concurrent track: ethics, translation, policy, and impact

Highlighting ISSCR initiatives and proceedings that advance ethical standards and governance frameworks to guide responsible progress in the stem cell field globally.

Speakers to be announced.

sources matter: using representative materials in stem cell research

Jeremy Sugarman, MD, MPH, MA, Johns Hopkins University, USA  
Christine Mummery, PhD, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands
Andreas Kurtz, PhD, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Germany 
Dorothy E. Roberts, JD, University of Pennsylvania, USA 

  • This session examines the interrelated scientific and ethical importance of using diverse biological materials in stem cell research from bench to bedside, and how this might ultimately affect future patient outcomes. Speakers will discuss key dimensions of diversity -including genetic ancestry, disease representation, and sex - and how they influence scientific rigor and societal implications of research. The speakers will also describe how to translate these concerns into research practices, including the responsible use of population descriptors and strategies to recruit diverse donors for biobanks.  

in vitro gametogenesis: recent developments in science and policy

R. Alta Charo, JD, University of Wisconsin at Madison, USA 
Katsuhiko Hayashi, PhD, The University of Osaka, Japan 
Zubin Master, PhD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, USA 
Kazuto Kato, PhD, Osaka University, Japan 

  • This session, organized by the ISSCR Public Policy Committee, highlights recent scientific advances in in vitro gametogenesis and explores relevant emerging policy considerations. Speakers will also discuss how researchers can engage in policy discussions and how ISSCR supports members navigating policy debates in their jurisdictions. 

the clinical translation toolkit: IP, CDMOs, and regulatory insights

Andrew Gaffney, PhD, STEMCELL Technologies, Canada
Allison Glasunow, PhD, JD, Sheppard, USA
Melissa K. Carpenter, PhD, Carpenter Consulting Corporation, USA
Tenneille E. Ludwig, PhD, WiCell, USA
Zoe Hewitt, PhD, Regenerative Cell Therapy Consulting Limited, UK  
Ricardo Baptista, Eng, PhD, SmartCella, Sweden 

  • The session provides practical updates and resources for researchers and developers advancing stem cell–based therapies. Speakers will highlight a new publication on Intellectual Property (IP) considerations in PSC therapy development, introduce a CDMO directory available to ISSCR members, and share key regulatory insights from recent meetings with global regulatory agencies. 

ISSCR consortium: stem cell models for drug development

  • Learn about ISSCR’s international, cross-sector consortium to accelerate the responsible adoption of human stem cell-derived models in drug discovery and development. 

strengthening global workforce development in stem cell research and regenerative medicine

Justin Brumbaugh, PhD, University of Colorado Boulder, USA
Danielle Spice, PhD, Apiary Therapeutics, Canada

  • In partnership with Canada’s Stem Cell Network, the ISSCR has launched an initiative on Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine. This interactive session features updates from the initiative’s international working group and provides an opportunity to share your perspectives on challenges and opportunities for trainee career development.