program overview

program leadership

  • Hideyuki Okano, MD, PhD

    Keio University, Japan

  • Fiona Doetsch, PhD

    Biozentrum at the University of Basel, Switzerland

  • Nozomu Yachie, PhD

    The University of British Columbia, Canada and Osaka University, Japan

  • Catherine Priest, PhD

    Neurona Therapeutics, USA

  • Stuart Forbes, PhD

    The University of Edinburgh, UK

  • Shuibing Chen, PhD

    Weill Cornell Medical College, USA

  • Hongkui Deng, PhD

    Peking University, China

  • Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis, PhD

    Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, USA

  • Dasaradhi Palakodeti, PhD

    Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, India

  • Nika Shakiba, PhD

    University of British Columbia, Canada

  • Matthias P. Lutolf, PhD

    Institute of Human Biology, Roche and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

  • Allison Bardin, PhD

    Institut Curie, France

  • Shahragim Tajbakhsh, PhD

    Institut Pasteur, France

  • Jian Shu, PhD

    Harvard University, USA

session types

Discover the different types of sessions, from large-scale Plenary Sessions to intimate networking events, that you can attend at the ISSCR 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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

capturing development

disease
modeling

engineering
biology

global stakeholder initiatives

somatic
stem cells

  • real discovery.

    Step into the future of regenerative medicine at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting, where the latest innovations in stem cell research take center stage. With a variety of Plenary Sessions, Concurrent Tracks, Focus Sessions, and Innovation Showcases, there is something for every scientific curiosity. Prepare to be inspired and gain fresh insights that will deepen your understanding and ignite new ideas in the field. 

  • real collaboration.

    The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting is more than just a gathering—it is a hub for collaboration that drives transformation. Connect with trailblazing scientists, innovators, and thought leaders as they share the latest research and breakthrough ideas. From casual conversations to structured networking, this is the place to form partnerships that fuel discovery and push the boundaries of what is possible in regenerative medicine and stem cell science.

  • real advocacy.

    Join the ISSCR in its commitment to advancing stem cell science through public policy. We work tirelessly to inform policymakers, defend stem cell research, and promote ethical standards in the field. With our initiatives, we push back against predatory stem cell clinics offering unproven treatments and showcase the real progress that will shape the future. Be part of the movement to protect vital research, secure funding, and champion the responsible growth of regenerative medicine.

  • real business.

    The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting offers a unique business platform where global leaders converge. With nearly 3,500 attendees from across the world, this is your chance to elevate your brand, connect with industry decision-makers, and create long-lasting business relationships. Expand your network, generate new leads and spark new opportunities, and position your organization as a key player in the stem cell research and regenerative medicine ecosystem.

  • real innovation.

    Uncover the tools, technologies, and resources that are driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs. The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting showcases the latest advancements in research tools and technologies, presented through immersive Innovation Showcases, Focus Sessions, and the vibrant Exhibit Hall. This is where innovation happens—access the cutting-edge resources you need to take your research to the next level. 

  • real community.

    The heart of ISSCR is its passionate community of professionals dedicated to advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine research. Our member-driven Science Spotlight Sessions and Meet-Up Hubs provide spaces to share ideas, discuss challenges, and forge new connections. As an ISSCR member, you will enjoy special registration rates and an opportunity to engage with peers throughout this inspiring, four-day event. Together, we will shape the future of stem cell research and regenerative medicine.