Gene and Cell Therapy Research Symposium
Dr. Hajjar and colleague at a podium are depicted
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Email: mgbGCTI@mgb.org
Uniting Gene and Cell Therapy Experts
The Gene and Cell Therapy Institute (GCTI)'s annual research symposium stands as a global hub, drawing in esteemed researchers, accomplished scientists, and industry professionals from across the globe. Together, they share a common goal of disseminating knowledge, unveiling cutting-edge breakthroughs, and envisioning the transformative potential within the realm of gene and cell therapy.
What sets the symposium apart is its commitment to cultivating a unique and collaborative environment. In 2025, we were honored to welcome two leading innovators in gene and cell therapy as our keynote speakers: Carl June, MD, from the University of Pennsylvania, and David Liu, PhD, from the Broad Institute. Past keynote speakers also included Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, DPhil, Jude Samulski, PhD, Crystal Mackall, MD, and Erik Sontheimer, PhD.
2026 Gene and Cell Therapy Research Symposium
The 4th annual Gene and Cell Therapy Research Symposium will take place November 4-5, 2026. Join us for a two-day event centered on advancing gene and cell therapy innovations, accelerating clinical translation, and highlighting impactful research. The 2026 program will include:
- Keynote presentations from leading figures in the field
- Scientific talks spanning the research and clinical landscape
- A poster session showcasing emerging research and novel discoveries
This event will showcase the forefront of cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and emerging trends that are propelling gene and cell therapy into an exciting future.
2026 Gene and Cell Therapy Research Symposium
Date: November 4-5, 2026
Location: Mass General Brigham Assembly Row
399 Revolution Drive, Somerville, MA
Click here to register or learn more
2025 Symposium Highlights
In December 2025, the GCTI hosted its 3rd annual Gene and Cell Therapy Research Symposium, significantly expanding its reach by opening up to the external research community. This broader engagement was made possible by the outstanding success of past symposia. The event, held at Assembly Row, drew an enthusiastic audience, further establishing the event as a crucial annual gathering that promotes important collaborations and drives innovation in the field of gene and cell therapy.
2025 Keynote Speaker
Carl H. June, MD - UPenn
2025 Keynote Speaker
David R. Liu, PhD - The Broad Institute
2024 Symposium Highlights
The Gene and Cell Therapy Institute held its 2nd annual Gene and Cell Therapy Research Symposium in November 2024. The symposium welcomed approximately 500 registrants, primarily from the Mass General Brigham community. Over the course of the day-long event, Mass General Brigham investigators discussed their research across areas including platform technology, RNA medicine and cell therapy.
2024 Speakers, topics and more
Day 1: November 12, 2024
Keynote Speaker
Crystal Mackall, MD | Stanford University
Gene and Cell Therapy in Neurology
Jeff Schweitzer, PhD, MD | Mass General Hospital
Brian Wainger, MD, PhD | Mass General Hospital
Platform Technology
Jeff Karp, PhD | Brigham and Women's Hospital
Mahmoud Nasr, PhD, RPh | Brigham and Women's Hospital
Patient Advocacy Fireside Chat
Pat Furlong | Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Nick Vita | Apriligen, Inc.
Sonia Vallabh, PhD | Broad Institute
Flash Talks
Marcela Maus, MD, PhD | MGH/ MGB Gene and Cell Therapy Institute
Natalie Artzi, PhD | BWH/ MGB Gene and Cell Therapy Institute
Patricia Musolino, MD, PhD | Mass General Hospital
Gene and Cell Therapy in Oncology
Max Jan, MD, PhD | Mass General Hospital
Edwin Choy, MD, PhD | Mass General Hospital
Day 2: November 13, 2024
Keynote Speaker
Erik Sontheimer, PhD | University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
RNA Medicine I
Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne, MD, PhD | Mass General Hospital
Suma Babu, MBBS, MPH | Mass General Hospital
RNA Medicine II
Robert A. Wesselhoeft, PhD | MGB Gene and Cell Therapy Institute
Jonathan Gootenberg, PhD | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Flash Talks
E. Antonio Chiocca, MD, PhD | Brigham and Women's Hospital
Allan Goldstein, MD | Mass General Hospital
Florian Eichler, MD | Mass General Hospital
Ophthalmic and Auditory Gene Therapies
Luk Vandenberghe, PhD | Mass Eye and Ear
Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil | Mass Eye and Ear
Patricia Musolino, MD, PhD | Mass General Hospital
Regulator Strategies for Gene and Cell Therapies: Planning for Success
Dana Hammill, MS, MBA | MGB Gene and Cell Therapy Institute
Angela Shen, MD, MBA | MGB Innovation/ Gene and Cell Therapy Institute
The 2024 symposium included an overview of the GCTI’s Spark Grant program, which funds gene and cell therapy projects by Mass General Brigham investigators that demonstrate tangible advancements toward clinical applications and commercialization outcomes including licensing, partnerships and new company creation.
2024 grant recipients
Yedda Li, MD, PhD & Florian Eichler, MD | Massachusetts General Hospital
Hematopoietic stem cell-directed precision genome editing for CNS disorders
Mark Leick, MD | Massachusetts General Hospital
Dual targeting BITE secreting CAR-T cells for AML
Nitin Joshi, PhD | Brigham and Women's Hospital & Ana Griciuc, PhD | Massachusetts General Hospital
Precision nose-to-brain gene therapy to modulate neuroinflammation
Xandra Breakefield, PhD | Massachusetts General Hospital & Yan Tang, PhD | Brigham and Women's Hospital
Gene therapy for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated disorders
Learn more about the Spark Grant program