Inaugural Industry Virtual Town Hall - March 11, 2026

ABOUT THE TOWN HALL

The inaugural Industry Town Hall will introduce the audience to the breadth of priorities being advanced by ISCT’s global membership base. Chaired by Phil Vanek, Chief Commercial Officer at ISCT, the session will outline the core priorities of the Industry Pillar and provide insight into how members can get involved in relevant initiatives.  


ISCT Chief Regulatory Officer, Bambi Grilley, and Chief Scientific Officer, Massimiliano Gnecchi, will then highlight the strategy and focus areas of their respective pillars, showcasing key member-driven programs across Science and Regulatory Practices. 


The session will also feature Stephen Majors from The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, speaking to the current state of the CGT industry. 


This event will support attendees build their awareness and understanding of ISCT's strategic focus areas while sharing the impact ISCT members are creating in the global sector. Q&A is encouraged.  

ACCESS THE RECORDING

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Provide industry professionals with greater insight into ISCT’s mission, priorities, and impact 

  • Increase awareness of key ISCT initiatives to drive member engagement and encourage use of available resources 

  • Inform audience on how ISCT is collaborating with partner organizations to advance the sector through collective efforts 

 TOWN HALL CHAIR

Phil Vanek, PhD
ISCT Chief Commercialization Officer 
Gamma Biosciences
United States

Phil Vanek is an internationally recognized leader in biotechnology with over 30 years of experience driving innovation, commercialization, and strategic growth in the life sciences. His impressive career spans leadership roles at Gamma Biosciences, GE Healthcare, Lonza Bioscience, and BD Biosciences, where he has played pivotal roles in advancing the development and implementation of transformative technologies within the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector. Dr. Vanek’s entrepreneurial mindset, technical expertise, and multidisciplinary leadership have positioned him as a leading authority in the global biotechnology community. As ISCT Chief Commercialization Officer, Dr. Vanek acts as the leadership voice for the ISCT Industry Community, representing the Society’s Industry pillar.  

 SPEAKERS

Bambi Grilley, RPh, RAC, CIP, CCRC, CCRP 
ISCT Chief Regulatory Officer 
Baylor College of Medicine
United States

Bambi Grilley is the Director of the Clinical Research and Early Product Development Center, Cell and Gene Therapy, at the Baylor College of Medicine. She is a world-renowned expert in Clinical Research and Regulator Affairs with over 25 years of experience in protocol development, study submissions, execution, and oversight of over 1,600 studies. Bambi has been leading cell and gene therapy regulatory guidance, protocol development, quality assurance and quality control programs for over 15 years and currently serves as the Chief Regulatory Officer at ISCT.  

Massimiliano Gnecchi, MD, PhD, FESC 
ISCT Chief Scientific Officer 
University of Pavia
Italy

Massimiliano Gnecchi, ISCT Chief Scientific Officer, brings over 25 years of expertise in cardiology, serving as Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Pavia, Italy, and Director of the Molecular and Translational Cardiology Unit at IRCCS San Matteo Hospital. Clinically, he focuses on acute myocardial infarction, post-AMI secondary prevention, and cardiac sudden death. His translational research spans molecular and cellular therapies for heart disease, precision medicine, and includes pioneering work with cardiomyocytes, iPSCs, miRNAs, and MSCs.


Stephen Majors, MA
Alliance for Regenerative Medicine 
United States

Stephen Majors is a communications and media professional specializing in investor relations, with a diverse background spanning biotechnology, public policy, international affairs, and journalism. He excels at transforming complex scientific, business, and policy information into clear, engaging narratives for audiences around the world, including executives, investors, and the press. At ARM, Stephen serves as the organization’s global media spokesperson and social media strategist, supporting policy and advocacy initiatives in Washington, state capitals, and Brussels. He communicates intricate scientific concepts to both the public and policymakers, highlighting the policy changes needed to ensure patients benefit from the innovative work of ARM’s members.