The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has officially announced a landmark collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation to host the ISSCR Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, from June 27 to June 30, 2028. This upcoming global conference promises to be a defining moment for stem cell science and regenerative medicine, drawing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in advancing cutting-edge biomedical research. Known for its rigorous scientific discourse, the ISSCR Annual Meeting serves as a critical nexus for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 80 countries, solidifying its reputation as the premier event in the stem cell field.
The alliance between the ISSCR and the Novo Nordisk Foundation underscores a shared, resolute commitment to propelling stem cell research from foundational science toward innovative clinical applications. The conference’s platform will provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase pioneering research that embraces both basic and translational approaches. By bringing together a global cohort of experts, the meeting will foster interdisciplinary exchanges that catalyze breakthroughs in regenerative medicine therapies, targeting some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Fiona Doetsch, who currently serves as ISSCR vice president and will assume the presidency at the time of the meeting, expressed enthusiasm over the enduring partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation. She highlighted the significance of the Annual Meeting as an incubator for scientific innovation and networking. Doetsch emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, designed to empower investigators at all career stages. The meeting will champion early-career scientists while simultaneously engaging senior researchers, offering a rich environment for nurturing the next generation of leaders in the field.
From a biomedical research standpoint, stem cell science represents a frontier where fundamental biology meets translational potential. By harnessing pluripotent stem cells’ ability to differentiate into diverse cell types, scientists aim to repair or replace damaged tissues, revolutionizing treatment strategies for degenerative diseases, organ failure, and traumatic injuries. The ISSCR 2028 meeting will focus on these technological advancements, including gene-editing innovations such as CRISPR-Cas9, organoid development, and biomaterials integration for tissue engineering, all of which hold immense promise for clinical translation.
Tanja Xenia Pedersen, vice president for Biomedical Research at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of hosting the Annual Meeting in Copenhagen. This event will spotlight the robust regenerative medicine ecosystem emerging within Denmark and the Nordic region, fostering global collaborations and increasing international visibility for local research endeavors. The Foundation’s philanthropic vision aligns seamlessly with the ISSCR mission by supporting scientific advancement and sustainable innovation aimed at improving human health.
The meeting will be convened at the Bella Center Copenhagen, a venue renowned for accommodating large-scale scientific events. Attendees will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities conducive to plenary sessions, workshops, and dynamic poster presentations. Abstract submissions will open in October 2027, inviting researchers worldwide to contribute their latest findings. Selected abstracts will have the opportunity to be featured as oral presentations, while merit and travel awards will be available to support promising scientists in disseminating their work.
Former ISSCR president Melissa H. Little, a leading figure in stem cell medicine and CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), expressed excitement about hosting the global community in the Nordic region. The reNEW collaboration represents a multi-institutional effort designed to accelerate translation from stem cell discoveries to viable therapies. Little anticipates that the ISSCR meeting will catalyze multidisciplinary alliances, promote knowledge exchange, and highlight key progress in developing stem cell-based therapeutic modalities.
Scientific discourse at the ISSCR Annual Meeting traditionally encompasses a wide spectrum of stem cell research topics, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), hematopoietic stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. The dialogue will also address the ethical frameworks guiding research and clinical applications, ensuring responsible stewardship of emerging technologies. Discussions around research ethics, policy implications, and public engagement will be integral components of the meeting’s program.
The ISSCR’s sustained growth to nearly 5,000 members from over 80 countries reflects the field’s expanding scientific and clinical relevance. The organization’s dedication to fostering scientific excellence and enabling translation of stem cell applications to the clinic underpins the Annual Meeting agenda. Attendees can expect sessions on novel cell therapies, gene modification techniques, tissue engineering scaffolds, and strategies to overcome immunological challenges in transplantation.
Moreover, the meeting will serve as a critical forum for addressing regulatory landscapes influencing stem cell therapies’ development and commercialization. Navigating these complex frameworks is essential for advancing safe and effective treatments while maintaining public trust. This aspect of the conference will attract stakeholders from regulatory agencies and industry, facilitating dialogue aimed at harmonizing standards and accelerating therapeutic availability.
The ISSCR 2028 Annual Meeting thus promises to be more than a scientific gathering; it will be a transformative event catalyzing global collaboration, inspiring innovation, and shaping the future trajectory of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. By uniting a diverse international community, the conference will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on biomedical science, health policy, and patient care worldwide.
Subject of Research: Stem cell research and regenerative medicine
Article Title: ISSCR and Novo Nordisk Foundation Announce 2028 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen to Propel Global Stem Cell Science
News Publication Date: Not explicitly provided (related to announcement date)
Web References:
- https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/
- https://www.isscr.org/upcoming-programs/isscr-2028
- https://www.bellacenter.dk/en
- http://www.isscr.org
- https://renew.science/
Keywords: Stem cell research, Basic research, Applied research, Discovery research, Translational research, Research organizations, Scientific conferences, Scientific foundations, Research ethics
