Welcome Message from the KSSCR President

Dear Colleagues and Sponsors,

It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Korean Society for Stem Cell Research (KSSCR). This year’s meeting will bring together a vibrant community of scientists, clinicians, and industry partners who are dedicated to advancing stem cell science and regenerative medicine.

We are currently living in a time marked by global uncertainty and challenges, including ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions. In such circumstances, the role of science becomes even more essential. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to remain steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge, to continue fostering academic exchange, and to strengthen the spirit of collaboration that defines our field.

The scientific program for this meeting has been designed to present the latest breakthroughs while encompassing diverse areas of stem cell science. We are honored to host three distinguished plenary speakers— Professor Lorenz Studer (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte (Altos Labs), and Professor Hans R. Schöler (Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine)—who have each made transformative contributions to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Their insights will undoubtedly inspire new directions and deepen our understanding of fundamental and translational research. In particular, it is a great personal honor and pleasure for me to welcome my mentor, Professor Hans R. Schöler, during my tenure as President.

In addition, we are particularly pleased to organize a special “Meet the Editors” session, where editors from leading international journals will engage directly with young investigators from Korea. This session is intended to provide valuable guidance on scientific publishing and to facilitate meaningful dialogue between researchers and the global editorial community.

Furthermore, the Asian Alliance for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (AASCRM), which has been continuously active since 2019, will convene as part of this meeting. Its inclusion underscores the growing international stature of the KSSCR Annual Meeting and highlights our commitment to fostering regional and global partnerships.

We sincerely hope that this meeting will serve as a dynamic platform where participants from academia and industry can exchange ideas, gain inspiration, and establish new collaborations. Your active participation and continued support are what make this meeting truly meaningful. On behalf of the organizing committee, I extend my deepest gratitude to all our sponsors, partners, and contributors for their generous support. I look forward to welcoming you all and sharing an inspiring and productive meeting together.

Thank you for your support and participation.

With best regards,

Jeong Tae Do, Ph.D.
President
Korean Society for Stem Cell Research