Adaeze Ekwe, MSc, PhD
Junior Associate Editor, ISCT Telegraft
ESP Leadership Development Program, ISCT
Australia
The ISCT has long been a driving force in advancing cell and gene therapy (CGT), with a mission and vision to translate scientific innovation into safe and effective therapies that improve patients’ lives. While its annual global meeting attracts thousands of participants worldwide, the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Regional meeting provides a more focused lens, highlighting the unique contributions of the ANZ region as a dynamic hub for CGT research.
Over the course of 3 days, from the 13th to 15th August 2025, the ISCT ANZ scientific community will convene at the Manly Pacific hotel in Sydney, Australia to share groundbreaking research, engage in meaningful dialogue, forge collaborations and showcase the latest development in CGT occurring in the ANZ region. This will be preceded by a two-day pre-conference manufacturing workshop on the 11th and 12th August 2025.
Hosted by the ISCT ANZ Regional Executive committee co-chaired by A/Prof Emily Blyth (ISCT ANZ Vice President 2024-2026) and A/Prof Siok Tey (ISCT ANZ Vice President-Elect 2026-2028), this year’s meeting offers a mix of plenary sessions, regulatory updates, joint sessions with the Australian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR), Australasian Cell & Gene Therapy Society (ACGTS) and ISCT ASIA region, dedicated early-stage professionals (ESP) session and several networking opportunities. Several CGT companies will be on site to exhibit their products and interact with delegates.
Voices that shape the field
Attendees will hear from leading voices including the ISCT president-elect Professor Dan Weiss who will deliver the Presidential Plenary and Dr Boro Dropulić Executive Director Caring Cross & CEO Vector BioMed whose Geoff Symonds Oration will address the critical issue of CGT accessibility. Individual and joint sessions and panels boasts an impressive lineup of invited expert speakers from within the ANZ region, Asia, Europe, South Africa and the United States as well as selected abstracts. Submitted abstracts for oral and poster presentations will feature diverse topics ranging from preclinical research in immunotherapy, exosomes, stem cells, gene therapy; process development and manufacturing; clinical translation to regulatory and quality. In an era where CGTs are rapidly transitioning from lab benches to clinical realities, this meeting offers a timely platform via two regulatory sessions to hear directly from the experts on the regulatory frameworks that guide successful and rapid commercialization of CGTs in the ANZ region and worldwide.
Supporting the next generation
ISCT ANZ is committed to nurturing future leaders in CGT. The conference features a dedicated ESP session presented by the ANZ ESP subcommittee. Highlights of this session include oral presentations by ESPs and a panel discussion on science communication with leaders in the field. In addition, a pre-conference social event for ESPs on the 12th of August will serve as an opportunity to network with peers.
Spotlight on manufacturing
ISCT ANZ recognizes that manufacturing is at the heart of CGT development. Thus, a key highlight of this meeting is the two-day pre-conference manufacturing workshops. Day one will feature manufacturing workflow demonstration; vendor displays as well as a tour of the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility and the clean rooms of the Westmead Institute of Medical Research Human Applications Laboratory. Day two is a facilitated educational workshop by A/Prof Zlatibor Veličković showcasing the latest advancements and best practices in CGT manufacturing and will feature presentations and interactive sessions from industry experts from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-licensed CGT facilities and international contract development and manufacturing organizations.
Whether you are attending as a first timer, a seasoned professional or a curious mind passionate about the CGT field, ISCT ANZ 2025 promises to be more than just another gathering. The cutting-edge topics that will be explored will resonate far beyond the conference halls, potentially shaping future innovation and leading to collaborations that transcend borders.
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