Belgian Society for Stem Cell Research (BeSSCR) 9th Annual Meeting 2025
On Friday, November 28th, 2025, the Belgian Society for Stem Cell Research (BeSSCR) will host its 9th Annual Meeting at the Museum of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Campus, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium. This highly anticipated event, themed “Stem Cells to Study and Treat Human Disease”, brings together top Belgian and international researchers, industry leaders, and early-career scientists to exchange knowledge, present new discoveries, and discuss the future of regenerative medicine.
Why Attend the BeSSCR 2025 Meeting?
The BeSSCR meeting has become the premier annual platform for stem cell scientists in Belgium. It offers:
- Internationally renowned keynote speakers presenting breakthroughs in stem cell biology and translational research.
- Cutting-edge research presentations from Belgian PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Poster sessions and networking opportunities, fostering collaborations between academia, clinicians, and industry.
- Sponsor and industry engagement, connecting biotech companies with researchers and potential recruits.
With an expected attendance of over 120 participants from all major Belgian universities, the meeting provides a unique cross-section of expertise ranging from basic stem cell biology to clinical applications
Scientific Program Highlights
The scientific program includes plenary talks, junior investigator presentations, and interactive poster sessions:
- Heather Main (HOYA Consulting, Stockholm): Current status of clinical trials for hPSC-derived cell therapies
- Pau Sancho-Bru (IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic Barcelona): Mapping cell differentiation trajectories to reveal disease mechanisms
- Annelies Bronckaers (Hasselt University): advancing stem cell applications in ischemia and regenerative medicine
- Cantas Alev (Kyoto University, ASHBi): Towards reconstituting early human embryonic development and disease in vitro
Additionally, junior speakers from Belgian institutions will present selected abstracts, ensuring that emerging talent is showcased.
Poster sessions will cover a wide range of stem cell research topics, from fundamental developmental biology to applications in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and tissue engineering.
Networking and Industry Collaboration
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The meeting will feature an exhibition space for sponsor booths located in the Main Hall of the Museum of Medicine, alongside poster sessions and catering. This design ensures maximum interaction between researchers and industry representatives throughout the day.
Sponsors benefit from:
- Direct access to PhD students and postdocs looking for career opportunities.
- Visibility in the abstract book, website, and on-site communication materials.
- Opportunities to deliver sponsor talks in the main scientific program
The BeSSCR community highly values academic-industry collaborations, making this event an excellent gateway for companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences tools.
Organizing Committee
The 2025 meeting is organized by leading Belgian scientists:
- Claudia Spits & Leo van Grunsven (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
- Vincent Pasque (KU Leuven)
- Annelies Bronckaers (UHasselt)
- Sabine Costagliola (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
Venue Information
The conference will take place at the Museum of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Campus (ULB) in Brussels.
- Address: Route de Lennik, 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Easily accessible by public transport
- Venue capacity: 150 seats, with additional networking space for 200 standing participants
Key Themes for 2025
- Stem cells in clinical trials and regenerative medicine
- Disease modeling using stem cell differentiation trajectories
- Translational applications in ischemia, metabolic and liver diseases
- In vitro reconstruction of early human development
- Poster presentations highlighting innovations in stem cell biology, tissue repair, and therapeutic applications
The BeSSCR 9th Annual Meeting is a must-attend event for anyone in the stem cell research and biotechnology ecosystem. With world-class speakers, a vibrant scientific program, and excellent networking opportunities, it promises to shape the future of stem cell science in Belgium and beyond.