Jessica Sue, BSc, MHSM
Co-Senior Editor, ISCT Telegraft
Quality Manager
Sydney Cord Blood Bank, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
Australia
Dr. Alicia Didsbury, PhD, is the fourth recipient of the Early Stage Professional (ESP) Spirit of ISCT award, receiving the accolade at the ISCT 2026 Annual Meeting in Dublin, Ireland. The award recognizes an ESP member who embraces the mission and vision of ISCT through engagement in and contributions to ISCT.
Dr. Didsbury is an immunologist and translational scientist, leading the Translational Cell Therapy team in Professor Rod Dunbar’s laboratory at the University of Auckland, as well as the Cell and Gene Therapy Programme Lead at Te Aka, Centre for Cancer Research. Through these roles, Dr. Didsbury works to expand access to advanced CGT therapies, by enabling local manufacture and access to first-in-human trials.
Dr. Didsbury has been a champion for ESPs both regionally and globally. As an early member of the Australia/New Zealand (ANZ) ESP Subcommittee, to Co-chair of the ESP Mentoring Working Group, she has facilitated and promoted opportunities for ESPs to network and engage with each other and the society. She has continually displayed a passion and commitment for supporting and showcasing ESPs as future leaders in our field, and embodies the spirit of ISCT in all her efforts with the ESP community. She is also the Regional VP-Elect for ANZ (2026-28). Congratulations, Alicia!
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