President’s Message: Our Past as Prologue to Progress
With the United States marking its 250th anniversary this month, I find myself reflecting on this incredible milestone and, similarly, the history of ASTCT and the field we represent. While our Society’s history is more recent than the U.S.’s, it too has a deep story of growth and adaption.
We began in 1993 as a small, focused community under the banner of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, at a time when bone marrow transplantation itself was still emerging. Our membership was largely composed of physicians, and our mission centered on advancing this promising—but complex—therapy.
In the decades since, both our Society and our science have transformed.
Today, ASTCT represents a multidisciplinary and international community that includes not only physicians, but also nurses, pharmacists, advanced practice providers, scientists, administrators and many others who make cellular therapy possible. Our field has advanced far beyond its early roots in bone marrow transplantation to encompass diverse stem cell sources, CAR T-cell therapy, gene therapy, and a growing portfolio of novel immune effector cells—from NK cells to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
Equally important has been the evolution of our field’s research. What was once a practice defined by pioneering clinical procedures is now underpinned by a robust scientific foundation—spanning basic science discovery, translational research, and clinical innovation. This progress has enabled us and our expert colleagues to bring forward therapies that both extend life and offer new hope to patients facing previously incurable conditions.
ASTCT’s mission has expanded in step with these scientific advances. We have strengthened our voice in advocacy—working to improve patient access to transplantation and cellular therapies, and to ensure that the policies shaping our healthcare system support innovation and equity. Initiatives such as our annual Hill Day exemplify this commitment.
Education also remains a cornerstone of ASTCT’s mission, reflected in the meetings and courses we offer throughout the year, designed to equip our community with the knowledge needed to deliver the highest quality care and create groundbreaking research.
With this history in mind, I hope you save the date for a few of ASTCT’s cornerstone educational offerings, registration opening this month. These include the Clinical Education Conference, the Gene Therapy Summit, and the Toxicities Conference. Each of these meetings reflects the depth and breadth of our field today—bringing together clinicians, investigators, and care teams committed to advancing hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
In addition, we have launched a new educational event focused on the evolving role of transplantation and cellular therapies in the management of immunological disorders. This new meeting highlights our commitment to expanding collaboration opportunities across disciplines to advance research and patient care. Save the date for Oct. 1-2, 2026, in Aurora, CO.
As we reflect on where we have been, we are reminded that our past provides a foundation that is imperative. The challenges we face today—from expanding access to navigating new therapies—support our mission and vision to continue pushing the field forward.
Our history anchors us. Our present inspires us. And our shared commitment will lead us toward a future where more patients benefit from the life-saving potential of transplantation and cellular therapy.
I look forward to connecting with many of you at our upcoming meetings and continuing this important work together.