Program Overview

Program Leadership

  • Valentina Greco, PhD

    Yale School of Medicine, Genetics Department & Yale Stem Cell Center, USA

  • Eugenia Piddini, PhD

    University of Bristol, UK

  • Kathryn Cheah, PhD

    The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

  • Takanori Takebe, MD, PhD

    Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA & Osaka University and Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan

  • Alessandro Aiuti, MD, PHD

    San Raffaele Hospital, Italy

  • Kirsten C. Sadler Edepli, PhD

    NYU Abu Dhabi, UAE

  • Joseph Wu, MD, PHD

    Stanford University School of Medicine, USA

  • Angela R. Wu, PHD

    Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

  • Lygia da Veiga Pereira, PhD

    University of São Paolo, Brazil

  • Tina Mukherjee, PhD

    Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inSTEM), India

  • Vivian Gama, PhD

    Vanderbilt University, USA

  • Lijian Hui, PhD

    Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, China

  • Richard J. Gilbertson, MD, PhD

    CRUK Cambridge Institute, UK

Session types

Discover the different types of sessions, from large-scale Plenary Sessions to intimate networking events, that you can attend at the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting.

  • The cornerstone of the ISSCR Annual Meeting, Plenary Sessions feature inspirational “body of work” presentations, keynote addresses from luminaries in the field, award lectures, and patient perspectives, all selected by the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee to highlight the field’s most impactful advancements.

  • The ISSCR celebrates leadership, collaboration, and discovery through three memorial lectures during plenary sessions. The Ernest McCulloch Memorial Lecture honors curiosity and innovation that defines the foundations of stem cell biology. The Anne McLaren Memorial Lecture highlights ethical integrity and public advocacy. The John McNeish Memorial Lecture reflects the collaboration between academia and industry driving clinical advances. Together, these lectures honor the core values that shape the ISSCR community, with  speakers selected by the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee.

  • Each year, the ISSCR Awards recognize individuals from around the world for innovation and excellence in stem cell research across all career stages. Recipients of the Outstanding Young Investigator (early career), Momentum (mid-career), and Achievement (late-career) Awards present their work at the ISSCR Annual Meeting. The ISSCR Public Service Award also honors exceptional public service contributions to stem cell research.  

  • Dive into specialized stem cell research topics in our concurrent track sessions, featuring dynamic discussions, presentations, Q&A, and panels. Explore five scientific tracks and a Global Stakeholder Initiatives (GSI) track, all expertly coordinated by ISSCR Committees, including the 2025 Annual Meeting Program, Ethics, Public Policy, and the Manufacturing, Clinical Translation and Regulatory Committees

  • Organized by ISSCR student and postdoc members, Science Spotlights provide a fresh perspective on emerging scientific topics not covered elsewhere in the program. Science Spotlight proposals are reviewed and selected by the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee.

  • Organized by the ISSCR Early Career Advisory Committee, experienced panelists from various industries and career stages provide valuable guidance, strategies, and insights to help emerging professionals advance their careers in the field.  

  • A platform for in-depth programs on specialized research topics, these scientifically driven sessions, sponsored by top academic institutions, organizations, and industry partners deliver cutting-edge insights and innovations. If your organization or non-profit is interested in organizing a Focus Session at the Annual Meeting, please contact ISSCR Industry Relations at exhibits@isscr.org for more information. Focus session programs are reviewed and approved by the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee.

  • These sponsored sessions highlight the latest products, services, tools, and technologies that are driving stem cell research and clinical advancements into the future. 

  • Organized by attendees, Meet-Up Hubs are networking sessions in the Exhibit & Poster Hall where individuals with shared interests come together. These forums offer a great opportunity to expand your professional network and engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues who share your interests. 

  • The Exhibit Hall Theater, located within the Exhibit & Poster Hall, features brief sponsored sessions on specialized topics. Attendees can hear from scientific and industry leaders about a wide range of topics, including the latest science updates, technology applications, and career opportunities. 

The Scientific Content is Organized Around 6 Tracks

Clinical Applications

Highlighting cellular therapy and tissue engineering research advancing toward the clinic; examining manufacturing challenges, upscaling processes, and providing updates on ongoing clinical trials.

Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery

Exploring advances in using stem cells, both in vivo and in vitro, to model development and disease, with applications to drug discovery and therapeutic development.

Global Stakeholder Initiatives

Exploring emerging issues in stem cell research and regenerative medicine by engaging stakeholders such as the scientific community, policymakers, and the public; addressing public policy, ethics, regulatory topics, and ISSCR Guidelines and Standards presented by members leading these initiatives.

Organ Generation and Regeneration

Exploring research advances in stem cells and tissue biology relevant to normal organ formation, including experimental strategies for ex vivo organ engineering and in vivo replacement, and organ regeneration following injury or damage.

Pluripotency and Development

Understanding pluripotency and lineage commitment; exploring embryo and organ development.

Somatic Stem Cells and Cancer

Exploring somatic stem cell homeostasis and ageing, stem cell-niche interactions, and stem cells in cancer.

  • Discovery Starts here.

    Discover the year’s most significant advances in stem cell research and regenerative medicine at the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting. From Plenary Sessions to Concurrent Tracks, Focus Sessions, and Innovation Showcases, there is something for everyone, with abundant "aha!" moments awaiting.

  • Collaboration starts here.

    Build connections that drive new discoveries and accelerate progress at the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting. With world-renowned scientists and innovators sharing the latest research, along with ample networking opportunities, you will be inspired to forge new relationships and foster the growth of ideas.

  • Advocacy Starts Here.

    ISSCR engages in science advocacy to inform policymakers, drive change, and support investment in stem cell research and regenerative medicine that advances our field. Through policy initiatives, we combat the dangers posed by clinics offering unproven stem cell-based interventions, support and defend stem cell science, and lead coalitions that protect access to vital research materials.

  • New Business Starts Here.

    The ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting provides a platform for business to flourish. With nearly 4,000 attendees from around the world, there is no better place to generate new leads, enhance brand awareness, and connect with decision-makers.

  • Innovation Starts Here.

    Discover new technologies, inventive tools, and best-in-class research equipment at the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting. With the robust Exhibit Hall, Innovation Showcases, in-depth Focus Sessions, and virtual opportunities, our scientific community gains access to the latest tools and technologies, driving breakthroughs and advancing research.

  • Community starts here.

    ISSCR member-organized sessions in the Science Spotlight Sessions and Meet-Up Hub ensure that members are heard. ISSCR members also access exclusive, low registration rates. Build a community by connecting with fellow members and attendees during these sessions.