Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine Annual Symposium

About This Grant

Summary The transformative advancements in cell and gene therapy have significantly enhanced our understanding and treatment of congenital diseases and regenerative medicine. As we approach the 10th annual Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine (CDCM) symposium, scheduled for March 30-31, 2026, at Stanford University's Li Ka Shing Learning and Knowledge Center, we seek financial support to facilitate this pivotal event. This symposium will serve as a platform for scientific discourse on the latest discoveries and developments in the field, inviting participation from experts and trainees across academia, non-profits, government, and industry. The two-day event will focus on the theme “Past, Present, and Future of Cell and Gene Therapy,” addressing critical challenges in translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. Day 1 will feature a Clinical Trial Bootcamp, workshops on relevant topics, a poster session for early- stage investigators, and an evening networking event. Day 2 will showcase luminary speakers discussing breakthroughs in lentiviral and AAV gene therapy, CAR-T, gene editing, regenerative medicine, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Specific aims of the symposium include: (1) elucidating the bench-to-bedside journey through real-world case studies presented by the Stanford CIRM-funded Alpha Clinic; (2) providing a platform for graduate students and early-career researchers to present their findings; (3) facilitating workshops that address community engagement in clinical trials, the role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, and career opportunities in health sciences; and (4) fostering collaboration through platform sessions that expose participants to emerging research areas. This symposium has been a cornerstone of the Cell and Gene Therapy Community for the past nine years, celebrating past achievements while catalyzing future innovations. The 2026 meeting promises to be a significant milestone, driving forward the dialogue and collaboration necessary to tackle the complexities of cell and gene therapy and improve patient outcomes.