American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 20th Annual Meeting - 4.0 Project Summary/Abstract
The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) was founded in 1996. ASGCT's
mission is to advance knowledge, awareness, and education leading to the discovery and
clinical application of genetic and cellular therapies to alleviate human disease. Our Annual
Meeting represents the major educational initiative of the Society. This R13 proposal requests
support for travel grants and underrepresented minority travel awards for trainees. Almost 30%
of our members are scientists in training working to develop clinically applicable gene and cell-
based technologies. Trainee participation in the Annual Meeting is fostered by a distinctive
educational program, numerous trainee travel awards, a robust mentoring program, and
recognition of outstanding scientific accomplishments through peer-reviewed trainee Excellence
in Research Awards. Over the past 13 years, the ASGCT has offered 962 travel awards, 4
underrepresented minority travel awards, and 86 Research Awards, with 240 travel grants made
possible by R13 grant awards totaling $120,000 from the NIH during that same time.
Educational opportunities for travel awardees include exceptional plenary speakers, state-of-
the-art scientific symposia, and educational sessions that review current thinking on a variety of
topics. In addition to leading scientists and clinicians, the program includes ethicists and
representatives from the FDA and NIH so young scientists may gain insight into the compliance
and ethical issues related to human gene therapy and cell therapy. Trainees are active
presenters in oral abstract and poster presentations and are often among the top abstracts
recognized at the Presidential Symposium. The size of the ASGCT meeting (approximately
2,400 participants) is ideally suited to expose young scientists to leaders in the field, yet provide
opportunities for trainees to present their work at the premier meeting in the field of gene and
cell therapy. NIH support for the ASGCT Annual Meeting will allow continued educational and
professional advancement of trainees in the field of cell and gene therapy in addition to the
unique opportunity to network with leaders in the field.