dr. Doudna generously engaged with trainees and postdoctoral scholars, offering valuable insights, candid advice, and encouragement during multiple interactions. Her enthusiasm for mentoring and her commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists were evident in every conversation. The event exemplified the mission of the Oliver Smithies Nobel Symposium – to inspire, connect, and empower emerging scientists through meaningful engagement with world‑class scientific leaders.

To honor Dr. Oliver Smithies and help inspire the next generation of scientists, consider making a gift. Your support sustains the annual Oliver Smithies Symposium and its mission to ignite scientific excellence: https://go.unc.edu/smithies-donation