The SICB Conference, the annual meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, is always a wonderful way to begin the year. Yes, it takes place in early January, just days after New Year’s celebrations, but the conference is so lively and the delegates so welcoming that it feels more like an extension of the festivities than a return to work. Attending SICB has become a valued tradition for Qubit Systems and a meaningful way to reconnect with the broader biology research community.
SICB’s mission is rooted in advancing biological science and supporting the next generation of researchers. As the Society’s Mission Statement makes clear, it is dedicated to promoting the pursuit and public dissemination of important biological research, with a strong focus on supporting student members. That commitment is evident throughout the conference, where student presentations bring energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to every session. Supporting those early-career scientists aligns closely with Qubit Systems’ own mission.
Why We Attend SICB
Qubit Systems has been attending the SICB Conference for more than 25 years. Over that time, we have had the privilege of working alongside researchers at many stages of their careers, from graduate students presenting their first posters to established scientists leading entire research programs. Many of these relationships have grown into long-standing collaborations and friendships.
SICB provides a rare opportunity to reconnect with colleagues working across animal, insect, and aquatic biology. It also allows us to see firsthand how Qubit equipment is being used in real research settings and teaching laboratories. Hearing directly from researchers and instructors about their successes, challenges, and ideas is invaluable. These conversations often spark new ways for us to support experimental design and develop customised systems that meet specific research needs.
Technology Designed for Real Research
At SICB, Qubit showcases a wide range of equipment for monitoring metabolism across an extraordinary diversity of organisms. These include aquatic invertebrates, fish, reptiles, insects, rodents, large mammals, and humans. Each of these organisms exchanges biologically important gases, and Qubit provides integrated gas exchange systems capable of measuring these processes in both air and water.
Because Qubit’s team includes research biologists, we understand the scientific, logistical, and budgetary challenges faced by laboratories. Our goal is to deliver accurate, durable, and flexible instrumentation at the lowest possible cost. It is always gratifying to learn that many laboratories have been using Qubit systems for more than twenty years without requiring significant maintenance. Longevity and reliability remain core to our design philosophy.
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A Little Fun in Portland
This year’s SICB conference took place in Portland, Oregon, a city well known for its creativity, individuality, and welcoming spirit. The unofficial motto “Keep Portland Weird” reflects a deep appreciation for local culture, independent businesses, and nonconformity. It is a city that embraces originality, which made it a fitting backdrop for a conference celebrating diverse approaches to biological research.
Portland has been ranked as one of the best cities in the United States for nightlife and entertainment. While opinions may vary, the Qubit team is happy to place Portland at the top of the list. We would not even consider Las Vegas a contender, since gambling is not our thing, especially when data are involved.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Qubit Systems extends sincere thanks to:
- Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
https://sicb.org/ - City of Portland
https://www.portland.gov/ - Travel Portland
https://www.travelportland.com/culture/weird/
Events like SICB reinforce the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and accessible research tools, and they continue to shape how Qubit Systems designs instrumentation to support teaching and discovery across the biological sciences.
We are grateful for another memorable SICB conference and for the opportunity to support researchers and students who continue to push the boundaries of biological science. We look forward to returning next year and continuing these conversations.