Attending ASGCT 2020 Virtually

By Devin Rose, Communications Manager, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy

The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy’s Annual Meeting represents a great many things to the scientific community. First and foremost, ASGCT’s meeting is an annual benchmark for the field — a chance for pioneers in this burgeoning field to show their work as our discipline transitions from lab benches and into clinics to change the lives of patients around the world. Beyond that, the Annual Meeting is a connection point for thousands of scientists, a tremendous opportunity for biotech manufacturers to show their latest advances, and a key career development point for many young investigators.

This year’s Annual Meeting will look different from meetings of years past, but it will still fulfill these goals. ASGCT is excited to provide a sense of normalcy by hosting its first-ever virtual Annual Meeting May 12-15. Though this is a significant departure from our traditional Annual Meeting format, we hope easier access and cost savings will open ASGCT to a brand new audience. Our virtual format allows attendees to access the Society’s largest collection of groundbreaking science—more than 1,400 new pieces of research this year—from the convenience of home. Our reduced virtual rates and the lack of travel expenses make attending the meeting easier than ever.

We are so grateful for all the volunteer speakers, session chairs, and Society leaders who have made this transition possible, and for the attendees for their patience during an uncertain time. We remain as committed as ever to bringing cutting-edge research to attendees so that we can continue to advance knowledge and access surrounding gene and cell therapy.

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s agenda:

• George Stamatoyannopoulos Memorial Lecture (by Carl June, M.D., Director, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at the Perelman School of Medicine; Director, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the University of Pennsylvania)
• Presentation of the Excellence in Research Awards
• Outstanding New Investigator Symposium
• Outstanding Achievement Award Lecture & Sonia Skarlatos Public Service Award Presentation
• Presidential Symposium (presenter is Feng Zhang, Ph.D., Core Member, The Broad Institute; Investigator, McGovern Institute for Brain Research; James and Patricia Poitras Professor of Neuroscience at MIT) & Presentation of the Top Abstracts

In addition, you will be able to attend Scientific symposia and oral abstract sessions featuring the latest research in the field, the Virtual Career Fair, as well as the Virtual Exhibit Hall. We look forward to working with you at the event. Stay tuned to Cell & Gene, as Chief Editor, Erin Harris will be covering the event via Twitter and articles about the event. Check Cell & Gene regularly for updates on ASGCT 2020.