International Cryobiology Young Researchers

ABOUT

The International Cryobiology Young Researchers (ICYR) is the youth branch of the Society for Cryobiology. ICYR fosters the development of young researchers in cryo-/low-temperature biology.  

Mission: ICYR aims to bring together young cryo/low-temperature biologists, engineers, and scientists to meet each other, connect on a professional level, and foster new scientific relationships around the globe building an international community in cryobiology. 

Firstly, ICYR provides a go-to platform for young early career researchers for professional development, education, networking, and leadership opportunities in cryo/low-temperature biology and its application areas (healthcare, biodiversity, reproductive science, conservation science, drug development, etc.). Secondly, ICYR hosts social and career networking events at the annual meeting of the SfC. 

MEMBERSHIP

ICYR is supported and funded by the Society for Cryobiology. Membership to the ICYR is open to all “young” researchers (undergraduate & graduate students, lab technicians, post-doctoral associates and fellows, faculty, scientists, individuals, and scholars) within the Society for Cryobiology. Active members reserve the right to vote for ICYR elected positions. An "active ICYR member" participates in at least one ICYR event per year.

Simply opt into ICYR membership when you apply for membership to the Society for Cryobiology, or contact us to request ICYR membership.

GET SOCIAL 

EXPANSE BIO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Apply now for a $500 professional development grant, sponsored by Expanse Bio.

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ICYR 2026 LEADERSHIP

Charles Elder President	Abdul-Rashid Iddi Vice President	Alex German Treasurer	Elham Ashrafi Secretary

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

WHAT DOES ICYR DO? 

1) Quarterly Professional Development Events 
Previous events have included 

• Intro to Research
• Video Research Sharing
• Career Development
• Social Games, Wellness, Movie 
• Job Fair
• DEI initiatives 

2) Monthly Journal Club
An informal walk through with the author of the month's selected paper. 

3) Social and networking events at the annual CRYO meeting 
Meet new friends and potential collaborators at the ICYR's social events at the annual CRYO meeting! 

ICYR IN ACTION

Click to view high res image. 

July 2025 - ICYR Maschsee Boat Tour at CRYO2025 in Hannover, Germany.	July 2025 - ICYR walking tour of Hannover, Germany at CRYO2025.
July 2025 - Charles Elder (ICYR) and Peter Kilbride (Board  of Governors take in the sights in Hannover.	Sep. 2025 - ICYR exhibits at the Society for Low Temperature Biology (SLTB) meeting in Poland.
Jan. 2026 - ICYR Hosted Society for Cryobiology's Spotlight  on Young Cryobiology Researchers Webinar.	Nov. 2025 - ICYR Career Development Workshop "From Academia to Industry: Insights from 300 PhDs” with invited host, Ashley Moses, Founder of PhDpaths.
May 2024 - ICYR meet with SfC President, Allison Hubel, and Executive Director, Nicole Evans.	Nov. 2024 - ICYR Webinar on "Navigating the Academic Hiring Process for Cryobiology"

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

ICYR is actively dedicated to the diversity of people from different backgrounds, cultures, races, ethnicities, LGBTQIA+, and nationalities to reflect the demographics of our globe and encourage an environment of inclusion with a diversity of ideas, research areas, and representation from all of its members.