meet-up hub | exhibit & poster hall

WEDNESDAY, 8 JULY, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM 

MEET-UP HUB 1: STEM CELL REPRODUCIBILITY 

Organized By:

Miguel Romero Sepúlveda, McGill University, Canada

  • Experimental reproducibility remains a major challenge in stem cell research due to biological variability. This meet-up hub will allow attendees to meet and discuss in a casual environment the causes of irreproducibility and present strategies to enhance rigor, reliability, and clinical translation. 

    Attendees will gain practical insights and a forward-looking perspective essential for producing reliable, impactful stem cell science in an era of accelerating complexity. 

MEET-UP HUB 2: CRANIOFACIAL AND DENTAL REGENERATION NETWORKING MEET-UP

Organized By:

Reyhaneh Hossein Pour, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia

  • This Meet-Up Hub brings together individuals at all career stages working in craniofacial and dental regeneration, including oral cavity stem cells, tissue engineering, and translational applications research. As this area remains relatively underrepresented within the broader stem cell field, this Meet-Up Hub will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and connect individuals working at the intersection of regenerative medicine and dentistry 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: EARLY CAREER SCIENTISTS 

  • Come join the members of the Early Career Advisory Committee as they discuss evolving career opportunities in stem cell research. Students and postdocs who attended the earlier Career Panel session can continue the conversation, and all students and post-docs are encouraged to join in and network with your peers. Bring your questions and considerations about navigating your career journey. Come join the conversation!  

WEDNESDAY, 8 JULY, 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM 

MEET-UP HUB 1: MIDWEST STEM CELL AND REGENERATION MEDICINE NETWORK 

Organized By:

Jimmy Cai, Mayo Clinic, USA

  • A dedicated gathering point for stem cell researchers and regenerative medicine professionals from Minnesota and the greater Midwest. Whether you are coming from the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, or neighboring regional institutions, join us to discuss local collaborations, share technical insights, and strengthen the scientific ties that define the heartland. 

MEET-UP HUB 2: SOCIAL MEDIA, STEM CELLS AND SCI COMM 

Organized By:

Danielle Spice, Apiary Therapeutics, Canada

  • Do you use social media to share your science with the world? Do you want to but don't know where to start? Join other sci-commers and sci-comm curious folk at this Meet-Up to network, get advice and learn about being a scientist on social media. 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: MEET THE EDITORS OF STEM CELL REPORTS

  • Meet the editors of Stem Cell Reports to discuss a potential submission, your paper in review or new trends in scientific publishing. Bring your questions about Stem Cell Reports and publishing in your society’s journal.  

WEDNESDAY, 8 JULY, 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

MEET-UP HUB 1: ASIAN ALLIANCE FOR STEM CELLS AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE (AASCRM) MEET-UP

Organized By:

Lincon Stamp, University of Melbourne, Australia

  • The Asian Alliance for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (AASCRM), founded in 2019, promotes regional collaborations in stem cell science, regenerative medicine, and cell and gene therapies. It represents a strategic partnership among major societies—including the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research (CSSCR), Japan Society for Regenerative Medicine (JSRM), Korean Society for Stem Cell Research (KSSCR), Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS), and the recently added Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR)—uniting expertise across Asia and Oceania. AASCRM aims to accelerate scientific progress, foster translational innovation, and strengthen the regional ecosystem through sharing resources and exchanging knowledge. This networking event brings together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and trainees to build connections, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities. 

MEET-UP HUB 2: CELL-BASED THERAPY WITH GENETICALLY-MODIFIED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS

Organized By:

Michael Zhou, University of Toronto, Canada

  • This Meet-up Hub for Cell-Based Therapy with Hypoimmunogenic Pluripotent Stem Cells is a collaborative networking space designed to connect researchers, trainees, clinicians, and industry professionals interested in advancing regenerative medicine and cell therapies using genetically engineered hypoimmunogenic pluripotent stem cells. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss emerging technologies, and learn from others working in related fields. Participants will be encouraged to introduce themselves, share their research interests, and identify others within this growing scientific community. To foster continued collaboration beyond the conference, attendees will also have the opportunity to join a contact list and seminar series by providing their names and email addresses (not required). The goal of this initiative is to build a lasting interdisciplinary network that supports ongoing communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in the months following the Annual Meeting. 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: EARLY CAREER GROUP LEADERS NETWORKING

  • If you are an early career Principal Investigator or Group Leader (0-8 years after your final postdoc), we invite you to network with other early career group leader attendees. Join the Early Career Advisory Committee at this meet up and bring your challenges to discuss with your peers or just come to socialize and meet other early career group leaders. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network with your peers from around the world. 

THURSDAY, 9 JULY, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM 

MEET-UP HUB 1: GERMAN STEM CELL NETWORK (GSCN)

Organized By:

Daniel Besser, German Stem Cell Network, Germany

  • The ISSCR Meet-up of the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) welcomes all members of the German stem cell research community as well as attendees of the 2026 ISSCR Annual Meeting in Montreal. This informal gathering will highlight the GSCN’s role as a national dialogue platform for stem cell research, connecting scientists across disciplines and institutions. Participants will discuss ongoing GSCN activities, including conferences, working groups, and outreach programs, and explore how national strategies in stem cell and regenerative medicine are evolving in Germany. The meet-up offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen collaborations, and engage with the growing European and global networks shaping the future of stem cell science and its translation to clinical and societal impact.

MEET-UP HUB 2: THE i2PARADIGM MEET-UP HUB

Organized By:

Kelvin Hui, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application and Kyoto University, Japan

  • The International Interdisciplinary Program for Advanced Regenerative Applications and Design of Individualized Genomic Medicine (i2PARADIGM) is a global research network strategically combining unique expertise to enable the use of patient genetic information to develop mRNA- or protein-based therapeutics and gene therapy delivery tools, the precise correction of disease-causing DNA mutations in vivo or ex vivo in patient-derived cells to alleviate the effects of rare or chronic diseases, the creation and modeling of designer human cells and tissues to better understand disease mechanisms at cellular and molecular levels, validate drug or gene therapy interventions, and for transplantation, a global examination of ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with personalized genomic medicine. 

    We invite current and prospective i2PARADIGM participants to take this opportunity to network during this meet-up hub to discuss new potential collaborations and exchanges. 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: MEET THE ISSCR COMMITTEE CHAIRS

  • ISSCR initiatives are led by committees, each with a unique mandate to address evolving needs of the stem cell community. Learn more about ISSCR committees and how you can contribute to your society's strategic initiatives. 

THURSDAY, 9 JULY, 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

MEET-UP HUB 1: BEYOND MATRIGEL: BUILDING MORE RELIABLE 3D STEM CELL MODELS

Organized By:

Kwesi Abaka-Quansah, University of Nottingham, UK

  • Many labs are moving toward more defined and controlled systems but making that transition is not always straightforward. This Meet-Up Hub is for researchers exploring alternatives to traditional culture methods and looking to improve consistency in their 3D models. 

    We’ll share experiences around what works, what doesn’t, and how small changes in conditions can affect outcomes. The aim is to exchange practical insights and approaches across different systems. 

MEET-UP HUB 2: LGBTQIA+

  • Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the stem cell field who identify as LGBTQIA+ or support the LGBTQIA+ community! This meet-up provides a safe and inclusive space to network, discuss current academic and industry trends, and support each other’s professional growth. Don’t miss out on this chance to build community and advance in your career! 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: MCTR/INDUSTRY SCIENTISTS

  • A cross-sector convening for stem cell and cell therapy professionals working across manufacturing, clinical translation, and regulatory affairs. Meet with colleagues in an informal space to discuss shared challenges, exchange intelligence, and build connections across the field. 

THURSDAY, 9 JULY, 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

MEET-UP HUB 1: STEM CELL COREDINATES: PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH COMMUNITY

Organized By:

Adriana Harbuzariu, Emory University, USA

  • Stem Cell COREdinates is a group of forty-six Core Facilities that collaborate, share expertise and support principal investigators’ stem cell research around the world. We invite all attendees of the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting to come and exchange ideas regarding methods to generate, gene edit and differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells into various lineages. Come meet this community of stem cell core facility managers and how we can advance the field together. 

MEET-UP HUB 2: UK STEM CELL NETWORK

Organized By:

Lyn Healy, UK Stem Cell Network, UK

  • The UK Stem cell Network (UKSCN) was launched in September 2025. The aim of the network is ‘to further accelerate the UK’s momentum in stem cell research by cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth which will facilitate talent recruitment and retention.’ This cannot be achieved in isolation and the network promotes a collaborative stance, having members from many countries and working with other established networks such as the Canadian Stem Cell Network, German Stem Cell Network and the French Society for Stem Cell Research. Join us to network, share ideas, share experiences and discuss future activities in a scientific ‘melting pot’ in a relaxed environment. 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: POLICY AND ETHICS

  • The landscape of policy and ethical issues in stem cell research is rapidly changing around the world. This meet-up hub will be an opportunity to connect with attendees interested in the intersection of stem cell research, public policy, and ethics. Come connect with members of the ISSCR Public Policy and Ethics Committees, the ISSCR Policy staff team, and others to discuss and share perspectives on how policy and ethics are impacting the field of stem cell research. 

FRIDAY, 10 JULY, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

MEET-UP HUB 1: 3Rs “REPLACEMENT” ENTHUSIASTS

Organized By:

Morgan Zych, University of Toronto, Canada

  • This meet-up is for researchers for whom animal-free science is not only a means to greater translation potential and adherence to new national guidelines, but understood to be an end in and of itself. A major goal of this meet-up will be to validate, support, and encourage each other as we strive to replace the use of animals as widely as possible. Anyone who shares this goal, regardless of career stage or your current amount of engagement with animal work, is welcome at this meet-up. We can explore questions of how to convince various parties that new approach methodologies are worth pursuing, how to eliminate “hidden” animal use from our work, and discuss the extent to which it is strategic (or perhaps inescapable) to divulge our personal values systems in various institutional contexts. 

MEET-UP HUB 2: ISSCR ANNUAL MEETING AMBASSADORS

  • ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting ambassadors are invited to join us for a meet-up to share ideas and perspectives and meet fellow ambassadors from around the world. 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: ISSCR ECAC: SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

  • Navigating the early stages of your career? Teeming with ideas for future ISSCR career and professional development activities? Looking to make an impact and contribute to the global early career researcher (ECR) community? The ISSCR Early Career Advisory Committee (ECAC) organizes ECR-oriented activities, including the Career Panel during ISSCR Annual Meetings, ECAC Webinars focusing on crucial topics concerning ECRs, and the recently launched special Stem Cell Podcast episodes spotlighting next-generation leaders in the field and their innovative science. Drop by to chat with committee members, share your ideas for fresh initiatives, and discover how you can join the ECAC. Take on an active role within ISSCR, expand your global network, and help us build a stronger, more supportive community for early-career researchers worldwide! 

FRIDAY, 10 JULY, 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

MEET-UP HUB 1: IMMERSIVE TECH ENTHUSIASTS: FROM ACADEMIA TO INDUSTRY

Organized By:

Lauren St. Hilaire, Canadian Advanced Therapies Training Institute (CATTI), Canada

  • Join a casual meetup for those interested in how immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), are being explored across research, training, and industry. This is a space to connect with others curious about how these tools are being applied to learning, skill development, and real world environments. Open to researchers, trainees, educators, and industry professionals interested in the evolving intersection of science, technology, and career pathways in the life sciences and regenerative medicine. 

ISSCR MEET-UP HUB: GLOBAL NETWORKS AND SOCIETIES

  • The ISSCR invites members of global networks and societies to join us to network with your peers and discover opportunities for mutual collaboration and alignment. 

FRIDAY, 10 JULY, 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

DISEASES OF THE BLOOD AND IMMUNE SYSTEM: STEM CELL BIOLOGY AND NOVEL GENE-/RNA-BASED THERAPEUTICS

Organized By:

Anastasia Nijnik, McGill University, Canada

  • Join a networking event dedicated to diseases of the blood and immune system, with focus on stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and the emerging gene- and RNA-based therapies. This is a place to brainstorm exciting new concepts, discuss ongoing preclinical research, and present innovative translational developments and clinical trials. Topics include rare congenital diseases, autoimmune pathologies, hematologic malignancies, and all other diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and immune system, from fundamental discoveries in preclinical models to patient care. We welcome conference attendees from all sectors, career stages, and countries. The event encourages meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Participants can explore new partnerships and build lasting professional connections while shaping the future of basic science and translational medicine. 

schedule

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM 

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM 

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 

Thursday, 9 July 2026
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

Friday, 10 July 2026
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM