Stem Cells, Space and the Future of Regenerative Medicine: Inside the 2025 SSCI Symposium

The 2025 UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) symposium brought together an extraordinary group of scientists, clinicians, innovators and patients united by a shared vision: harnessing the power of stem cells to heal, regenerate and transform medicine.

Now in its 11th year, the two-day multidisciplinary event drew more than 800 attendees from 10 countries — both in person and virtually — marking another milestone in UC San Diego’s leadership in regenerative medicine. Hosted by SSCI Director Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, the symposium offered a sweeping look at the latest advances in stem cell biology, disease modeling and translational therapies, while celebrating patients whose lives have been changed by this science.

“Every year, this symposium reminds us of the extraordinary things that can happen when science and compassion meet,” Jamieson said. “We are deeply grateful to all our speakers, sponsors and attendees for helping us advance our mission — and especially to patient advocates like Andrew Schorr and Tara Radcliffe Ghiglieri, whose courage inspires every experiment and every discovery.”

The 2025 program featured five keynote presentations that spanned the full spectrum of stem cell science — from the molecular mechanisms that govern development and aging to the cutting-edge applications of stem cells in space and cancer therapy.

Patients at the heart of discovery

Two special guests, Andrew Schorr and Tara Radcliffe Ghiglieri, shared their personal stories of recovery — living proof of how regenerative therapies can change lives. Schorr, who lives with rare blood disorders, and Ghiglieri, who underwent stem cell–based treatment for a debilitating autoimmune condition, both credited UC San Diego researchers and clinicians for their renewed health.

Their testimonies underscored the human side of the science — reminding everyone in attendance why translational research matters.

“Andrew and Tara are the true heroes of this event,” Jamieson said. “Their stories remind us that our work is not just about cells in a dish — it’s about hope, healing and the lives we can save and improve.”

Neural stem cells and brain plasticity

The symposium opened with a keynote by Fred Gage, PhD — professor at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego — who discussed the contribution of neural stem cells to brain plasticity and repair throughout life. Gage’s pioneering research has reshaped our understanding of how new neurons form in the adult brain and how this process could be harnessed to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Stem cells and the seeds of cancer

Tannishtha Reya, PhD — professor at Columbia University in New York City — followed with a powerful presentation on precancerous stem cells — the elusive cells that often initiate malignancy. Drawing on her groundbreaking studies of leukemia and solid tumors, Reya described how normal stem cell pathways can be hijacked during the earliest stages of cancer, offering new opportunities for prevention and early intervention.

Regeneration, aging and the promise of rejuvenation

Few researchers have influenced the field as broadly as Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, PhD, director of the San Diego Institute of Sciences at Altos Labs. His talk explored stem cell biology across development and aging, highlighting how partial cellular reprogramming could one day reverse aspects of age-related decline. His presentation ignited conversation about the ethical and practical implications of applying rejuvenation science to human health.

The frontiers of space and cellular health

In a much-anticipated fireside chat, retired NASA astronaut and microbiologist Kate Rubins reflected on her experience conducting stem cell and tissue experiments aboard the International Space Station. She spoke candidly about how microgravity offers a unique window into cellular aging and adaptation — and how collaborations with UC San Diego scientists are helping shape new frontiers in space-based biomedical research.

“When we study cells in space, we’re really studying how life itself adapts,” Rubins said. “The work UC San Diego is doing has direct implications not just for astronauts, but for everyone back on Earth.”

Cancer stem cells and precision medicine

Closing the keynote series was Andreas Trumpp, PhD, professor at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), whose lecture focused on cancer stem cells and their role in tumor growth, metastasis and therapy resistance. Trumpp underscored how targeting these cells could lead to lasting remission in cancers that are currently incurable.

Partnerships and translational progress

The symposium also featured dynamic panel discussions on topics such as stem cells and biotechnology, clinical trials, and stem cell applications in space and other industries. The panels highlighted the collaborative spirit of SSCI’s mission: joining academia, industry, government and the public to develop research breakthroughs into approved therapies.

Attendees heard from innovators developing next-generation stem cell delivery systems, regulators discussing the evolving landscape of clinical approval, and clinicians implementing stem cell–based interventions for heart disease, neurological conditions and cancer.

Jamieson emphasized that such conversations are vital to accelerating translation.

“Our goal is simple but urgent: to turn stem cell discoveries into real-world treatments,” she said. “Every discussion here moves us closer to that reality.”

Celebrating excellence in stem cell research

The symposium also honored outstanding achievements among emerging scientists.
Yi Fan received the outstanding postdoctoral student award and Celina Nguyen was chosen as outstanding graduate student for their contributions to advancing stem cell science through interdisciplinary collaboration. Yesh Doctor earned recognition for best poster presentation, highlighting innovative methods in stem cell modeling and regenerative therapy development.

“We are so proud of our next-generation scientists,” Jamieson said. “Their creativity and dedication make the future of this field bright.”

11 years of discovery — and counting

As the symposium celebrated its 11th anniversary, Jamieson reflected on how far the field, and the institute, have come since the first symposium.

Founded to accelerate stem cell discoveries from “bench to bedside,” the institute now anchors one of the most comprehensive translational stem cell ecosystems in the world. Over the past decade, SSCI researchers have led advances in gene editing, organoid development, immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, pushing boundaries that once seemed impossible to budge.

“What started as a small meeting of scientists with big ideas has grown into a global community,” Jamieson said. “Every year, I’m humbled by the passion and progress I see here. And every year, I’m even more excited for what comes next.”

Jamieson invited attendees to return for the 2026 SSCI symposium, promising an even more ambitious program that will continue to unite world leaders in science, medicine and innovation.

Looking ahead: A vision for disease prevention

As the symposium closed, Jamieson reminded the audience why this work matters most.

“The whole purpose of this meeting is to stop cancer and disease before it starts,” she said. “The science we’ve seen here shows that we’re going to get there sooner than we think. We just need to keep working at it, running toward the proverbial wall in front of us fearlessly.”