Prof. Jennifer Elisseeff PhD

• Morton Goldberg Professor of Ophthalmology @John Hopkins University 

• Director @Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, John Hopkins University and Wilmer Eye Institute

• Fellow of National Academy of Inventors and Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum

Dr. Jennifer Elisseeff is an internationally recognized leader in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Her groundbreaking research has significantly influenced how biomaterials are used to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Initially focusing on biomaterials for stem cell studies and regenerative applications in orthopedics, ophthalmology, and reconstructive surgery, her clinical findings highlighted the pivotal role of the immune system in tissue healing. This discovery drove a paradigm shift in her work towards regenerative immunology, where she explores how biomaterials can direct immune responses to enhance tissue repair.

Her recent research investigates the stromal and immune environments of healing versus non-healing wounds and tumors. By studying systemic and environmental factors—such as aging, senescence, sex differences, and the microbiome—her team is uncovering critical insights into tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Her innovative approaches include applying biomaterials to model and manipulate tissue environments, offering promising directions for addressing complex medical challenges.

Beyond her research, Dr. Elisseeff is deeply committed to translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications. She has founded multiple companies focused on advancing biomaterial technologies and serves on numerous advisory boards. Her efforts to bridge science, medicine, and industry have positioned her as a pioneer in the field, with a profound impact on both research and clinical practice.

Prof. Hideyuki Okano MD PhD

• Distinguished Professor  @Keio University

• Director of Regenerative Medicine Research Center @Keio University

Professor Hideyuki Okano is a leading figure in neuroscience and regenerative medicine. He earned his M.D. (1983) and Ph.D. in Medical Science (1988) from Keio University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has held professorships at Tsukuba University (1994) and Osaka University (1997) and returned to Keio University in 2001, where he served as Dean of the School and Graduate School of Medicine (2007–2021). In 2022, he was appointed Visiting Professor at MIT.

Currently, he is the Director and Distinguished Professor of Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, focusing on stem cell therapies for spinal cord injuries and iPSC-based disease modeling and drug discovery for ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. His work has paved the way for groundbreaking clinical applications in regenerative medicine.

Among his numerous accolades are the Medal with Purple Ribbon (2009), the Erwin von Bälz Prize (2014), and the Uehara Prize (2022). As President of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine and President-Elect of the ISSCR, Professor Okano is shaping the future of stem cell research.

Dr. Ilona Reischl PhD

• Chair of Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) @European Medicines Agency (EMA)

• Quality Assessor, Clinical Trials Unit @Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices (AGES MEA)

Dr. Ilona Reischl, PhD, is a prominent regulatory expert in clinical trials, biologics, and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). She serves as the Chair of the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) at the European Medicines Agency (EMA), a role that highlights her leadership in shaping regulatory frameworks for innovative therapies. Since 2006, Dr. Reischl has also been a Quality Assessor in the Clinical Trials Unit at the Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (AGES MEA), where she plays a key role in assessing and overseeing the safety and efficacy of medicinal products in clinical development.

Her work is at the forefront of bridging regulatory and scientific efforts to facilitate the development and approval of cutting-edge therapies. Dr. Reischl’s expertise extends to the interface of medicinal products and medical devices, ensuring seamless integration of novel technologies like in vitro diagnostics throughout the lifecycle of medicines.

Dr. Ahmad Jabir Rahyussalim MD PhD

• Orthopeadic Spine Surgeon @ Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia

• Chairman @Indonesian Stem Cell Association (ASPI)

• Chairman @Indonesian Orthopaedic Mechano Biology Society (IOMBS) and Indonesian Orthopaedic Association (IOA)

Dr. Rahyussalim, MD, PhD, is a distinguished Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. A highly accomplished academic, he has earned his medical degree, specialization in Orthopedics and Traumatology, and PhD in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.

Dr. Rahyussalim currently serves as the Manager of Research and Community Service at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. He is also the Chairman of the Indonesian Stem Cell Association (ASPI) and the Indonesian Orthopaedic Mechano Biology Society (IOMBS) under the Indonesian Orthopaedic Association (IOA).

With a research focus on orthopedic spine, implants, and stem cell therapies, Dr. Rahyussalim has secured over IDR 10 billion in grants. His prolific contributions include 115 international publications (89 indexed by Scopus, 46 by PubMed), 6 copyrights, 4 draft patents, and 4 medical books. He actively engages with the wider community through social media articles and has spoken at more than 131 national and international conferences and symposiums.