Barcelona is set to become the epicenter of cutting-edge advancements in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapies as it hosts the highly anticipated 10th International Transplant and Cellular Therapy Course (#ITCTC25) from September 5th to 7th, 2025. Organized by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), this landmark event celebrates a decade of commitment to the education and empowerment of healthcare professionals who are shaping the future of transplantation and cell therapy. The University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Medicine will provide a prestigious backdrop for what promises to be an immersive and transformative educational experience.
Since its inception in 2016 as the International Transplant Course, this educational platform has evolved considerably, mirroring the rapid scientific and clinical progress witnessed in the fields of HCT and cellular therapies. The transition into ITCTC symbolizes the integration of cellular therapies into mainstream transplant education, reflecting the expanding therapeutic landscape. Over the past ten years, the program has been instrumental in providing a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum designed for early-career professionals, including clinicians, scientists, and nurses, facilitating a global exchange of expertise and fostering a collaborative professional community focused on improving patient outcomes.
The ITCTC has grown beyond a conventional conference to become a vital forum where the latest scientific discoveries meet clinical application. Continuing education in this fast-evolving field is crucial, especially as emerging therapies and diagnostic tools challenge traditional paradigms. EBMT president Anna Sureda underscores the importance of this educational initiative by emphasizing the role of continuous learning in navigating complex clinical cases and ensuring that patients benefit from technological breakthroughs. The course’s ability to bridge bench science and bedside practice equips participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills critical to advancing patient care.
One of the distinguishing aspects of the 10th International Transplant and Cellular Therapy Course is its multidisciplinary appeal, catering to a broad audience encompassing adult and pediatric transplant specialists, hematology nurses, and laboratory scientists. This expansive approach acknowledges the complex interplay between various roles within transplantation medicine and encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue. Addressing the nuances of cellular therapies alongside traditional hematopoietic transplantation, the curriculum ensures attendees gain an integrated understanding necessary for the delivery of holistic patient management.
This year’s program places a significant emphasis on emerging innovations, notably the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics and treatment planning. Cutting-edge cell therapies, including gene-modified cells and novel immunotherapies, are set to be prominent discussion points, reflecting the dynamic advancements reshaping the therapeutic landscape. The inclusion of forward-looking topics ensures that attendees are not only informed about current best practices but are also equipped to anticipate and adapt to imminent technological and scientific developments.
Recognizing the critical role of trainees and early-career professionals in the future of transplantation and cellular therapies, EBMT has crafted a program section designed by these stakeholders themselves. Trainee-focused sessions and mentoring opportunities foster an environment where emerging leaders can engage directly with international experts, enhancing their professional development and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the field. This approach exemplifies EBMT’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring the sustainability of expertise within the transplant community.
Interactive educational methodologies are central to the course’s design, with case-based discussions facilitating the application of scientific knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios. This pedagogical strategy transforms passive learning into active problem-solving, allowing participants to refine clinical judgment and decision-making skills. Such engagement is particularly essential in transplant medicine, where individual patient nuances demand tailored therapeutic approaches informed by the latest evidence and experiential insights.
Moreover, the 2025 edition strategically aligns with the EBMT Exam 2026 syllabus, serving as an invaluable preparatory resource for certification candidates. This integration serves dual purposes: elevating the overall quality of education delivered and standardizing knowledge benchmarks across European transplant centers. The course thereby contributes directly to improving clinical competence and patient safety by promoting uniform excellence in practitioner education.
The event also emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, with selected presenters awarded travel grants to actively participate. This initiative not only fosters geographic diversity but also encourages the submission and dissemination of innovative clinical cases, enriching the collective learning experience. Such support underscores EBMT’s broader goal of expanding the reach and impact of transplantation education, transcending regional limitations and fostering a truly global professional community.
Nurses, often the frontline caregivers in HCT and cellular therapy settings, receive special attention through dedicated content streams and leadership involvement. EBMT Nurses Group President Hilda Mekelenkamp highlights how the course empowers junior nursing professionals by enhancing their understanding and clinical confidence. This focus on nursing education reflects a growing recognition of the multidisciplinary nature of transplant care and the imperative of equipping all healthcare team members with state-of-the-art knowledge.
Resident physicians and trainees also stand to benefit immensely from the event, as testified by Esra Gülderen, Co-Chair of the EBMT Trainee Committee. Their involvement in curriculum design ensures that the educational content remains relevant and engaging for their peers. This dynamic participation promotes a collegial atmosphere conducive to networking and mentorship, critical factors in professional growth and scientific innovation.
As transplantation and cellular therapies continue to revolutionize the treatment of hematologic disorders, educational platforms such as ITCTC25 play an indispensable role in disseminating knowledge and fostering innovation. By bridging rigorous scientific inquiry with clinical applicability, the course equips healthcare professionals with the competencies necessary to navigate an increasingly complex therapeutic landscape. EBMT’s decade-long dedication to this endeavor marks not only a milestone in continuous education but also a beacon for future medical advances that hold promise to transform patient care globally.
For healthcare professionals committed to advancing their expertise in transplantation and cellular therapies, the 10th International Transplant and Cellular Therapy Course offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with pioneering science, develop clinical acumen, and embed themselves within a vibrant international community dedicated to improving outcomes for patients worldwide. More information, including full registration and program details, is accessible through EBMT’s official event page.
Subject of Research: Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Education
Article Title: A Decade of Innovation and Education: EBMT’s 10th International Transplant and Cellular Therapy Course in Barcelona
News Publication Date: 18 August 2025
Web References: 10th International Transplant and Cellular Therapy Course, EBMT Official Website
Keywords: Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Cellular Therapy, Transplant Education, EBMT, Immunotherapy, Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Medical Training, Stem Cell Transplantation, Clinical Innovation
