News Hub

By
Janet Macpherson, PhD
Senior Editor
Cytiva
Australia

Telegraft continues to be your ISCT member Newsletter. In keeping with the communication platforms of current times, it has now transitioned to the Telegraft Hub. As such the Newsletter now attains a permanent web presence, which we anticipate will make it a true, current and active ISCT member resource. Please do take some time to explore the site and let us know what you think. Remember that the Telegraft Hub is a resource at your disposal – you have access to the latest Telegraft content, plus a searchable archive, and opportunity to contribute. The site will be updated regularly with content from your leadership, member spotlights, and regional Legal and Regulatory Affairs Watchdog reports, as well as summaries of publications in Cytotherapy through Cytotherapy Corner. But it needs to provide what you want, or it is not adding the value to its potential. Please comment and send feedback.

Can you believe that we have reached the end of March and 2 years of COVID-19 disruptions and on-line meetings? I hope that many of you are preparing to attend the face-to-face annual meeting in San Francisco May 4-7, in just a few weeks’ time. I am aware that unfortunately many of our members will not be able to attend, due to ongoing institutional restrictions on travel even though some international travel restrictions have eased. I am excited by the new meeting format and would love to see many of you in person, approvals permitting.

ISCT has concluded its 2022 election process and I personally would like to thank our members who participated to ensure that the elected members represent your needs and that the incoming Directors and Office Bearers feel empowered to act on your behalf to make ISCT stronger every year. The successful candidates whose terms commence following the ISCT 2022 Annual Meeting in San Francisco are:

• Miguel Forte, MD, PhD (Belgium) President elect, 2 year term ascending to President;
• Patricia Rocco, MD, PhD (Brazil) Global Secretary 3 year term;
• Ngaire Elwood, BSc(Hons), PhD (Australia) Elected member PhD, 2 year term;
• Gloria Carmona Sanchez, MSc, (Spain) Elected member Technologist 2 year term;
• Emily Blyth, B.Med(Hons), FRACP, FRCPA, PhD (Australia) Regional VP-elect, 2 year term ascending to regional VP;
• Jaap Jan Boelens, MD, PhD (United States) Regional VP-elect, 2 year term ascending to regional VP

We look forward to sharing the views and contributions of the new members with you frequently on the Telegraft Hub. The contributions of our all current Directors, and other committee members leading through recent uncertain times is applauded.  Each year leadership positions are offered across the membership and I encourage all members to seek out those in these roles to learn more not just about what is required, but how rewarding contributing can be personally and professionally.

We invite you to join us on new advances in cell and gene therapy. Check us out at https://www.isctglobal.org/telegrafthub, or follow us on Twitter (@telegraft) or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/isctglobal/.