

University of Pittsburgh
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
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Welcome to the 5th Houk Research Conference
June 24-26, 2026 | Pittsburgh, PA
The 2026 Houk Research Conference is convened to honor the career of Professor Kendall N. Houk, Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA. Please join us for three days scientific discussion at the frontiers of computational and experimental organic chemistry.
Invited Speakers
Conference Venue
The conference will be held at the University of Pittsburgh, which is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Lectures and Poster Sessions:
O'Hara Student Center
4024 O'Hara St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood is the city's academic and cultural hub. Just steps from the conference venue, attendees can explore the soaring gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Learning, home to the unique Nationality Rooms, or visit the world-class Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Unwind between sessions amidst the stunning botanical displays at Phipps Conservatory—one of the greenest public gardens in the world—or enjoy Oakland’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you take a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline for a panoramic skyline view or visit the nearby Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh offers an inspiring backdrop for scientific exchange.
Program (Tentative)
All scientific sessions, breakfast, and lunch will be at the same conference venue (O'Hara Student Center), providing ample opportunities for networking and discussion among all meeting attendees.
June 24, 2026 (Wednesday)
12:00-1:00 pm: Conference Check-In
1:00-2:00 pm: Opening Remarks
1:20-5:30 pm: Lectures
6:00-8:00 pm: Reception Dinner
June 25, 2026 (Thursday)
7:30-8:30 am: Breakfast
8:30-10:00 am: Lectures
10:00-11:00 am: Poster Session
11:00 am-12:30 pm : Lectures and Panel Discussion
12:30-2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00-4:00 pm: Lectures
4:00-6:00 pm: Pittsburgh City Tour
6:30 pm: Invited Speaker Dinner
June 26, 2026 (Friday)
7:30-8:30 am: Breakfast
8:30-10:00 am: Lectures
10:00-11:00 am: Poster Session
11:00 am-12:30 pm: Lectures and Panel Discussion
12:30-2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00-4:45 pm: Lectures
4:45-5:00 pm: Closing Remarks
Registration Information
Registration Deadline:
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April 30, 2026
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Registration Fee:
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Standard Registration: ​$400
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Graduate and Undergraduate Students: $300
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​Conference Registration Fee includes:
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Access to all scientific sessions
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​Access to poster sessions
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​Coffee breaks
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​Welcome reception dinner (Evening of Wednesday, June 24, 2026)
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​Breakfast and lunch on Thursday and Friday, June 25-26, 2026
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​Pittsburgh city tour (Thursday afternoon)
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Accomadations
The conference will be held at the O'Hara Student Center (4024 O'Hara Street), located in the heart of the University of Pittsburgh's Oakland campus. Conference attendees may choose from a variety of housing options ranging from on-campus dorms to luxury hotels.
On-Campus Housing (Dormitories): For the most convenient and affordable stay, attendees may reserve a room in the university residence halls, located within easy walking distance of the conference venue. Accommodations are suite-style: each suite features a shared kitchenette, living room, and bathroom, with 3–4 private bedrooms. Each bedroom is fitted with a door for privacy.
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Rate: Flat rate of $200 per person.
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Duration: Covers up to four nights (Check-in: June 23 | Check-out: June 27).
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Booking: You may select this option directly when registering for the conference.
Hotel Options–Walking Distance: If you prefer a traditional hotel experience within the vibrant university district, several options are just a short walk from the O'Hara Student Center.
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For reliable comfort, the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center is centrally located on campus, approximately 5 minutes away on foot.
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The Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place and the Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh Oakland/University Place are both located about 15 minutes away on foot.
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The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection provides luxury accommodations less than a 5-minute walk from the venue.
Hotel Options–Driving or Public Transit: For attendees who prefer to explore neighboring districts with expanded dining and nightlife, the Shadyside (approx. 10 mins driving) and Downtown (approx. 15 mins driving) neighborhoods are easily accessible via car, rideshare, or Pittsburgh’s bus system (PRT).​
Vacation Rentals (Airbnb / Vrbo): For attendees preferring a home-away-from-home experience, private rentals are widely available throughout Pittsburgh. This is an excellent option for groups or those desiring full kitchen amenities. We recommend searching in the following neighborhoods:
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Oakland: The immediate neighborhood offering the shortest walk to the venue.
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Shadyside: A quiet, upscale residential area with tree-lined streets and boutique shopping; easily accessible by a short bus ride or 10-minute drive.
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Squirrel Hill: A vibrant, historic neighborhood known for its diverse dining; well-connected to campus via the 61-series city buses.
Contact Us
Organizers
Prof. Peng Liu , University of Pittsburgh
Prof. Zhongyue (John) Yang, Vanderbilt University


























