Beyond The Lab: How The World’s Largest Lab Science Conference Is Changing Lives

Pittcon is one of the biggest annual scientific conferences and expositions in laboratory science, and it doesn’t just showcase innovation – it fuels the future of science education. That big statement is backed by decades of dedication from incredible volunteers behind the scenes.

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Pittcon is a conference that is bursting with knowledge exchange, a place where career-changing connections are formed every minute. It began with humble beginnings in the 1950s in Pittsburgh, and since then, it has traveled across North America every year (well, apart from the COVID years, of course).

The next Pittcon event lands in San Antonio, Texas, from March 7-11, 2026.

To attend Pittcon is to support the future of science

One thing that sets Pittcon apart from the crowd is that it is a non-profit organization: 90 percent of Pittcon’s net revenue is dedicated to the future of science.

To improve science, you always have to start with the basics; in Pittcon’s case, that means education, whether it’s supporting primary and secondary education or providing grants to university laboratories for critical equipment.

Past Pittcon-funded projects

Over the past 75 years, with help from 7,500 volunteers, more than $50 million has been donated to science education. That equates to over a million future scientists inspired.

There are many grants that are available to help provide schools with the equipment needed to educate students. These include K-12, college/university, and professional grants. Depending on the grant, awards can range from $600 to $45,000.  

There are also hugely popular schemes on offer. At Pittcon 2025, attendees experienced a portable planetarium – something that I was able to try out myself. It’s an inflatable dome that people could duck into, a bit like a bouncy castle, but much more cosmic and with far less risk of flailing limbs hitting you in the face.

Once inside the dark dome, a projector and an enthusiastic science communicator set the scene. The host encouraged everyone to sit down and look up. With in-depth talks about the night sky, laser pointers, and awe-inspiring imagery, it was a tool that could inspire anyone to learn more.

Another highlight of Pittcon 2025 was Pittcon Pups. Unsurprisingly, this booth often had long queues – because who can resist adorable puppy cuddles? This initiative was a collaboration between Pittcon and a local Boston animal charity and helped find homes for all the dogs that were brought to Pittcon. It was an incredible success, with every single pup adopted. 

What is new for Pittcon 2026?

Along with its normal philanthropy, Pittcon is aiming to go bigger and better than ever before.

Instead of Pittcon Pups, there will be Pittcon Pets. Partnering with local communities in San Antonio, attendees will have the chance to meet adoptable animals from the surrounding area. This initiative will be especially important next year, as the summer floods of 2025 left far more animals displaced than usual.

Pittcon will also be working in partnership with local organization Haven for Hope – an inclusive campus that addresses the root causes of homelessness.

Last but not least, Pittcon will be working with the Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) schools – a San Antonio-based nonprofit. It is a network of five schools (pre-K through high school), which gives students hands-on experience through mentorships, internships, and job shadowing.

If you want to attend a science event that will further your career while also helping to support the next generation of scientists, then this is the one for you.

Registrations open soon.

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