Hong Kong is proudly hosting the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting, the world’s most prestigious gathering in stem cell and regenerative medicine, from June 11 to 14. This marks the first time the global conference is being held in Hong Kong and Asia after more than a decade, drawing over 2,400 researchers, scientists, and innovators from 58 countries and regions.
The successful bid to bring ISSCR 2025 to Hong Kong is the result of a collaborative effort by The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology—all appointed organisations under the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme led by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Recognised as a rising R&D hub for medical sciences, Hong Kong is an ideal location to host this monumental event. Attendees from Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Mainland China will engage in discussions covering a wide range of topics—from cell therapies and disease modelling to the latest advancements in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, noted, “Being chosen to host the ISSCR Annual Meeting highlights Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for international conventions. I applaud the critical role played by our Convention Ambassadors, whose strong networks and influence were key to securing this event. We continue to see new leaders from diverse sectors join this programme, contributing to Hong Kong’s appeal as a top-tier MICE destination.”
ISSCR President Valentina Greco called the Hong Kong meeting a “defining moment” for the global stem cell community. “Hong Kong’s dynamic research ecosystem offers the perfect backdrop to connect scientific communities and foster bold collaborations. We are deeply grateful to the city and our co-sponsoring universities for making this event possible,” she said.
The four-day conference features plenary sessions, parallel tracks, poster exhibitions, and networking events. The HKTB has provided extensive support, including venue coordination, bidding logistics, and strategic outreach.
Since its launch in 2020, the HKCA programme has grown to about 180 ambassadors, with 72 new members joining the 2025–2026 cohort. Their efforts have secured 27 international events from 2025 to 2027, significantly boosting Hong Kong’s global MICE profile across sectors such as innovation, medical sciences, and aviation.
