LOADING AWESOME
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MELBOURNE
AUSTRALIA
ISSCR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING
LOADING AWESOME
MELBOURNE
AUSTRALIA
ISSCR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING
Fast Facts
The world’s leading stem cell researchers, physicians and government and health officials connected in Melbourne as part of the 16th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) during June 2018.
Taking place over four days, the conference is the world’s largest stem cell meeting, and served as the stage for a community of over 4,000 members worldwide to discover, share and network while working collaboratively towards new medical tools aimed to improve human health.
Melbourne is a strong performer in the health and medical sector and continues to attract great minds to innovate and inspire to deliver advancements in the field.
EVENT
International Society for Stem Cell Research 2018 Annual Meeting (ISSCR 2018)
WHEN AND WHERE
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 20-23 June 2018
DELEGATE ATTENDANCE
2,729 delegates from 54 countries
79% international attendance
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
$15.5 million economic contribution
EXHIBITORS
85+ exhibitors attended ISSCR 2018
SPEAKERS
150 speakers took part at ISSCR 2018
SESSIONS
35 scientific sessions and
7 plenary sessions
NETWORKING
20+ hours of networking
SUBMISSIONS
1,400 on stem cell research and study were posted.
Why Melbourne was chosen
Melbourne won the bid thanks to the successful collaboration among Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), the Victorian government, industry partners, local sponsors and the local scientific and health community. The unity of all stakeholders demonstrated Melbourne’s winning approach to business.
Director of Global Events for the International Society for Stem Cell Research, Ms. Cathy Vijeh said, “The ISSCR was very happy with choosing Melbourne as the location of our 2018 Annual Meeting. It is an easily accessible city with an exhibition centre that is centrally located and aesthetically very appealing. These combined with an array of convenient accommodation options made Melbourne the ideal destination for the 2018 Annual meeting.”
Victoria has a vibrant stem cell community, with local scientists making substantial contributions to the field in basic and applied stem cell research. It is this local knowledge and innovation in the field that assisted MCB to facilitate the bid to bring the prestigious event to Melbourne.
“My team really enjoyed working with MCB. Always very knowledgeable and helpful in providing information and key support to assist in producing this meeting. Melbourne has a very strong scientific community that MCB works closely with. Overall, the ISSCR 2018 felt that the meeting was very successful. We met many of our objectives and provided an opportunity for the stem cell science community to more broadly engage with their global scientific peers,” Ms Vijeh added.
This recognised event brought together a powerful community of leaders and innovators to be part of the largest stem cell exhibit presenting the latest trends and technologies in the field.
From bone marrow transplants, treatment of blooddiseases to infertility in women and cancer treatment, Melbourne is at the forefront of stem cell research, discoveries and development. This pioneering work significant contributes to the body of knowledge driving the stem cell field forward.
Melbourne is a world leader in the development of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Victorian organisations have extensive clinical trial experience trialling stem cell therapies, as well as broad capabilities in point-of-care diagnostic development pipeline, including experience with regulatory authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.
ISSCR 2018 enabled the stem cell
community to gather and experience Melbourne’s stem cell achievements, offering local researchers the opportunity to present their work on a global stage.
The meeting also served as the platform where major medical advancements were discussed. Through this conference contribution, long-lasting world impacts can be achieved and act as key drivers of legacy outcomes.
Melbourne driving the Stem Cell field forward
“Stem Cell Research – Now and in the Future” – Public Forum
A free forum was available to the general public, taking place at Deakin Edge on Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square, a unique cultural precinct in the heart of the city.
Australian researchers took part in rich discussions on the impact of stem cell research and how it changes the future. The audience was able to engage directly with top scientists in the industry and delve deeper into conversations around the inspiring stories shared.
With in-depth participation and engagement from some of Melbourne’s greatest minds in the public forum, collaboration among the community was encouraged, inspiring new ways in advancing research in order to find new applications for future development.
Among the panellists, Professor Melissa Little, from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne discussed how kidney research is enabling medical advances never seen before.
Other panellists included, Professor Susie Nilsson, from CSIRO and Monash University, Associate Professor Pritinder Kaur from Curtin University and Associate Professor James Chong, from University of Sydney. Each panelist provided the audience with the opportunity to hear the latest advancements in their respective fields, fromblood and heart, to skin and eyes.
Great minds live here
Professor Melissa Little’s Mini Kidneys
ISSCR 2018 Program Chair, Theme Director of Cell Biology and Head of the kidney research laboratory at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. She is also a Professor at University of Melbourne, and Program Leader of Stem Cells Australia.
Her research focuses on the molecular basis of kidney development, renal disease and repair. Internationally recognised for her work on developing mini-kidneys from stem cells, she has won many awards and has immensely contributed to Australia and the world advancements in the medical field.
Professor Susie Nilsson and blood research
Group Leader at The Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Professor at Monash University and a CSIRO Science Leader.
Currently involved in multiple research projects aimed at conducting extensive analyses of blood stem cells. She aims to understand the production of blood cells which occurs in the bone marrow and using these findings to directly improve human health, in disorders such as leukemia and bone marrow failure.
Early career Group Leader Luncheon
Career Panel Luncheon
ICCSR 2018 was packed with enriching stem cell stories, inspiring talks, memorable moments. Plenty of opportunities to learn from the experts.
A significant highlight of this year's meeting were the abundant networking opportunities with leading scientists arranged via a series of activities as part of the program. Junior investigators were thrilled to attend the following sessions:
Delegates were highly engaged, sharing highlights across social platforms throughout the week and posting enthusiastically about their satisfaction as conference participants.
What our delegates said
Meet the experts Luncheon
Junior Investigator Social Night
This year’s ISSCR annual event held in Melbourne showcased the humbleness yet culture rich, down-to-earth side of the city, while still maintaining its stylish vibe.
PhD Student,
ISSCR 2018 Delegate
The meeting has made me more ready to get back to the lab and explore my research to answer the mystery of if we can use iPS cells to make good quality kidney cells as a potential avenue for drug screening, disease modelling or, even more ambitiously, a cellular replacement therapy.
PhD Student,
ISSCR 2018 Delegate
Day 2 of #ISSCR2018 and I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet Allen Eaves, founding director of @STEMCELLTech and the @TerryFoxCanada. His career is incredibly inspiring and I look forward to hearing more about his stance on the future of #stemcells and #CRISPR.
PhD Student,
ISSCR 2018 Delegate
Collaborators and Partners
melbournecb.com.au
A special thanks to Melbourne's Great Minds