Three days of cutting-edge stem cell science, exchange and community in Berlin

From 9 – 11 Sept. 2026, the 14t^h GSCN Conference brought the German and international stem cell community together at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin. Over three intensive days, the conference showcased the remarkable breadth and rapid progress of the field – from fundamental mechanisms of pluripotency and development to organoids, hematopoiesis, disease modeling, computational stem cell biology and regenerative therapies.
International keynote speakers Paresh Vyas, James M. Wells, Stepan Jerabek, Jason Spence, and Takanori Takebe provided outstanding perspectives on topics ranging from stem cell niches in myeloid cancer and human organogenesis to genome editing, intestinal organoids and the engineering of complex miniature organs. The Presidential Symposium added another highlight, with Janet Rossant addressing the scientific and ethical questions surrounding embryos and embryo models.
A particular focus was on the GSCN 2026 Awardees: Jesse Veenvliet, recipient of the Young Investigator Award, presented his work on embryo models and developmental principles; Annika Zink, recipient of the Publication of the Year Award, showed how pluripotent stem-cell-based screening can open new therapeutic avenues for mitochondrial disease; and Maike Sander, recipient of the Hilde Mangold Award, closed the scientific program with an inspiring lecture on engineered stem cell islet organoids and diabetes research.

But the GSCN Conference is about more than lectures. Two packed poster sessions, parallel scientific sessions, the industry exhibition and countless discussions created space for new ideas, collaborations and encounters across disciplines and career stages. The Get-together and the GSCN Networking Event brought this vibrant community together beyond the lecture halls.

Three days in Berlin made one thing very clear: stem cell research is moving rapidly – towards increasingly sophisticated human models, deeper mechanistic understanding and new translational possibilities. And it thrives on exchange, collaboration and a strong scientific community.
Thank you to all speakers, chairs, poster presenters, exhibitors, supporters and participants who made the 14^th GSCN Conference such an inspiring meeting.

See you next year in Frankfurt am Main for the 15th GSCN Conference, 22–24 September 2027!

Stem cells: Next-Generation Therapies

Content: 

13^th GSCN Conference Report 2025

• Embryonic or induced Pluripotent Stem Cells - A defining question for the future
• Hypoimmune stem cells: Transplants with an invisibility cloak
• Stem cell trials: Milestones on the path to clinical applications
• The GeneNovate^®️ Entrepreneurship Program: It takes a whole village to bring a medical product to patients
• BIH - CLIC: Building the conditions for translational biotech to succeed
• Portrait of a GSCN member institute: HI-STEM Heidelberg

Read it online ➚ here (with download ↓ link ).
Read the German version ➚ here (with download ↓ link).

The GSCN 2026 Young Investigator Award goes to Jesse Veenvliet of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden.
The GSCN 2026 Hilde Mangold Award goes to Maike Sander of the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin.
The GSCN 2026 Publication of the Year Award goes to Annika Zink, Alessandro Prigione, Ole Pless, Markus Schuelke, Annika Wittich, et al. for their publication, “Pluripotent stem-cell-basd screening uncovers sildenafil as a mitochondrial disease therapy” published in Cell on 19 March 2026.

Find the GSCN press release From understanding cells to developing new therapies  here  
Finden Sie die GSCN Pressemitteilung Vom Zellverständnis zur Therapie  hier

Please find all information on the GSCN 2026 Awards here

The 14^th GSCN Conference will be in Berlin-Buch from 9 - 11 Sept. 2026!
Registration is open: Link
Please check out the program, speakers, NEW venue, Presidential Symposium and much more here

Comment in Nature Cell Biology

published: 06 November 2025

Bridging science, society and policy with the German Stem Cell Network

The German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) connects science, society and policy to advance stem cell research. Since 2013, it has promoted innovation, ethics and public engagement. Recognizing Europe’s need for stronger collaboration, the GSCN aims to build a pan-European network to enhance research and translation, and to support young scientists.

Authors: Daniel Besser, Sina Bartfeld, Stefanie Mahler