20 Years of iPSC Discovery: A Celebration and Vision for the Future [Kyoto]
This ISSCR international symposium commemorates the 20th anniversary of the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Global leaders in stem cell research and regenerative medicine will gather in Kyoto to reflect on two decades of progress and discuss future directions across basic biology, disease modeling, drug discovery, and clinical application.
Event Information
- Date: October 20 (Tue)–22 (Thu), 2026
- Venue: Clock Tower Centennial Hall, Kyoto University
- Address: Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8317, Japan
- Format: International symposium featuring lectures and scientific presentations
Symposium Information
- Official Title: ISSCR International Symposium: 20 Years of iPSC Discovery: A Celebration and Vision for the Future
- Organizer: International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)
- In Partnership With: Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University
- Co-sponsored By: Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine (JSRM)
- Chair: Shinya Yamanaka, MD, PhD
Key Program Topics
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms in iPSC biology
- iPSC differentiation and maturation
- Disease modeling with iPS cells
- Clinical applications of iPS cells
- Bioengineering approaches and enabling technologies
- Ethics, policy, and future directions
Overview
iPSC technology has transformed biomedical research and regenerative medicine. This symposium will review the major breakthroughs of the past 20 years and explore future scientific directions in cellular reprogramming, disease modeling, drug discovery, clinical application, and bioengineering. Kyoto, the birthplace of iPS cells, provides a historically and symbolically important setting for this milestone event.
