Catapulting Stem Cell Research into the Future: Innovation and Global Impact at ISSCR 2025 in Hong Kong

The global stem cell and regenerative medicine fields continue to achieve significant breakthroughs, driving therapeutic advancements and transforming healthcare. The ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place June 11-14 in Hong Kong, will gather the brightest minds in stem cell science to share cutting-edge research, highlight new clinical data, explore emerging technologies, and showcase innovative developments at the largest and most comprehensive stem cell event of the year. 

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) plays a pivotal role in uniting researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world. By fostering scientific exchange, the ISSCR creates a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, advancing guidelines for ethical research, promoting rigorous standards, and enhancing reproducibility. Through world-class events like the annual meeting, the ISSCR drives transparency and accelerates the translation of stem cell discoveries into real-world therapies.

It is a fantastic time to bring the global stem cell community to Asia, offering significant benefits for both the local scientific community and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The region boasts a strong research presence in China, as well as contributions from countries like Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Australia, positioning the event to increase participation and collaboration in the global stem cell community.

Professor at the University of Hong Kong Kathryn Cheah, co-chair of the ISSCR 2025 Program Committee, highlights the conference’s focus on global collaboration and groundbreaking advancements. “It offers an opportunity for face-to-face meetings of people from this part of the world and also from North America, Europe, and other regions,” explained Cheah. 

ISSCR 2025 Showcases Innovative Stem Cell Science from Around the World

Featuring speakers from 22 countries across six continents, the event will provide a platform for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to engage directly. “By bridging the gap between East and West, we aim to foster more collaboration and diversity in both the program and the scientific discussions,” Cheah explained. The meeting provides a platform for researchers at all career stages to contribute and learn. 

The scientific program highlights innovation, with plenary sessions led by world-renowned experts. Dr. Tao Tan, an expert in human and primate embryonic development from Kunming University of Science and Technology in China, will speak during Plenary II: Development Across Scales: From Fertilization to Tissues to Animals. His talk will explore the complex processes of embryogenesis, offering valuable insights into how fertilization leads to the formation of tissues and organs. 

Other notable plenary speakers include Dr. Masayo Takahashi from Vision Care, Inc., and Kobe City Eye Hospital, Ritsumeikan University, Japan, whose pioneering work with iPSC cells for retina repair will feature in Plenary I: Presidential Symposium. Dr. Hongmei Wang from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China will deliver the Anne McLaren Memorial Lecture, sharing critical research on primate embryogenesis in Plenary II. Dr. Paola Arlotta, a leader in neurodevelopmental studies from Harvard University, USA, will focus on brain function and diseases. Dr. Stuart Forbes from The University of Edinburgh, UK will examine liver regeneration and stem cell therapies for chronic diseases in Plenary IV: Stem Cells for Human Therapy, while Dr. Giulio Cossu from The University of Manchester, UK will serve as the keynote speaker in Plenary VI: Awards and Keynote Session, highlighting his groundbreaking work on stem cell therapies for muscular dystrophy. 

The program also features cutting-edge topics such as xenotransplantation, with Dr. Wenning Qin from eGenesis addressing the complexities of pig kidney transplantation for human use. Moreover, a patient-focused plenary session will showcase the real-world impact of stem cell and gene therapies, including testimony from a recipient of these treatments. Reflecting on similar sessions from previous meetings, Cheah remarked, “It was very moving for us and inspiring for us as an audience.” This session shares the practical outcomes of stem cell research, highlighting the tangible benefits for patients and the broader impact of these therapies. 

How Can Researchers, Scientists, and Industry Participate in the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting? 

The ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting provides multiple opportunities for scientists, early-career researchers, and industry professionals to actively participate. For researchers, submitting abstracts remains the key pathway to involvement, with options to present posters or be considered for one of 80 oral presentation slots. Early-career scientists can also propose “Science Spotlight” sessions—developed by postdocs or students—to highlight emerging topics not covered in the main program. To encourage broader participation, travel awards are available for students and postdocs, supporting researchers from across the globe and actively assisting those from underrepresented regions. To be considered for an oral presentation as well as travel and merit awards, abstracts need to be submitted by 21 January 2025. Another abstract submission opportunity to present a poster only will be open 12 February through 19 March 2025. 

In addition to fostering scientific collaboration, the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting will connect the research community with industry partners. With 34% of attendees representing industry—a number that continues to rise—these partnerships reflect the growing role of businesses in driving advancements in stem cell research, and the meeting’s one-one-one partnering platform offers a unique way to connect. As Cheah emphasized, the event offers “a golden opportunity” for companies to showcase their technologies and explore business opportunities. “Asia is a huge market for many of the reagents and technologies that can be applied to stem cell research and the development of therapies,” she added. This setting allows companies to market their products, build industry partnerships, and facilitate important research and development collaborations.

Through these diverse participation options, the ISSCR Annual Meeting encourages global collaboration, offering a space where groundbreaking research, emerging talent, and industry expertise come together to advance stem cell science. 

Expanding Model Systems, Advancing Clinical Applications, and Integrating Technology

Beyond the advances presented in the plenary sessions, the ISSCR 2025 scientific program will span all aspects of stem cell research that is accelerating, from basic biology to clinical applications, with a focus on organ systems such as blood, eye, kidney, and lung. By exploring organ formation alongside disease mechanisms, the meeting will provide a comprehensive view of the field. It will feature over 250 scientific talks, offering a platform for scientists and industry professionals to discuss technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and therapeutic applications. “I think it will be an amazing opportunity for the participants, both industry and scientists, to meet each other and learn,” said Cheah. 

The program will emphasize diverse research approaches and model systems, moving beyond traditional mouse models to include human and non-human primate development, as well as organisms like Planaria, worms, and flies. “Bringing in additional model systems,” Cheah noted, aims to broaden perspectives on development and disease mechanisms. This inclusion highlights the importance of understanding biological processes through varied systems. 

Clinical applications will also take center stage, focusing on bioengineering, cell reprogramming, and developing therapeutic strategies. Key topics will include rejuvenating cells, correcting defects, and the role of metabolism in disease. “We have an important clinical applications section where we also bring in aspects of bioengineering,” Cheah explained. Cutting-edge technological advancements will feature prominently throughout the program, underscoring their integration into stem cell research and therapy development. 

Promoting Responsible Innovation, and Fostering Global Collaboration: The Role of ISSCR in Stem Cell Research and Applications 

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing stem cell science to improve human health. Representing nearly 5,000 professionals across 80 countries, the ISSCR promotes excellence in research and supports members in navigating ethical, regulatory, and scientific challenges. The Society’s Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, along with Standards for Human Stem Cell Use in Research, ensure transparency and rigor. Meanwhile, its publications, such as Stem Cell Reports, promote knowledge-sharing and advance the field. ISSCR also advocates globally for research funding, ethical standards, and against unproven therapies, with programs like Aboutstemcells.org offering resources for patients, educators, clinicians, policymakers, and the public. 

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