The “8th International Congress on Biocatalysis (biocat2016)” is part of a biennial conference series. Biocatalysis is a topic based on the edge of biology and chemistry, which brings together scientists from the life sciences, engineers and computer scientists. This international conference serves as a platform to meet researchers from all over the world, to find collaboration partners for future projects and to gain novel insights into modern topics and techniques. Biocat covers the most exciting aspects and the latest developments in biocatalysis, including enzyme discovery, evolution and application, bioprocess engineering, cascade reaction systems and nanobiotechnology. In 2016, we welcomed 367 expert delegates in the respective fields. Established and young scientists from academia and the industry presented 51 lectures, 37 lightning talks and 234 posters. In addition, the biocat award, which is among the most prestigious awards in the field of biotechnology, has been awarded for the sixth time in the categories “Science in academia”, “Lifetime achievement” and “Industry”.