Award Showcase

Award Showcase

Click on any trophy to see full details on the award and recipient

Award Showcase
Top Scoring Abstract AwardEarly Stage Professional AwardEarly Stage Professional AwardEarly Stage Professional AwardESP Rookie of the YearTop Scoring Canadian Abstract AwardTop Scoring Emerging Economies Abstract AwardBest Poster AwardElevator Pitch Abstract AwardTechnologist AwardTechnologist AwardTechnologist AwardOrthopedics & Musculoskeletal Therapies Abstract AwardOrthopedics & Musculoskeletal Therapies Abstract Award2021 Career Achievement Award in Cell & Gene Therapy2021 Darwin J. Prockop Mentoring AwardISCT Top Scoring Stem Cell Engineering Abstract Award

Top Scoring Abstract Award

Ryang Lee, PhD
Texas A&M College of Medicine; CellCue LLC
United States

TWIST1 and TSG6 as Potency Biomarkers of Human MSCs in Pre-clinical Disease Models

Early Stage Professional Award

Hannah Song, PhD
National Institutes of Health
United States

CAR-T cell expansion platforms yield distinct phenotypic and transcriptional profiles

Award Sponsored by ISCT

Early Stage Professional Award

Claudia Manriquez Roman, MSC
Mayo Clinic
United States

TNFR2 as a target to improve CD19-directed CART cell fitness and antitumor activity in large B cell lymphoma

Award Sponsored by ISCT

Early Stage Professional Award

Shruthi Pandi Chelvam, BE
Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology
Singapore

Anomaly Detection for Microbial Contamination in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Culture

Award Sponsored by ISCT

ESP Rookie of the Year

Hugo Sugier, MSc
Aenitis Technologies; INSERM UMR-MD 1197
France

Characterization of the Acoustic Contrast Factor: a New Approach for a Label-Free Separation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction

Award Sponsored by Cytotherapy

Top Scoring Canadian Abstract Award

JonDavid De Jong, PhD
Virica Biotech Inc.
Canada

Overcoming Barriers in Viral Vector Manufacturing: Small Molecule Targeting of Antiviral Defences

Award Sponsored by Stem Cell Network Canada

Top Scoring Emerging Economies Abstract Award

Pawan Gupta, MBBS, MD, DNB, PhD
FOSCAL
Colombia

Security and Efficacy of Intradermal Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derivatives on Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Award Sponsored by Cytotherapy

Best Poster Award

Kajal Chaudry, PhD
Children's National Medical Center
United States

B7H3-CAR NK cells and DNR co-transduced NK shows maintain their potency against TGF-B mediated immune suppression

Award Sponsored by BuioCanRx

Elevator Pitch Abstract Award

Andrea Vervoort, BASc
Virica Biotech Inc.
Canada

Bioprocess Modelling of Viral Sensitizer(TM) Mediated Yield Enhancement on Upstream Viral Vector Production

Award Sponsored by Cytotherapy

Technologist Award

Anastasia Papadopoulou, PhD
George Papanikolaou Hospital
Greece

Safety and Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cells as Adoptive Immunotherapy for High-Risk COVID-19 Patients: a Phase I/II, Randomized Clinical Trial

Award Sponsored by ISCT

Technologist Award

Mercy Gohil, B.Sc
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Unied States

Large-scale manufacture of CAR T cells engineered with augmented proliferative capacity and function via  3 day process

Award Sponsored by ISCT

Technologist Award

Christian Tebid Tebid, PhD(c)
Centre de recherche l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CR-HMR), Université de Montréal
Canada

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Secretome-Induced Trabecular Meshwork Regeneration for Glaucoma Therapy

Award Sponsored by ISCT

Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal Therapies Abstract Award

Daniela Bueno,Daniela Bueno, DDS, PhD
RCRIO/ANADEM/HOSPITAL MUNICIPAL INFANTIL MENINO JESUS; Hospital Sírio-Libanês
Brazil

Bone Tissue Engineering for Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Multicenter Clinical Trial

Award Sponsored by ISCT South and Central America Regional Executive Committee

Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal Therapies Abstract Award

Paulo Martins, PhD
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
Australia

Ephrin receptor A3–targeted CAR T cell immunotherapy for glioblastoma

Award Sponsored by ISCT Australia and New Zealand Regional Executive

2021 Career Achievement Award in Cell & Gene Therapy

2021 Darwin J. Prockop Mentoring Award

ISCT Top Scoring Stem Cell Engineering Abstract Award

Li Xu, MSc
Duke University
United States

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Cell Therapy Product, DUOC-01, Promotes Remyelination by Driving the Differentiation of OPC

Sponsored by ISCT Stem Cell Engineering Committee

Fostering CGT Workforce Development

Making a Lasting Impact

Motivated to be a part of the solution and support the continued and sustainable growth of the cell and gene therapy sector, ISCT is spearheading efforts in workforce development, training, and education. In 2022 ISCT was a key player in driving the development and deployment of programs and initiatives available not only to ISCT members but also to the wider CGT community.

In 2022, ISCT successfully launched two new training programs to address critical skills gaps in manufacturing, partnering with the Andalusian Network for the Design and Translation of Advanced Therapies (ANd&tAT) to offer three full-tuition scholarships to ISCT members in Europe. While in parallel, partnering with CMaT, the NSF Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies, to the first edition of the online program for biomanufacturing.

Recognizing that a third of ISCT members are early-stage professionals, ISCT invested significant resources in expanding the global ESP mentoring and leadership development programs. For the wider global ISCT community, the society also made significant efforts to expand its digital resources for not only facilitating topical and encouraging cross-collaboration with regional committees.

Bruce Levine, PhD
ISCT Past President (2020 – 2022)
United States

“My passion for ISCT stems from the fact that in my career, no other society has played as integral a role in my professional development.“

Spearheading Efforts in Workforce Development

Meeting CoChair

Patrick Hanley
ISCT Representative to NASEM
Childrens National Hospital
United States

Invited Speakers

Meagan Pasternak, BA
ISCT Head Office 
Canada

Elena Cooper, MSc
ISCT ESP Committee 
United States

Maryam Pasdar, BSc
ISCT ESP Committee
United States

Being recognized as a leader in driving efforts in workforce development, ISCT was invited to take part in the workshop on Training the Regenerative Medicine Workforce for the Future hosted by the Forum on Regenerative Medicine at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM).

The virtual workshop, Co-Chaired by ISCT North America Regional VP, Patrick Hanley, Featured Sessions from ISCT Head Office Senior Manager Meagan Pasternak and ISCT ESP Members Elana Cooper and Maryam Pasdar, which addressed issues related to lack of workforce diversity and opportunities to support workforce development in the future.

Addressing Critical Skill Shortages in Manufacturing

Identifying the limited number of skilled workers in manufacturing and product development as a major barrier to growth in the CGT sector, ISCT partnered with The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT) to develop and deliver the first Workforce Development in Biomanufacturing course.

Developed by field experts from academic, regulatory, clinical, and commercial domains, the online program introduces key topics in cell and gene therapy manufacturing not only to up skill the existing biomanufacturing workforce but also provide those transitioning from other related fields with the fundamental knowledge and skillset unique to the space.

Following the successful global launch of the pilot program in June 2022, ISCT announced its plans to continue to offer the course on an annual basis and introduce three additional program dates throughout the year.

To further build on the learning of the online program, ISCT’s partnership with CMaT will see the introduction of the first innovative hands-on, on-site course, which will launch mid-2023.

Feedback from Inaugural Course

CMAT

Queenie Jang,
BSc (Pharmacy), MBA
CEO, ISCT
Canada

“This biomanufacturing course, delivered in collaboration with CMaT, is a first step to address the broader needs of CGT training for both industry and academia. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from the participants who took part in the course shows us that we are on the right track.”

“CMaT is tremendously excited to collaborate with ISCT and offer this critically needed course for the Cell Therapy Industry. We were humbled to see the community’s strong support and enthusiasm for this first offering”

Krishnendu Roy, PhD
Robert A. Milton Chair, CMaT
United States

Specialization as Manufacturing Manager

“Working in the GMP facilities alongside experienced teachers and other international students enabled viable discussions, effective sharing of experiences and allowed us to put theory into practice.”

Katja Sirviö
MSc (Pharm)
Kuopio Center for
Gene and Cell Therapy
Finland

 

Alejandro Barquero
MPharm, MSc
Advent Bioservices Ltd
United Kingdom

Specialization as Qualified Person

“If you want to broaden your network and have fruitful exchanges with other field professionals from different ATMP backgrounds and countries, this is definitely the program for you.”

In partnership with ANd&AT and Universidad de Granda, supported by an educational grant from Miltenyi, ISCT was delighted to launch the first ISCT Master Scholarship Program in 2021/2022.

Available to ISCT members in Europe, the program offers three full-tuition scholarships to enroll in the Master Degree or Specialization Degree in Manufacturing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, offered by the University of Granada/ Andalusian Network for the design and translation of Advanced Therapies (ANd&tAT).

The first of its kind, these programs are uniquely designed for technologies presently working in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant facilities within Europe producing cell therapy, gene therapy or tissue-engineered products for human use.

Following the demand for the 2021/2022 course, ISCT will continue to offer these scholarships on a Biennial basis.

Congratulations to the awardees of the inaugural ISCT Europe Master Programme Scholarship on their completion of the 2021/2022 Master in Manufacturing of ATMPs at the University of Granada/ Andalusian Network for the design and translation of Advanced Therapies.

2021/2022 Scholars:

  • Miriam López-Parra, MD –  Specialization as Qualified Person
  • Alejandro Barquero MPharm, MSc – Specialization as Qualified Person
  • Katja Sirviö, MSc (Pharm) – Specialization as Manufacturing Manager

The Launch Pad for Early Stage Professionals

2022 Mentoring Program

In 2022, ISCT was delighted to continue The ESP Mentoring Program.  Designed to help guide the career and professional development of early-stage CGT professionals, the program connects ESPs with ISCT’s global network of CGT experts.

Since its launch in 2018, the mentoring program has seen significant growth with benefits for both mentee and mentor applications alike. 2022 was a stand out year for the program with 93 participating mentees and 50 participating mentors from across the globe.

Lindsay Davies, PhD
CellTherEx Consulting
Sweeden

“I have been a mentor for the last 2 years and really enjoyed speaking with ESPs, learning where they feel they need support and help for further development and tailoring sessions and topics to their individual requirements. I believe I have learnt as much from them as they have been able to learn from me.”

“If I were to describe in one word my early experience with my mentor, this word would be EMPOWERING! It’s exactly what I was hoping for. Early on they helped me identify my professional strengths and deficits, and helped me expand my research ideas.”

Diana Cirstea, MD
Massachusetts
General Hospital
United States

“I have had the opportunity to work with big names in the field, learn from them and apply the knowledge in my developing research. Since committee members are from around the world, I have gained exposure to global perspectives and updates on the latest methods and study directions“

Reza Yarani, PhD
Stanford University
United States

2022 Leadership Development Program

The ISCT ESP leadership development program offers Early Stage Professionals (ESPs) a chance to join an ISCT Committee in a formal ESP position for a 2-year term providing a practical and immersive learning experience.

In 2022, ISCT was delighted to receive 46 applications from ESP members interested in the program. These applications were from over 18 countries globally, and positions were awarded on participating scientific, industry, regulatory, regional and communications committees.

Through the program, ESPs receive guidance from key global opinion leaders while collaborating on real-world projects in their area of interest that will advance the field of cell and gene therapy.

Expanding our Webinar Program 

With a focus on expanding access to educational resources on a global level, ISCT leaders were motivated to develop and deliver a strong portfolio of webinars featuring both member-exclusive and open-access content. Many of the webinars were delivered as curated series leveraging ISCT expert committees to engage with international experts to share perspectives and knowledge with the wider community.

To foster global engagement and learning, ISCT encouraged cross-collaboration between regional committees to host joint webinar series, bringing together the ISCT North America and the ISCT South & Central America regional executive committees to deliver a series on  Cancer Vaccines for Oncological Therapy and Implementing a new clinical CAR T program: Manufacturing your own.

2022 marked an unprecedented level of engagement for the ISCT webinar series, with members accessing content live and on demand.

0
ISCT Educational Webinars
1265
Registrants across the globe
ISCT Webinar Library
Open Access Webinars

Connecting The Right Talent to The Right Opportunity

ISCT has a specialized career site focused on CGT talent and opportunities. In 2022, the site saw record-breaking engagement. with the increasing demand for talent, ISCT is proud to provide a resource tool that presents quality opportunities to talent, ensuring that career seekers are able to use it as a reliable and selective point of access for first-choice job options in cell and gene therapy.

The career centre also provides job posters access to a select group of global CGT professionals with the expertise and skills needed to thrive in a fast-growing field to help streamline the recruitment process.  

Visit the ISCT Career Center
making a lasting impact
QueenieJang.jpg

Queenie Jang, BSc (Pharmacy), MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Canada

 
 

Investing In The Workforce
Of The Future

Over the last year, ISCT has focused its investments on building a home for workforce development within the DNA of ISCT. Working with our expansive network of global key opinion leaders and subject matter experts, we have made significant investments to expand our educational offerings. From online resources to practical in-person programs, ISCT members now have access to a wide array of supports.

In recent years, the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) field has seen exponential growth, which has outpaced the rate at which new professionals enter. As result, we have witnessed major skill and labor shortages affecting the entirety of the field. Identifying this as a critical issue to the advancement of the sector, ISCT is motivated to be at the forefront of addressing this issue. We see it as our duty to Support the driven and diverse group of regulatory, commercial, and academic professionals and remove barriers and open doors for newcomers entering the field.

Through forming strategic partnerships with outside organizations such as CMaT ANd&AT and Universidad de Granda, ISCT has successfully developed and globally deployed a number of workforce programs spanning translational research to good manufacturing practices and regulatory understanding. 2022 marked not only the launch of the online workforce development in biomanufacturing course in partnership with CMAT but also the decision to make this a recurring program offered four times annually due to the critical need and demand for skilled personnel. Through our partnership with ANd&AT and Universidad de Granda, ISCT, was proud to awarded three European ISCT members full-tuition scholarships to enrol in the Master in Manufacturing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

Taking a step further to demonstrate ISCT’s unwavering commitment to helping bridge the labour gap in the market, alongside our dedicated head office liaisons, ISCT has formed a specialist workforce development committee. This committee, in collaboration with our global network of subject matter experts, will design training programs created by ISCT members for ISCT members that are tailored to the specific needs of professionals based on their region, area of focus and skill level.

Understanding the criticality of Early Stage Professionals (ESP) for the continued growth of the CGT sector, ISCT has made a deliberate decision to expand and invest in our ESP resources, programs and committees. ESPs currently make up a third of our overall global membership, and we are delighted to see these members becoming more active and engaged in the society. Our ESP Mentoring Program and our ESP Leadership Development Program reached record numbers of participants in 2022, allowing us to connect ESPs with our global CGT network and provide them with practical experience and connections that will last a lifetime. If the cell and gene sector is to continue to grow at the current rapid pace, we must continue to support ESPs and provide them with the tools they need to succeed and excel in their careers.

With workforce development being the greatest challenge that lies ahead for cell and gene therapies, ISCT is proud to champion and spearhead these initiatives. ISCT members, no matter what stage of their professional development, now have more access than ever to the key knowledge and networks that they need to become an effective part of the workforce. We will continue to work collaboratively with our all our stakeholders to develop paths and open doors for both interested professionals and newcomers alike.

Updates From Our Regional Leaders

As a truly global organization, ISCT leverages a regional model to deploy solutions to global issues on a regional level. Spearheaded by passionate volunteer leadership, who understand the needs and concerns unique to each region, ISCT addresses the emergent needs of CGT professionals across the globe. With partnerships including regional partner organizations, regulatory bodies, and stakeholder communities, each of the ISCT regional committees drives the advancement of translational science at a high global standard.

Our committees work autonomously to deliver key scientific meetings, stimulate membership growth, and develop regional professional networks. Through 2022, our committees worked hard to develop the groundwork for new committees with a special focus on early-stage professionals and facilitated several major events that have continued to build consensus across the sector. 

Here are some of the highlights from our regional committees this year:

New Committees Around the Globe 

In 2022, to further the society’s commitment to workforce development, ISCT formed three new regional early-stage professionals subcommittees in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America. Supported by the respective regional executive committee, these subcommittees were created to promote regional and global engagement and networking for early-stage professionals providing them with resources and career guidance to ensure their success.

Championed by regional volunteers, the Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America subcommittees are in full swing developing key initiatives to drive ESP membership and engagement in each region. ISCT is currently working on establishing ESP subcommittees in both North America and Europe for 2023.

Key Regional Initiatives in 2022

ISCT regional committees deliver high-quality programmes globally, with autonomous planning supported by the society’s global network and resources. . As restrictions eased post-pandemic, regional executive committees were excited to return to in-person meetings and reconnect face-to-face with the wider ISCT community.

With a reignited vigour to connect cell and gene therapy professionals globally, 2022 was a particularly active year for regional events. ISCT regional committees partnered and collaborated with several external groups and organizations as well connecting with other ISCT committees.

In August, the Australia & New Zealand Regional Executive Committee hosted its first in-person regional meeting post-pandemic. The highly anticipated event welcomed 137 delegates to Brisbane, Australia, and featured workshops and panel discussions with particular attention to quality, regulatory affairs, education, training, commercialization and clinical practice.

Meanwhile, in North America, the leadership team hosted a virtual interactive member-focused regional town hall meeting in October to connect and engage with members in the region. The meeting facilitated open discussions focused on workforce development and retention challenges, including both commercial and academic perspectives.

To facilitate cross-regional collaboration, The North America and South & Central America Regional Executive Committees partnered to present a two-part webinar series. The first installment discussed the clinical manufacturing of CAR T Cells, and the second explored the mechanism, safety and efficacy of mRNA-based cancer vaccines for oncological therapy. The collaborative series brought together subject matter experts and key opinion leaders from across both regions and received over 550 registrants from across the globe.

ISCT Leaders close out the South & Central America Regional Symposium

Strategic Regional Partnerships

Virtual Scientific Meeting with the Biotherapeutics
Association of Australasia (BAA)

In Australia & New Zealand, ISCT leaders held a joint virtual scientific meeting with the Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia (BAA) to address developments in cell and gene therapies. The two-day event, held in February 2022, hosted scientific presentations featuring both international and regional speakers to discuss the latest developments in the clinical and commercial delivery of cell and gene therapies and the latest regulatory updates relevant to the region.

ISCT Joint Session the International Congress of Blood and
Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT)

Leaders in Asia were delighted to continue its partnership with the Korean Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (KSBMT) with a joint session on gene editing and gene therapy at the International Congress of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT), the 27th Annual congress of KSBMT in September. The long-standing partnership between ISCT and KSBMT is a key partnership for the region. It fosters international cooperation in education and research in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell & gene therapy.

ISCT – JSTCT Joint Session at the 44th JSTCT Annual Meeting Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy 

In May the Asia executive committee partnered with the Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (JSTCT) to participate in a joint session at The 44th JSTCT Annual Meeting in Yokohama, Japan. ISCT held a joint session chaired by Satoshi Takahashi, MD, PhD, Past ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President, JSTCT 2022 President, on ‘Strategies to Improve Classical CBT by Introducing New Cellular Therapies’. The session also included a remote presentation from William YK Hwang, MBBS, MMed, FRCP, FAMS, ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President Elect.

ISCT Sessions the XII Congress of ABTCel Scientific Meeting

In October, the South and Central America Committee again partnered with the Brazilian association of cell and gene therapy (CGT) for the XII Congress of ABTCel – Gen in Rio de Janeiro. ISCT invited speakers participated both in-person and virtually, leading discussions on topics such as manuscript writing, cell therapy and therapies for cancer through sessions and interactive workshops. Alongside event participation, The South and Central America regional leaders were proud to sponsor the top-scoring abstract awards and provide a special abstract supplement showcasing all accepted abstracts from the meeting publication in Cytotherapy, the official journal of ISCT.

Our Regional Leaders
Click below to access or join our communities

Asia Region

Click to Access or Join the Asia Regional Community

Australia & New Zealand Region

Click to Access or Join the Australia & New Zealand Regional Community

Europe Region

Click to Access or Join the Europe Regional Community

North America Region

Click to Access or Join the North America Regional Community

South & Central America Region

Click to Access or Join the South & Central America Regional Community

The Telegraft Editorial Board

Janet Macpherson, PhD
Australia

C. Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD 
USA 

Available to ISCT members, Telegraft is the go-to resource to keep up to date with the latest Society activities and important developments in cell and gene therapy.

2022 brought exciting updates for Telegraft, with the launch of the ‘Telegraft Hub,’ the new online home for ISCT news and community. Alongside monthly e-newsletters, ISCT members now have access to the online interactive hub, allowing them to connect with peers and access key updates and curated content.

The Telegraft Editorial Board works to engage and connect the whole ISCT community across academia, science, regulation and commercial by sharing insightful discussions and up-to-date information on critical issues affecting the field of cellular therapy.

Access the Telegraft Archives
Access the Telegraft Hub

Michele Sugrue, MT
USA

Wouter Van’t Hof, PhD
USA

Joaquim Vives, PhD
Portugal

Rounak Dubey, MBBS,  MD
India

Shyam Bhakta, MD, MBA
India

Ashley Krull, BSc, PhD
USA

Cytotherapy®, the official journal for the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT), publishes novel and innovative results from high quality scientific and clinical studies in the fields of cell and gene therapy. In 2021, Cytotherapy has continued to successfully advance and expand the field of cell and gene therapy for clinical researchers, oncologists, hematologists, physicians, and regulatory experts alike. The Journal had a 6.196 impact factor for 2022, a new record from which the editorial board hopes to grow further.

You can read issues of Cytotherapy® here.
Follow Cytotherapy® on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest news and publications.

Introducing New Cytotherapy Assistant Editor: Dr. Rachel Burga

In January 2022, Dr. Rachel Burga was appointed as the new assistant editor for Cytotherapy. With a background in biomedical engineering and immunology, Rachel is the Principal Scientist of Cell Therapy at Obsidian Therapeutics. She has been an active member of ISCT since 2016 and currently sits on the Early-Stage Professionals Committee as Co-Chair.

As Assistant Editor, Rachel will work closely with Senior Editor Dr. Donald G. Phinney and Commissioning Editor, Dr. Patrick Hanley, to raise awareness of the Cytotherapy brand. In her first term, Rached helped recruit outstanding content for the journal and work closely with the ISCT membership to ensure that the journal continues to support the Society’s mission.

Rachel Burga, PhD
Assistant Editor, Cytotherapy
United States

 132 Published Papers
400+ ISCT 2022 Abstracts – 80 ABTCel-Gen Abstracts

ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

Each year, ISCT hosts the Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge, calling on community members to submit interesting images from under the microscope. These images are selected to feature on the front cover of Cytotherapy®, the Official Journal of ISCT, showcasing the fascinating world of cells to peers around the globe. 

The winning image of the 3rd annual Insta Your Cells Photo Challenge was submitted by Philippe Cohen, MD, PhD, France. ISCT Head Office prepared a framed keepsake to celebrate this iconic first-place image.

Take a look at the stunning submissions selected to be featured on the front cover of Cytotherapy® this year. 

Meet the ISCT Workforce Development Committee

CO-CHAIRS

Emily Circle

Emily Hopewell, PhD 
Indiana University School Of Medicine
United States

Patrick Hanley

Patrick  Hanley, PhD
Children’s National Hospital
United States

Recognizing the current skills gaps in CGT translation as a critical issue for the cell sector, in November 2022, ISCT Formed the ISCT Workforce Development Committee.

Led by Co-chairs Emily Hopewell, PhD and Patrick Hanley, PhD the committee will provide strategic guidance to identify, develop and deliver ISCT training and development programs.

Programs will focus on the specific needs of professions based on their region, industry, and skill level to support the sustainable growth of the cell and gene therapy sector.

Throughout 2023, the committee will focus on Identifying and prioritizing urgent needs for training and educational programs for professionals working across the full spectrum of translational science, starting from pre-clinical development through to patient access, to develop and deliver comprehensive programs to upskill and train the existing CGT workforce.

ISCT Committee on the Ethics of Cell and Gene Therapy

CHAIR

Laertis Ikonomou, PhD
The State University of New York at Buffalo
United States

In October 2021, the ISCT Presidential Task Force on the Use of Unproven and/or Unethical Cell and Gene Therapies formally became the ISCT Committee on the Ethics of Cell and Gene Therapy (ECGT). This change is intended to reflect the committees revised mission to identify key ethical issues associated with the development, regulatory authorization, and distribution of cell and gene therapies.

In 2022, the Committee re-affirmed its position on, and concerns with, speculative immune cell banking. Following the 2022 US federal court ruling in favor of California Stem Cell Treatment Center, Inc., and Cell Surgical Network Corporation, the Committee contributed to publishing an ISCT position and press release, highlighting the dangers of unproven cell therapies to patient safety.

Undertaking its broader remit, the ECGT Committee developed and published informed positions providing guidance and clarity on complicated ethical matters within the CGT space. The Committee has undertaken the task of developing resources to address ethical topics, and potential issues, arising from the EU Hospital Exemption and the US expanded access pathway. The Committee organized a roundtable session at the ISCT 2022 San Francisco Annual Meeting addressing both pathways, and published a position paper on Hospital Exemption within the framework of safety and ethical interests of patients. On January 19, 2022, the Committee launched the ISCT Expanded Access Working Group.

Over the course of 2022, the Committee has worked to develop a guide for the general public, which analyses the regenerative medicine industry, focusing on distinctive features of unproven cell and cell-based products, suggesting practical strategies to address marketing of such products, and providing an overview of reporting mechanisms available to patients across different jurisdictions globally. This comprehensive guide will be published in 2023 and provides an important resource to protect patients globally.

ISCT Expanded Access Working Group

CHAIR

Patricia J. Zettler, JD
The Ohio State University
United States

FDA LIAISON

Wilson Bryan, MD
The Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies
United States

The ISCT Expanded Access Working Group was launched with the mandate to identify and address practical, ethical, and regulatory issues that arise from the use, and potential misuse, of the expanded access pathway by various CGT stakeholders.

Since its launch, the Working Group has been developing informed perspectives on expanded access to generate educational resources that promote innovation in translational research while upholding the highest ethical standards. The Working Group submitted a short report reviewing the history and current state of the US expanded access pathway, and highlighting three emerging areas of concern. The report will be published in Cytotherapy in early 2023.

The overarching objective of the Working Group is to further refine its position on ethical issues arising from the use, and potential misuse, of the expanded access pathway, culminating in the development of a code of ethics. In developing this code of ethics, ISCT will seek out input and endorsement from other organizations in the field.

Meet The ISCT Early Stage Professional Committee

CO-CHAIRS

Kevin Bosse, PhD RAC
Nationwide
Children’s Hospital
United States

Rachel Burga, PhD
Obsidian Therapeutics
United States

The ISCT Early Stage Professionals Committee (ESP) strives to engage and connect ESP with the wider CGT sector on a regional and global level. Co-Chaired by Kevin Bosse, PhD RAC and Rachel Burga, PhD, the committee provides networking opportunities and career development resources for professionals to excel in their careers.

The committee hosts a variety of tailored events and workshops, such as the ISCT ESP Mentoring Program and the ISCT ESP Leadership Development program helping connect professionals with key opinion leaders and subject matter experts.

In 2022, ISCT formed three regional ESP subcommittees in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South Central America to drive ESP membership and increase interactions between ESPs and regional leadership.

Cytotherapy®, the official journal for the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT), publishes novel and innovative results from high quality scientific and clinical studies in the fields of cell and gene therapy.In 2021, Cytotherapy has continued to successfully advance and expand the field of cell and gene therapy for clinical researchers, oncologists, hematologists, physicians, and regulatory experts alike. The Journal had a 6.196 impact factor for 2022, a new record from which the editorial board hopes to grow further.

You can read issues of Cytotherapy® here.
This year, Cytotherapy® also launched a Twitter account to share fresh updates and resources.

Introducing New Cytotherapy Assistant Editor: Rachel Burga

In February 2022, Rachel Burga was appointed as the new assistant editor for Cytotherapy. With a background in biomedical engineering and immunology, Rachel is the Principal Scientist of Cell Therapy at Obsidian Therapeutics. She has been an active member of ISCT since 2016 and currently sits on the Early-Stage Professional Committee as Co-Chair.

As Assistant Editor, Rachel will work closely with Senior Editor Donald G. Phinney and our Commissioning Editor, Dr. Patrick Hanley, to raise awareness of the Cytotherapy brand. She will also help recruit outstanding content for the journal and work closely with the ISCT membership to ensure that the journal continues to support the society’s mission.

Rachel Burga AR

Rachel Burga, PhD
Assistant Editor, Cytotherapy
United States

 132 Published Papers
400+ ISCT 2021 Abstracts – 80 ABTCel-Gen Abstracts

ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

Each year, ISCT hosts the Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge, calling on community members to submit interesting images from under the microscope. These images are selected to feature on the front cover of Cytotherapy®, the Official Journal of ISCT, showcasing the fascinating world of cells to peers around the globe. 

The winning image of the 3rd annual Insta Your Cells Photo Challenge was submitted by Philippe Cohen, MD, PhD, France. ISCT Head Office prepared a framed keepsake to celebrate this iconic first-place image.

Take a look at the stunning submissions selected to be featured on the front cover of Cytotherapy® this year. 

The Telegraft Editorial Board

Janet Macpherson, PhD
Australia

C. Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD 
USA 

Available to ISCT members, Telegraft is the go-to resource to keep up to date with the latest Society activities and important developments in cell and gene therapy.

2022 brought exciting updates for Telegraft, with the launch of the ‘Telegraft Hub,’ the new online home for ISCT news and community. Alongside monthly e-newsletters, ISCT members now have access to the online interactive hub, allowing them to connect with peers and access key updates and curated content.

The Telegraft Editorial Board works to engage and connect the whole ISCT community across academia, science, regulation and commercial by sharing insightful discussions and up-to-date information on critical issues affecting the field of cellular therapy.

Access the Telegraft Archives
Access the Telegraft Hub

Nancy H. Collins, PhD
USA

Satyam Arora, MD
USA

Rounak Dubey, MBBS,  MD
India

Shyam Bhakta, MD, MBA
India

Ashley Krull, BSc, PhD
USA

Michele Sugrue, MT
USA

Wouter Van’t Hof, PhD
USA

Joaquim Vives, PhD
Portugal

Celebrating our Army of Volunteer Champions

ISCT acknowledges the service of its members, volunteering expertise, time, and energy to the vast task of advancing the field of cell and gene therapies.
From mentoring the next generation to publishing key standards and fostering relationships across the sector, ISCT members set the gold standard. 

Thank you for being part of the ISCT community

We acknowledge these Society leaders who have completed terms of service in a formal position in 2021.
Your hard work and dedication have continually pushed the society to new heights, and we cannot wait to connect again soon:

Board of Directors

John Rasko, AO, MBBS, PhD, FRCPA, FRACP, FAHMS
Chair, Strategic Advisory Council (Immediate Past President)
June 2020 – June 2022
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Sydney, Australia 

Lizette Caballero, BS, MT(ASCP)
Global Secretary
June 2019 – June 2022
UCSF Blood and Marrow Transplant Lab
San Francisco, CA, United States

Rajiv Khanna, PhD AO
Australia & New Zealand, Regional Vice-President
June 2020 – June 2022
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
Brisbane, Australia

Mitchell Cairo, MD
North America, Regional Vice-President
June 2020 – June 2022
New York Medical College
New York, NY, United States

Karen Nichols, Esq.
Chief Regulatory Officer
March 2016 – June 2022
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Cambridge, MA, United States

Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc
Elected Member Technologist
June 2020 – June 2022
Sydney Cellular Therapies Laboratory,
Westmead Hospital
Australia

Scientific Committees

Patrick Hanley, PhD
Co-Chair Immuno-Gene
Therapy Committee
Children’s National Hospital
United States

Giuseppe Orlando, MD, PhD
Co-Chair Gastrointestinal Committee
Wake Forest University
United States

 

Rachele Ciccocioppo, MD
Co-Chair Gastrointestinal Committee
University of Verona
Italy

George Muschler, MD
Co-Chair Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Therapies
Cleveland Clinic
United States

 

Christian Jorgensen, MD, PhD
Co-Chair Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Therapies
University Hospital Lapeyronie
France

 

 

Sarah Chan, Ma PhD
ECGT Committee
University of Edinburgh
United Kingdom

Andrew Hoffman, DVM, DVSc
Exosomes Committee
University of Pennsylvania
United States

Commercialization Committee


John Fink, MBA
Co-Chair Process Development and Manufacturing Committee
PerkinElmer, Inc.
United States

Early Stage Professionals Committee

Emily Hopewell, PhD
Indiana University School of Medicine
United States

Aaron Tze Kai Tan
Stanford University
United States

Lizbeth Diaz Polo, MD
University of San Martin de Porres
Spain

Jordan Greenberg, PhD
Shoreline Biosciences
United States

 

Shabnum Patel, PhD
CARGO Therapeutics
United States

Telegraft Editorial Board


Nancy H. Collins, PhD
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH, United States


Satyam Arora, MD
Super Speciality Paediatric Hospital and Post Graduate Teaching Institute
India

Regulatory and Quality Operations

Lab Practices Committee
Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc
Westmead Hospital
Australia

Europe Legal & Regulatory Affairs Committee
Paula Salmikangas, PhD
NDA Group
Finland

Updates From Our Regional Leaders

As a truly global organization, ISCT leverages a regional model to deploy solutions to global issues on a regional level. Spearheaded by passionate volunteer leadership, who understand the needs and concerns unique to each region, ISCT addresses the emergent needs of CGT professionals across the globe. With partnerships including regional partner organizations, regulatory bodies, and stakeholder communities, each of the ISCT regional committees drives the advancement of translational science at a high global standard.

Our committees work autonomously to deliver key scientific meetings, stimulate membership growth, and develop regional professional networks. Through 2022, our committees worked hard to develop the groundwork for new committees with a special focus on early-stage professionals and facilitated several major events that have continued to build consensus across the sector. 

Here are some of the highlights from our regional committees this year:

New Committees Around the Globe 

In 2022, to further the society’s commitment to workforce development, ISCT formed three new regional early-stage professionals subcommittees in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America. Supported by the respective regional executive committee, these subcommittees were created to promote regional and global engagement and networking for early-stage professionals providing them with resources and career guidance to ensure their success.

Championed by regional volunteers, the Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America subcommittees are in full swing developing key initiatives to drive ESP membership and engagement in each region. ISCT is currently working on establishing ESP subcommittees in both North America and Europe for 2023.

Key Regional Initiatives in 2022

ISCT regional committees deliver high-quality programmes globally, with autonomous planning supported by the society’s global network and resources. . As restrictions eased post-pandemic, regional executive committees were excited to return to in-person meetings and reconnect face-to-face with the wider ISCT community.

With a reignited vigour to connect cell and gene therapy professionals globally, 2022 was a particularly active year for regional events. ISCT regional committees partnered and collaborated with several external groups and organizations as well connecting with other ISCT committees.

In August, the Australia & New Zealand Regional Executive Committee hosted its first in-person regional meeting post-pandemic. The highly anticipated event welcomed 137 delegates to Brisbane, Australia, and featured workshops and panel discussions with particular attention to quality, regulatory affairs, education, training, commercialization and clinical practice.

Meanwhile, in North America, the leadership team hosted a virtual interactive member-focused regional town hall meeting in October to connect and engage with members in the region. The meeting facilitated open discussions focused on workforce development and retention challenges, including both commercial and academic perspectives.

To facilitate cross-regional collaboration, The North America and South & Central America Regional Executive Committees partnered to present a two-part webinar series. The first installment discussed the clinical manufacturing of CAR T Cells, and the second explored the mechanism, safety and efficacy of mRNA-based cancer vaccines for oncological therapy. The collaborative series brought together subject matter experts and key opinion leaders from across both regions and received over 550 registrants from across the globe.

ESP Members at Australia & New Zealand Regional Meeting

Strategic Regional Partnerships

Virtual Scientific Meeting with the Biotherapeutics
Association of Australasia (BAA)

In Australia & New Zealand, ISCT leaders held a joint virtual scientific meeting with the Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia (BAA) to address developments in cell and gene therapies. The two-day event, held in February 2022, hosted scientific presentations featuring both international and regional speakers to discuss the latest developments in the clinical and commercial delivery of cell and gene therapies and the latest regulatory updates relevant to the region.

ISCT Joint Session the International Congress of Blood and
Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT)

Leaders in Asia were delighted to continue its partnership with the Korean Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (KSBMT) with a joint session on gene editing and gene therapy at the International Congress of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT), the 27th Annual congress of KSBMT in September. The long-standing partnership between ISCT and KSBMT is a key partnership for the region. It fosters international cooperation in education and research in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell & gene therapy.

ISCT Joint Session at the 44th Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Annual Meeting

In May, the ISCT Asia Regional Executive Committee partnered with the Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (JSTCT 2022) to host a joint session on ‘Strategies to Improve Classical CBT by Introducing New Cellular Therapies’. The session was chaired by Satoshi Takahashi, MD, PhD, Past ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President, JSTCT 2022 President and included a remote presentation from William YK Hwang, MBBS, MMed, FRCP, FAMS, ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President Elect.

ISCT Sessions the XII Congress of ABTCel Scientific Meeting

In October, the South and Central America Executive Committee again partnered with the Brazilian association of cell and gene therapy (CGT) for the XII Congress of ABTCel – Gen in Rio de Janeiro. ISCT invited speakers participated both in-person and virtually, leading discussions on topics such as manuscript writing, cell therapy and therapies for cancer through sessions and interactive workshops. Alongside event participation, The South and Central America regional leaders were proud to sponsor the top-scoring abstract awards and provide a special abstract supplement showcasing all accepted abstracts from the meeting publication in Cytotherapy, the official journal of ISCT.

Our Regional Leaders
Click below to access or join our communities

Asia Region

Click to Access or Join the Asia Regional Community

Australia & New Zealand Region

Click to Access or Join the Australia & New Zealand Regional Community

Europe Region

Click to Access or Join the Europe Regional Community

North America Region

Click to Access or Join the North America Regional Community

South & Central America Region

Click to Access or Join the South & Central America Regional Community