23 Apr 2026
1. Symposium Objectives
The objective of this symposium is to establish a premier academic exchange platform for the global cell and gene therapy community. By fostering cross-sector collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, we aim to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge basic research into clinical applications and provide innovative solutions for major diseases.
2. Symposium Theme
Cell and Gene Therapy: Cutting-edge Technologies, Clinical Translation and Industrial Collaboration
3. Participants
- Global experts, scholars and postgraduates in cell and gene therapy, oncology, immunology, pharmacology and related fields
- Representatives from enterprises engaged in cell therapy and gene drug R&D and production
- Representatives from government departments, research institutions and academic organizations
4. Symposium Time & Venue
Time: May 21 (full day) - May 22 (morning), 1.5 days
Venue: Life Science Building, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Hybrid format: On-site main venue + Global live stream)
5. Organization Structure
Host Institutions: Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, University of Liverpool
Organizing Institution: XJTLU-UoL Joint Research Center for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy
Co-organizing Institution: Suzhou Industrial Park Biotech Development Co., Ltd., Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Suzhou Industrial Park Branch
6. Symposium Agenda
10:45 – 11:00Tea break
| Time | Session | Content |
| Day 0 (Wednesday) May 20, 2026 | ||
| 14:00 - 18:00 | Registration | On-site: Badge pickup and material collection Online: Distribution of live stream access links |
| Day 1 (Thursday) May 21, 2026 | ||
| 09:00 - 09:30 | Opening Ceremony | Welcome address: SMT from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University SMT from University of Liverpool Program Overview by the Director of the Organizing Institution. |
| Theme: Emerging Immunotherapies and Precision Modalities in Cancer Treatment | ||
| 09:30 - 12:15 Morning Session |
09:30 – 10:15 (Keynote) |
Prof. Ann Ager (Cardiff University): Armoring T-Cells with L-selectin in Cellular Therapies |
| 10:15 – 10:45 | Prof. Huaiyu Wang (Xi'an Jiaotong Univ.): Research Progress of CAR-NK Cell Therapy in Hematological Malignancies | |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Prof. Fangfang Yin (Duke Univ.): Optimization and Quality Control of Precision Radiotherapy | |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Prof. Joseph Slupsky (UoL): Proximity Ligand AssaY for Rna (PLAYR): measure RNA expression at single cell resolution. | |
| 12:00 - 13:30 | Lunch & Networking | |
| Theme: From Discovery Platforms to Translation and Commercialization in Cell and Gene Therapy | ||
| 13:30 - 17:00 Afternoon Session |
13:30 – 14:00 |
Prof. Huiyu Wang (Yangtze delta region institute of Tsinghua University (1st): Metabolic-epigenetic rewiring of driven by MCT4-mediated lactate export contributes to resistance to PD-1 blockade in NSCLC |
| 14:00 – 14:30 |
Dr. Suihui Li (Guangzhou Univ. of Traditional Chinese Medicine): Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment Complications | |
| 14:30 – 15:00 |
Student: Renrong Tao (Meng Lee’s group; XJTLU): Rearming “TIMPs”: Precision Proteinase Inhibitors to Disarm Tumours and Turbocharge CAR‑T Penetration | |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Tea break | |
| 15:15 – 15:45 |
Dr. Richard Liqun Wang (Neukio Biotherapeutics): Developing Next Generation Cell Therapy via iPSC-CAR-NK and iPSC-CAR-T Approaches | |
| 15:45 – 16:15 | Dr. Xiulian Sun (Ubrigene): Commercialization of Cell and Gene Therapy in China and Worldwide | |
| 16:15 – 16:45 | Dr Matt Wells (UoL): CAR-T clinical trials in Liverpool | |
| 16:45 – 17:15 | Student: Danae Jessel (UoL): Immunotherapy in Cholangiocarcinoma | |
| 17:15 - 18:00 | Panel Discussion Moderator: Dr. Meng Huee Lee (XJTLU) |
Topic: Overcoming Clinical Translation Bottlenecks through Academia–Industry Partnerships Panelists: Keynote speakers and academic/industrial representatives |
| 18:30-20:00 | Gala Dinner | In-person event for distinguished guests and speakers |
| Day 2 (Friday) May 22, 2026 | ||
| Theme: Challenges and Opportunities for Cell and Gene Therapies in China and Worldwide | ||
| 09:00 - 11:30 | 9:00 – 09:30 | Dr. Vera Knauper (Cardiff Univ.): Hitting the Right Targets: Cell Surface Molecules for Precision Cell and Gene Therapy |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Dr. Wenjing Luo (Xi'an Jiaotong Univ.): Mechanisms and Clinical Translational Research of CAR-T Combination Therapy for B-cell Lymphoma | |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Dr. Jinyuan Ho (AoP, XJTLU): Challenges of C&G Therapy in China and Elsewhere | |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Student: Yajunzi Wang (Xin Liu’s group; XJTLU): Bioinformatics Insights Driving the Future of Cell and Gene Therapy | |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Prof. Chris Goldring (UoL): Safety issues with C> | |
| 11:30 - 12:15 Roundtable Forum | Moderator: Prof. Huaiyu Wang (Xi'an Jiaotong Univ.) |
Topic: Strategic Directions and Collaborative Models for Future Cell and Gene Therapy Development Panelists: Keynote speakers and academic committee members |
| 12:15 - 12:30 | Closing Ceremony | Reflections, Outcomes, and Future Collaborations in Cell and Gene Therapy |
Agenda updated on 17 April 2026. Final agenda subject to on-site confirmation.
7. Symposium Registration
There is no registration fee for this symposium, while meals, accommodation, and transportation expenses shall be borne by the participants themselves.
Due to limited seating, please register as early as possible via the official QR code. Submit all required information and obtain your attendance voucher, which will be used for check-in (May 20, 14:00–18:00) and collection of conference materials.
Registration QR code
8. Contact Information
For inquiries or registration assistance, please contact:
Ms. He Tel: 0512-88161320 Email: Zhuomei.He@xjtlu.edu.cn
23 Apr 2026