Award Winners

 Top Scoring Abstract Award - $1,500 USD

The Top Scoring Abstract Award recognizes outstanding abstract submissions across the field of cell and gene therapy translation. This award is given to the abstract receiving the top score through our blinded-review process.

 Best Poster Award - $1,500 USD

The Best Poster Award is voted on by the ISCT 2024 Vancouver Planning Faculty. It recognizes the best poster being presented in terms of the quality of the research and the quality of the display and messaging.

 Best Elevator Pitch Award - $1,000 USD

The ISCT 2024 Organizing Committee will attend the Elevator Pitch Competition and vote on the presentation that most effectively communicates a concise and comprehensive overview of the presenter's research within the alloted two minutes.

Abstract 907
CRISPR Engineering of Armored CAR T Cells Enables Tumor-Restricted Payload Delivery with Enhanced Safety and Efficacy

Paul Beavis, PhD
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Australia

 Early Stage Professionals Awards - $1,000 USD

The Early Stage Professionals Awards recognize outstanding research submitted by Early Stage Professionals.

Abstract 13
Knock-Out of the NK Activating Ligands in MHC-I-null Human Stem Cell-Derived β Cells Avoids Chronic Allogeneic Rejection and Reverts Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Humanized Mice

Raniero Chimienti, PhD
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI)
Italy

Abstract 31
Membrane Chromatography for Preparation of AAV at the Manufacturing Scale

Julio Miguel Huato Hernandez, BS
Cytiva
United States

Abstract 9
First-In-Human Phase I/II Clinical Trial of Ig-Tregs for GVHD Prevention

Memnon Lysandrou, MD, PhD
University of Patras
Greece

 Early Stage Professional Rookie of the Year Award - $500 USD

The Early Stage Professional Rookie of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding abstract from an Early Stage Professional presenting for the first time at an ISCT conference. 

 Technologist Awards - $1,000 USD

ISCT recognizes that research and innovation begins at "the bench" and have established the Technologist Awards to celebrate impactful submissions from laboratory technicians.

Abstract 15
A Functional In Vitro 3D iPSC-Derived Neuromuscular Junction Model For Use In Neurotoxin Potency Testing Or Preclinical Drug Development

Shawn M. Luttrell, PhD
Curi Bio
United States

Abstract 4
Real World Product Quality Data of Car-Engineered Nk Cells for Intracranial Injection in Patients With Recurrent HER2-Positive Glioblastoma From the Ongoing car2brain Clinical Trial

Elisabeth Ehrend, PhD
DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Württemberg | Hessen
Germany

Abstract 702
Determination of Contaminating Particles in Cell Therapy Products; A Proof of Principle Study

Paul Dyer, PhD
Halo Labs Ltd.
United States

 Top Scoring Emerging Economies Abstract Award - $1,000 USD

The Emerging Economy Abstract Award is granted to the top scoring abstract being presented by an author residing in a developing economy.

Abstract 2
IL-27 in a Fourth Generation Car Enhances CAR-NK Cell Effector Function

Alison Felipe Biggi, MSc
University of São Paulo
Brazil

 NEW Canadian Early Stage Professionals Abstract Awards - $1,000 USD

 

Abstract 419
Identification of Gene Regulatory Networks Essential for Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell and T Cell Emergence From Human Pluripotent Stem Cell via CRISPR Screens

Mona Siu, BS
University of British Columbia
Canada

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Abstract 8
Expansion and Characterization of Immune Suppressive CD56BRIGHTCD16 - Regulatory Natural Killer Cells for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (CGVHD)

Madeline Lauener, BSc
University of British Columbia
Canada

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Abstract 37
Durable and Dose-Dependent Correction of the Biochemical Phenotype in a Mouse Model of Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase (GAMT) Creatine Deficiency Following Treatment with scAAV9.hGAMT

Robyn Binsfeld, BScH
Queen's University
Canada

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Abstract 997
Comprehensive Assessment of Premanufacture T Cells Identifies Functional Defects Among Non-responders to CAR-T Cell Therapy

Caroline Rulleau Hared, MSc
University of Montreal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center
Canada

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Abstract 965
Investigating the Effect of Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Receptor on T Cell Development and Function from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Charles Lau, MSc
University of British Columbia, School of Biomedical Engineering
Canada

Abstract 36
Harnessing the Power of High-Throughput Virology and Design of Experiment for Rapid Vector Production Process Optimization

Keara Sutherland, MSc
Virica Biotech
Canada

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Abstract 503
Biofabrication of Perfusable Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Tissues Using Sacrificial Embedded Writing Approach

Hamid Ebrahimi Orimi, PhD
McGill University
Canada

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Abstract 1216
Engineered, Clinically-Relevant Production of Helper (CD4+) T Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Ross Daniel Jones, PhD
University of British Columbia, School of Biomedical Engineering
Canada

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Abstract 1223
Progenitor Cell Therapy for Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension

Mahnaz Nazari, MSc
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Canada

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Abstract 601
Identifying Critical Process Parameters and Critical Quality Attributes Associated With Scalable Manufacture of Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Endocrine Cell Types

Priye G. Iworima
University of British Columbia
Canada

 Top Scoring Asia Abstract Award - $1,000 USD

Recognizes the highest scoring abstract submitted by a presenter residing in Asia. 

Abstract 5
Anti-Cancer Characteristics of Personalized Neoantigen-Based T-Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors

Shuen-Lu Hung, PhD
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Taiwan

 Top Scoring South & Central America Early Stage Professionals Abstract Award - $1,000 USD

The Top Scoring South & Central America Early Stage Professionals Abstract Award recognizes outstanding contributions in CGT research within the South and Central America region. This award serves as a platform to acknowledge and promote the exceptional work of individuals who are making noteworthy strides within the dynamic landscapes of the South and Central America region.

Abstract 43
SEVs From Metabolicaly Reprogrammed UC-MSCs as a Potential Multifunctional Acellular Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Maria Jesus Araya Sapag, PhD
Universidad de Los Andes
Chile

 iPSC Abstract Awards - $500–1,000 USD

The iPSC Abstract Awards are designed to recognize outstanding abstracts related to induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) research. iPSCs have emerged as an area of immense potential in disease modeling, drug discovery, and therapeutics, and this award aims to highlight and support innovative contributions in this growing clinical field.

Abstract 1219
Off-The-Shelf Bioreactor Produced, iPSC-Derived Neural Microtissues Containing Dopaminergic Neurons Innervate the Striatum and Normalize Behavior in a Parkinson Rat Model

Michael Lanero Fidalgo, MSc, MBA
Treefrog Therapeutics
France

Abstract 14
Scalable Human iPSC-To-3D Bioprinting Pipeline: Successful Large-Scale Production Using Automated Bioreactor Systems

Rukmini R. Ladi, MSc
Sartorius Stedim North America, Inc.
United States

Abstract 1215
Differentiation of Thymus-Seeding Progenitor T Cells From Human IPs Cells Under a Chemically Defined Condition for in Vivo CAR-T Cell Generation

Shoichi Iriguchi, PhD
Center for iPS Cells Research and Application, Kyoto University
Japan

 Stem Cell Engineering Abstract Awards - $500–1,000 USD

The Stem Cell Engineering Abstract Awards aim to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of stem cell engineering. These awards are designed to highlight innovative and impactful research in the application of engineering principles to the study, manipulation, and application of stem cells. The awarded abstracts should demonstrate significant advancements, novel approaches, or breakthroughs that contribute to the progress of stem cell research and its applications.

Abstract 18
Arming Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells With a Synthetic Receptor Promotes Massive Production of Immune Effector Cells Creating the Potential for “Off-The-Shelf” Immunotherapies

Ashley Yingst, MS, MBA
Umoja Biopharma
United States

Abstract 1214
Genetic Engineering of Stem Cell-Derived Islets for Allogeneic Cell Therapy in Diabetes

Beatrice Xuan Ho, PhD
A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
Singapore

Abstract 26
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Genetically Engineered to Express Affimer® Proteins to Enhance the Immune Response

Sung Hyun Choi, PhD
R&D Center, AffyXell Therapeutics Co., Ltd.
South Korea

 Highest Scoring Abstract in Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer - $1,500 USD

The Highest Scoring Abstract in Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer recognizes research in the field of cancer immunotherapies. This award is designed to support and promote advancements in the translation, manufacture, and adoption of cancer immunotherapies, with the goal of transforming all cancers into curable diseases.

Abstract 12
Genetic Engineering of Gamma Delta (γδ) T Cells with the IL-2 Cytokine Receptor Orthogonal Pair (OIL-2R/OIL-2) as Immunotherapy for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Wenjun Wang, MD, PhD
Stanford University
United States

 Canadian Top Scoring Abstract Award - $1,500 USD

Recognizing the breadth and depth of Canadian research, this award is presented to an outstanding Canadian researcher, highlighting Canada’s leadership in the cell and gene therapy space.

Abstract 16
Efficient Gene Editing in CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Using Non-Viral Lipid Nanoparticles

Stella Che Ryn Park, BSc
Cytiva
Canada