Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research

2026 ASSCR EMCR Symposia NSW
2026-07-30 | Molecular Bioscience Building (G08), University of Sydney, 2 Butlin Ave, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 ASSCR Early-to-Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposia! Join your fellow EMCRs at two vibrant local symposia:
NSW: July 30, 2026 – University of Sydney, Molecular Bioscience (G08) building REGO IS FREE FOR ASSCR MEMBERS!
These events are for EMCRs, by EMCRs! This collaborative and engaging series is designed as a platform for EMCRs at all career stages to showcase the cutting-edge science produced by Australia’s next generation of researcher leaders. Presenters are encouraged to share ongoing projects and developments so we may all expand our local networks and learn from each other.
Submit your abstracts soon—deadlines are fast approaching!
NSW Abstract Deadline: June 18, 2026

Secure your spot today. Connect with your peers and showcase your research! This is a valuable opportunity for networking and career development. Don’t miss out!

2026 ASSCR EMCR Symposia VIC
2026-07-16 | The Spot, University of Melbourne, 198 Berkeley St, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 ASSCR Early-to-Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposia! Join your fellow EMCRs at your local symposia:
VIC: July 16, 2026 – The Spot, University of Melbourne REGO IS FREE FOR ASSCR MEMBERS!
These events are for EMCRs, by EMCRs! This collaborative and engaging series is designed as a platform for EMCRs at all career stages to showcase the cutting-edge science produced by Australia’s next generation of researcher leaders. Presenters are encouraged to share ongoing projects and developments so we may all expand our local networks and learn from each other.
Submit your abstracts soon—deadlines are fast approaching!
VIC Abstract Deadline: May 22, 2026
Secure your spot today. Connect with your peers and showcase your research! This is a valuable opportunity for networking and career development. Don’t miss out!

ISSCR 2026 Montréal
2026-07-08 - 2026-07-11 | WA
A convergence of innovators in stem cell research from diverse regions and fields.
Leaders in stem cell research and regenerative medicine gather annually for the ISSCR Annual Meeting, and you’re invited to be part of it! Join nearly 3,500 scientists from across the world at ISSCR 2026 for a 4-day event highlighting the most important breakthroughs in the field. The concurrent and plenary session will cover topics ranging from Capturing development and Disease modelling and drug discovery, through to Engineering biology and Clinical applications.

Keynote speakers include:

Yukiko S. Gotoh (University of Tokyo, Japan)

Madeline Lancaster (Medical Research Council, UK)

Feng Zhang (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA)

Aviv Regev (Genetech, USA)

Debojyoti Chakraborty (CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, India)

Nicoletta Petridou (EMBL Heidelberg, Germany)

Shalin H. Naik (WEHI, Australia)

Further information can be found at https://www.isscr2026.org/

Key Deadlines:

Oral and Poster Abstract Submission closes on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Late-breaking Abstract Submission (poster only) opens on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 and closes on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

Student and Postdoc Travel Award applications close Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Early Bird Registration closed Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

2026 ASSCR EMCR Symposia WA
2026-06-23 | McCusker Auditorium, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 ASSCR Early-to-Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposia! Join your fellow EMCRs at two vibrant local symposia:
WA: June 23, 2026 – McCusker Auditorium, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research REGO IS FREE FOR ASSCR MEMBERS!
These events are for EMCRs, by EMCRs! This collaborative and engaging series is designed as a platform for EMCRs at all career stages to showcase the cutting-edge science produced by Australia’s next generation of researcher leaders. Presenters are encouraged to share ongoing projects and developments so we may all expand our local networks and learn from each other.
Submit your abstracts soon—deadlines are fast approaching!
WA Abstract Deadline: May 20, 2026

Secure your spot today. Connect with your peers and showcase your research! This is a valuable opportunity for networking and career development. Don’t miss out!

Stem Cells in Neuroscience 2026, Germany
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-27 | Tübingen, Germany, Tübingen, Germany
Registration is now open for the third “Stem Cells in Neuroscience” meeting, which will take place in Tubingen, Germany from February 25th – 27th 2026
Keynote lectures spanning topics from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration, neurosensory and neuroglia, and emerging technologies will be delivered by:

Elly Hol (Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Martin Kampmann (San Francisco, USA)
Jürgen Knoblich (Vienna, Austria)
Botond Roska (Basel, Switzerland)
Julia TCW (Boston, USA)
Anna Williams (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Further information can be found at www.stemcelltuebingen.com.
Our aim is to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and networking, and to provide important skills and critical thinking workshops that will empower scientists to drive therapeutic innovations in neurological disorders.
We strongly encourage active participation, and several speaker slots, poster presentation opportunities, and stipends are available.
To enquire about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please email stefan.hauser@dzne.de or deborah.kronenberg-versteeg@uni-tuebingen.de

2026 Keystone Symposia - iPSCs: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges
2026-01-26 08:00 - 2026-01-29 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Keystone Resort, Keystone, United States
Attend a Keystone Symposia conference in January and stand shoulder to shoulder with legends!
iPSCs: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges | January 26-29, 2026 | Kyoto, Japan
Immerse yourself in the latest breakthroughs, connect with leading experts, and help shape the next wave of innovation in science and medicine.
Conference Deadlines Not to Miss:
Register by November 25 and receive $250 off your registration cost!
Submit your abstract to be considered for a poster presentation by January 6.
REGISTER NOW | View the Event Flyer
#KSiPSCs26

ASSCR Meeting 2025
2025-11-10 - 2025-11-12 | QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD, 4217, Australia
We invite you to attend the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting.
This year’s meeting will be held at the picturesque location of the Gold Coast at the QT Gold Coast from 10-12 November 2025.
Riding the Stem Cell Wave from Innovation to Translation.
Within this theme, ASSCR 2025 will explore a range of exciting and cutting-edge topics, such as:

Innovative tools and technologies
Stem cell models of development and disease
Regulating cell fate
Stem cells in translational medicine
Ethical, clinical and commercial challenges

We look forward to your participation and seeing you on the Gold Coast in November!
Important Dates
21st April 2025: Call for Abstracts + Registration opens
11.59 PM 15th August 2025: Abstract submission cut-off date
The portal will remain open until 11.59pm on Friday 15th August, including for those already submitted who wish to edit.
3rd October 2025: Early bird registration closes
Program Outline
Monday 10th November 2025
7:00 AM Exhibition Set-Up
9:00 AM Registration Opens
10:00 AM Conference Day 1 – Opening Session
5:30-7:00 PM Welcome Reception + Poster Session – QT Ballroom
Tuesday 11th November 2025
9:00 AM Registration Opens
10:00 AM Conference Day 2
7:00-10:00 PM Stem Stellar Mingle Night
Wednesday 12th November 2025
8:30 AM Registration Opens
9:00 AM Conference Day 3
3:00 PM Sessions Conclude + Exhibition Bump-Out
Invited Speakers

Prof Josh Brickman, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Prof Shuibing Chen, Weill Cornell Medicine, USA
Prof Josephine Bowles, University of Queensland
A/Prof Louise Cheng, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Professor James Chong, University of Sydney
Dr Alex Combes, Monash University
Dr Maria Di Biase, University of Melbourne
A/Prof Richard Mills, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Prof Megan Munsie, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Dr Drew Neavin, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
A/Prof Shyuan Ngo, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, UQ
A/Prof Fernando Rosello, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Prof Ed Stanley, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Prof James St John, Griffith University
Prof Lachlan Thompson, Howard Florey Institute
Dr Clare Weeden, Walter Eliza Hall Institute

2025 ASSCR EMCR Symposia VIC
2025-06-27 | Monash University, Clayton Campus, Learning and Teaching Building, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 ASSCR Early-to-Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposia! Join your fellow EMCRs at your local symposia:
VIC: July 3, 2025 – Monash University, Clayton Campus, Learning and Teaching REGO IS FREE FOR ASSCR MEMBERS!
These events are for EMCRs, by EMCRs! This collaborative and engaging series is designed as a platform for EMCRs at all career stages to showcase the cutting-edge science produced by Australia’s next generation of researcher leaders. Presenters are encouraged to share ongoing projects and developments so we may all expand our local networks and learn from each other.
Submit your abstracts soon—deadlines are fast approaching!
VIC Abstract Deadline: May 29, 2025
Secure your spot today. Connect with your peers and showcase your research! This is a valuable opportunity for networking and career development. Don’t miss out!

2025 ASSCR EMCR Symposia NSW
2025-06-27 | University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Johns Hopkins Dr, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 ASSCR Early-to-Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposia! Join your fellow EMCRs at two vibrant local symposia:
NSW: June 27, 2025 – University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre REGO IS FREE FOR ASSCR MEMBERS!
These events are for EMCRs, by EMCRs! This collaborative and engaging series is designed as a platform for EMCRs at all career stages to showcase the cutting-edge science produced by Australia’s next generation of researcher leaders. Presenters are encouraged to share ongoing projects and developments so we may all expand our local networks and learn from each other.
Submit your abstracts soon—deadlines are fast approaching!
NSW Abstract Deadline: May 22, 2025

Secure your spot today. Connect with your peers and showcase your research! This is a valuable opportunity for networking and career development. Don’t miss out!

ISSCR 2025
2025-06-11 08:00 - 2025-06-14 17:00 (Asia/Hong_Kong) | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibit Centre, 1號 Expo Dr,, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
A gathering of the brightest minds in stem cell research across geographies and disciplines.
The world’s best and brightest in stem cell research and regenerative medicine convene once a year for the ISSCR Annual Meeting, and you are invited! Join nearly 4,000 scientists from around the globe at ISSCR 2025 to take part in a 4-day program comprising the year’s most significant new advances in the field.

Science Meets Parliament 2025
2025-02-12 09:00 - 2025-02-13 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Canberra, Australia
‘Science Meets Parliament is Science & Technology Australia’s (STA) premier initiative for fostering meaningful connections between the STEM sector and policymakers’.
ASSCR is excited to support two members to attend the two-day SMP 2025 event:

$1000 for one EMCR member
$500 for one established researcher (non-EMCR (early to mid-career researcher))

As STA members, ASSCR delegates are eligible to meet with a parliamentarian. This is an excellent opportunity for STEM professionals to build relationships and learn how to engage effectively with federal Parliamentarians, and importantly to represent the leading-edge research conducted across the ASSCR society.
ASSCR have supported ASSCR members to attend SMP for two years running – read about their experiences here.
STA registration here and includes:

Attendance at Science Meets Parliament, in Parliament House, Canberra on 12th – 13th February 2025;
Opportunity to meet with a Parliamentarian during SMP;
One ticket to the gala dinner held in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

If you are interested, please write to info@asscr.org outlining why you would like to attend and confirming that you have support and funding from your employer to attend all components including the remaining cost for registration, accommodation, flights.
Two-day registration $1,800 (10% discount earlybird price until 13th December). Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 27th January 2025.

ASSCR Meeting 2024
2024-11-11 00:00 - 2024-11-13 23:59 (Australia/Brisbane) | National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
The Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) is delighted to celebrate the tremendous success of our 2024 annual meeting, held over three inspiring days at the National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide. With the theme “Stem Cell Research: From Roots to Remedies,” the meeting highlighted the journey of stem cell science from fundamental discoveries to life-changing therapies. Attendees from Australasia and around the globe gathered to share cutting-edge research, foster collaborations, and discuss future directions for our field.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, whose ongoing dedication to the ASSCR community is the foundation of our success. We are also grateful to our sponsors for their generous support, which enabled us to deliver an exceptional meeting experience. A special acknowledgment goes to our distinguished speakers, including international guests and invited presenters, whose engaging and thought-provoking talks inspired us all.
We were thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the 2024 Metcalf Prize winners, Dr William Roman from Monash University and Dr Rhiannon Werder from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (LINK to Metcalf News Page). Their groundbreaking research exemplifies the exceptional talent within the Australian stem cell community. A special thanks to the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (NSCFA) for their continued support of our field through initiatives such as the Metcalf Prizes, ASSCR Travel Awards, and other critical programs that empower researchers and foster scientific excellence.
This year’s meeting truly embodied our new slogan, “Connect • Communicate • Collaborate”. The diverse program of outstanding presentations, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities showcased the power of collaboration to drive innovation. Set against the stunning backdrop of the National Wine Centre, the meeting provided an inclusive platform for meaningful connections and impactful conversations.
Congratulations to this year’s winners!
2024 Oral Presentation Winners:
Student category: Linxuan Jiang | University of Melbourne – Examining the neurogenic potential of enteric glia for the treatment of achalasia
EMCR category: Dr Chiara Pavan | Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health – A cloaked human stem cell-derived neural graft evades immune detection in humanised mice
2024 Poster Winners:
Student category: Sahel Amoozadeh | MCRI – AATD reshapes infection responses in human stem-cell models
EMCR category: Dr Lucas Ferreira | MCRI – NR2F2/COUP-TFII haploinsufficiency may lead to 46, XX ovotesticular DSD through the impaired regulation of bipotential gonad factors
We are also delighted to announce several important leadership appointments within the ASSCR. Please join us in welcoming:
A/Prof. Anai Gonzalez Cordero as the new Vice President. Her lateral move from Secretary means the position is open to be filled on a 12-month interim basis. Applications are now closed.
Dr Amy Hulme, from the School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences at the University of Wollongong, as the new Professional Development and Junior Investigators Subcommittee Chair.
Dr Jessica Vanslambrouck, Team Leader and Senior Research Officer for the Kidney Regeneration Lab at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, as the new Sponsorship and Industry Chair.
We also take this opportunity to sincerely thank our outgoing leaders for their dedication and contributions to the ASSCR:
Prof. Megan Munsie, outgoing President, for her exceptional leadership and vision.
Cameron McKnight, outgoing Professional Development and Junior Investigators Subcommittee Chair, for his tireless efforts in mentoring and supporting emerging scientists.
Dr Micheal Lovelace, outgoing Sponsorship and Industry Chair, for fostering partnerships that have strengthened the Society.

Finally, we extend our deepest thanks to the 2024 Organising and Program Committees for their outstanding work in curating this year’s program and ensuring the smooth running of the event. Your efforts have set a high standard for future meetings. Please visit the event website for a full list of the 2024 committee members.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Adelaide and contributed to making this event such a success. We look forward to welcoming you again at ASSCR 2025 on the Australian Gold Coast as we continue to foster world-leading stem cell science together…on the beach!

End of 2024 Special Seminar
2024-11-06 11:00 - 11:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | WA
Featuring Winners of the VIC & QLD ASSCR EMCR Symposia

ASSCR QLD EMerging Concepts in Regenerative medicine symposium
2024-08-23 | THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND (UQ), Australia
ASSCR invites all QLD Early-to-Mid Career Researchers to our in-person EMCR Symposium on Aug 23rd at QBI.

ASSCR Annual Scientific Meeting 2023
2023-11-15 08:00 - 2023-11-17 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | The Australian Maritime Museum, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
The latest developments in national and international stem cell research will be showcased this year at the 15th ASSCR Annual Meeting, and you are invited to join us!
More than 150 scientists will take part in a full 3-day program. From Plenary Sessions to concurrent workshops and innovation showcase we have prepared something for everyone.
In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages. The event aims to start new collaborations, creating novel ideas and partnerships. Ample network opportunities will be available through our carefully planned social events. Networking and new business opportunities start here.
This year our Annual Meeting will be held at the Australian Maritime Museum, in Sydney, a wonderful location that promises to bring together stem cell biologists from a multidisciplinary background and highlight how stem cells can be used to understand development, create disease models and develop new treatments. These areas dovetail with new advances in cell and gene therapies and regenerative medicine, and how these technologies are moving into the clinic. Complementing the idea of cell replacement, the conference will address advances in the field and embrace the translational aspects of this research.

2023 ASSCR Annual meeting, Sydney
The winners of the oral presentations:
Student category:
Oliver Anderson – Microtubule-dependent pluripotent cell plasticity orchestrated by centrosomal and non-centrosomal switching. Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI)
ECR category:
Niamh Moriarty – Improving the functional integration of human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural grafts through environmental enrichment. The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
The winners of the poster presentations:
Student category:
Benjamin Lim – Developing a Macular Region in Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids. Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI)
ECR category:
Holly Voges – Vascular cells in human cardiac organoids improve function and disease modelling. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI)

Joint Annual Scientific Meeting 2019
2019-11-13 08:00 - 2019-11-15 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
It is with great pleasure to announce the 2019 Joint Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) and the Australasian Gene and Cell Therapy Society (AGCTS), and the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT, Aus/NZ).
This event provides a unique forum to share emerging research in stem cell science and gene and cell therapies, right here, in the Australasian region!
The scientific meeting will feature plenary talks from national and international speakers, poster sessions, updates on the latest tech from industry leaders, as well as collaborative and networking opportunities for researchers at all stages of their career.
Save the date in your calendar and stay tuned for more information on the Joint Annual Scientific Meeting 2019 – ASSCR, AGCTS, and ISCT (Aus/NZ).
Full details of the conference including information on registration, abstract submission, the scientific and social program, and accommodation and travel will be e-mailed out and updated on our website shortly.
We look forward to welcoming you in ☀️Brisbane for this exciting event!
Sincerely,
ASSCR
