June 20, 2024 – The International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Massimiliano Gnecchi, MD, PhD, FESC as the new ISCT Chief Scientific Officer, effective June 2024 through June 2026.
Dr. Gnecchi has over 25 years of experience in cardiology and is Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Pavia, Italy, and Director of the Molecular and Translational Cardiology Unit at IRCCS San Matteo Hospital. His clinical work is on acute myocardial infarction, secondary prevention in post-AMI, and cardiac sudden death, while his translational research focuses on molecular and cellular therapies for heart diseases and precision medicine. His notable research spans a broad spectrum, including work on cardiomyocytes, iPSCs, miRNA, and MSCs. His extensive clinical and research expertise provides him with a broad understanding of the entire research pipeline and the complexities of clinical applications that will be an asset to this role.
As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Gnecchi will be the leadership voice of the ISCT scientific pillar. He will be the driving force behind the Society's seven scientific committees to publish influential recommendations and perspective papers in Cytotherapy, covering critical topics across early translation and clinical application. He will also serve as the representative of the scientific pillar on the ISCT Board of Directors, ensuring the strategic growth of the Society.
A longstanding ISCT member, Dr. Gnecchi has significantly contributed to the Society over the past 12 years. He is currently co-chairing the development of the ISCT Europe 2024 Regional Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden, and previously co-chaired the ISCT 2023 Annual Meeting in Paris, France. He chairs ISCT’s Cardiovascular subcommittee of the Targeted Organ Committee, and previously served as the Europe Regional Vice President from 2021 to 2023.
Commenting on the appointment, Miguel Forte, MD, PhD, ISCT President, “Dr. Gnecchi is a globally recognized and respected scientist and cardiologist. His dual role in research and the clinic will be instrumental in ensuring that ISCT drives vital research from bench to bedside. In this role, Dr. Gnecchi will also be a conduit to ISCT for the outstanding scientific research taking place across Europe. This appointment is a real coup for the Society as it continues to translate promising research across all cell and gene therapy platforms.”
ISCT is pleased to welcome Dr. Gnecchi to his new role and looks forward to his leadership.