about the symposium
Geared towards research trainees and fellows, this half-day research symposium offers a unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements, trends, and challenges shaping the field of cellular therapy.
All trainees are encouraged to submit an abstract describing their original basic science or translational research in the field of cellular therapy. Several abstracts will be selected for oral presentation with others presented during the poster session.
event details
Date: September 24, 2026
Time: 12:00PM-5:00PM CST
Location: David Rubenstein Forum
Format: In-person
Registration: Free (Limited spots available)
Who Should Attend
Research Trainees
Fellows
Postdoctoral Researchers
Graduate Students
Early-Career Scientists
why should you attend?
Cutting-Edge Insights: Gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge research driving cellular therapy forward.
Oral/Poster Presentations: Showcase your own research and receive constructive feedback from peers and experts.
Interactive Sessions: Engage in interactive sessions including Q&A with leading researchers and clinicians.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and experts in the field to foster collaborations and exchange ideas.
Career Development: Learn about career opportunities and paths in cellular therapy research, and gain valuable advice from experienced professionals.
NEW THIS YEAR: TRAVEL GRANTS AVAILABLE
Outstanding abstract submissions may be selected for a Jonas Center Travel Grant to support attendance at the symposium. Awards are competitive and based on scientific merit. Apply by submitting your abstract by August 7, 2026.
Outstanding abstract submissions may be selected for a Jonas Center Travel Grant to support attendance at the symposium. Awards are competitive and based on scientific merit. Apply by submitting your abstract by August 7, 2026.
BEST ABSTRACT AWARDS
The Jonas Center Cellular Therapy Satellite Symposium is proud to recognize outstanding trainee research presentations at the 2026 symposium. Awards will be presented in two categories:
Best Oral Presentation — Awarded to the trainee whose oral abstract demonstrates the highest scientific merit, clarity of presentation, and significance to the field of cellular therapy.
Best Poster Presentation — Awarded to the trainee whose poster demonstrates the highest scientific merit, visual clarity, and impact of the research presented.
Awards will be judged by a panel of faculty and expert reviewers. All eligible presenters will be considered automatically — no separate application is required. Winners will be announced at the closing of the symposium on September 24, 2026.
To be eligible, submit your abstract by August 7, 2026 and register and attend in person.
registration
Registration for the Jonas Center Cellular
Therapy Satellite Symposium for Research
Trainees is now open. Secure your spot today to
be part of this dynamic event!
Abstract Guidelines and Submission
The deadline for abstract submission for the
Jonas Center Cellular Therapy Satellite
Symposium for Research Trainees is August 7, 2026.
EARLY BIRD ABSTRACT RAFFLE
Be among the first to submit and be rewarded for your initiative.
The first 20 individuals to submit a qualifying abstract for the 2026 Jonas Center Cellular Therapy Satellite Symposium will be automatically entered into a raffle for a $200 visa gift card, drawn at the symposium on September 24, 2026.
No additional application is required — early submission is your entry.
This incentive is our way of recognizing the trainees who lead from the front. The deadline for all abstract submissions is August 7, 2026, but why wait? Submit now and secure your spot among the first 20.
Winners will be announced at the symposium.
Be among the first to submit and be rewarded for your initiative.
The first 20 individuals to submit a qualifying abstract for the 2026 Jonas Center Cellular Therapy Satellite Symposium will be automatically entered into a raffle for a $200 visa gift card, drawn at the symposium on September 24, 2026.
No additional application is required — early submission is your entry.
This incentive is our way of recognizing the trainees who lead from the front. The deadline for all abstract submissions is August 7, 2026, but why wait? Submit now and secure your spot among the first 20.
Winners will be announced at the symposium.
2026 Satellite Symposium Agenda
Thursday, September 24, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 - 1:00PM | Registration and Lunch |
| 1:00 - 1:05PM | Welcome and Introductions |
| Oral Session 1: Molecular Determinants of T Cell Fitness | |
| 1:05 - 1:20PM | Targeting Il2ra to Improve CD8 CAR-T Cell Fitness in Solid Tumors Emma S. Hathaway University of Chicago |
| 1:20 - 1:35PM | Anti-Apoptotic BCL-2 Family Functions as Unique Immunoregulatory Nodes Governing CAR T Cell Fitness and Function Ryan Park University of Chicago |
| 1:35 - 1:50PM | Unselected Self-Reactivity in Neoantigen-Specific CD8 T Cell Clones Primes for Dysfunction and Impairs Immunotherapy Efficacy Derek J. Theisen Washington University School of Medicine |
| 1:50 - 2:10PM | Break |
| Oral Session 2: Engineering Next-Generation CAR-T Cells | |
| 2:10 - 2:25PM | Sequence Determinants of Durable CAR T Cell Function John Warrington Washington University School of Medicine |
| 2:25 - 2:40PM | Incorporating the MYC 5’-UTR Sequence Improves the Efficacy of CD19-Directed CAR T Cells Lishi Xie University of Chicago |
| 2:40 - 2:55PM | IL-18-Armed BCMA CAR-T Cells Overcome the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Multiple Myeloma Sandhya Rai Medical College of Wisconsin |
| 2:55 - 3:15PM | Break |
| Oral Session 3: Overcoming Resistance in Cellular Therapy | |
| 3:15 - 3:30PM | Extramedullary disease and CAR-T cell resistance in multiple myeloma Joshua Amosu Washington University in St. Louis |
| 3:30 - 3:45PM | An Implantable Black Phosphorus Scaffold Platform for Controlled In Vivo CAR-T Generation Against Multiple Myeloma Shijing Wang Medical College of Wisconsin |
| 3:45 - 4:00PM | PTPN1/2 Inhibition with AC484 Enhances CAR-T Cell and Bispecific Antibody Efficacy in Lymphoma Nicholas Zolnerowich University of Chicago |
| 4:00 - 4:05PM | Closing Remarks |
| 4:05 - 5:00PM | Poster Session with Cocktails & Light Appetizers |
contact us
For inquiries or assistance with registration, please contact:
Leslie Brizendine
Email: Leslie@meetingachievements.com
Office: 219.465.1115