ELRIG announces keynote speakers for Cell and Gene Therapy 2026 in Cambridge

ELRIG (European Laboratory Research & Innovation Group) – a not-for-profit and volunteer-led organisation serving the global drug discovery community – has announced the keynote speakers for its new Cell and Gene Therapy 2026 conference. Dr Stephen Ward of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and Dr Annarita Miccio of the Imagine Institute will headline the inaugural two-day event, which takes place at Hinxton Hall in Cambridge from 9–10 March.  

The free-to-attend conference will bring together scientists, economists and patient advocates to explore scientific and translational advances driving the future of medicine. With a strong focus on patient impact, the programme will examine how breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy are moving from research into real-world healthcare. 

A forum for collaboration and translational impact 

Attendees of the event will get free access to feature talks and poster presentations covering a wide range of therapeutic areas, including: 

• Neurological disorders 

• Sensory diseases 

• Rare conditions 

• Cancer immunotherapy.  

An exhibition hall and structured networking sessions will provide opportunities for collaboration between academia, biotech, pharma and investors across the drug discovery ecosystem. 

Early career researchers will also be recognised through the Early Career Professional Poster Award, highlighting the contributions of the next generation of scientists working in the field. 

“ELRIG is committed to connecting the scientific community and accelerating innovation across all aspects of drug discovery,” said Dr Verena Brucklacher-Waldert, Board Member and Conference Director at ELRIG and Head of Research Operations at Laverock Therapeutics. “We’re delighted to be delivering this two-day event in direct response to our community’s needs, creating the space to explore breakthrough’s shaping the future of healthcare. Cell and Gene Therapy 2026 is not just a conference – it’s a catalyst for collaboration. By uniting experts and encouraging dialogue across disciplines, ELRIG is accelerating the journey from discovery to delivery for life-changing therapies.” 

Keynote speakers 

Dr Stephen Ward, Chief Technology Officer at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and Dr Annarita Miccio, Lab Director at the Imagine Institute and Senior Researcher at Inserm, who will serve as keynote speakers at ELRIG’s Cell and Gene Therapy 2026 conference in Cambridge.

Day one: Dr Stephen Ward 

On the first day of the conference, Dr Stephen Ward will present his keynote titled: “Is the Coming of Age of Advanced Therapies Now Within Our Grasp or Ephemeral Hope?” 

Dr Ward has more than 20 years of experience in cell and gene therapy across biological medicine research, development and manufacturing. Having spent over a decade at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, he has played a key role in building its process development and analytical capabilities, as well as leading major strategic programmes spanning manufacturing, supply chains, skills development and industrial growth. Appointed Chief Technology Officer in 2024, Dr Ward now oversees the organisation’s technology development strategy and serves as Vice Chair of the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership.  

 “We sit on the cusp of an exciting era that could offer patients game-changing treatment choices and reduce the healthcare burden for policy makers,” said Dr Ward. “I look forward to sharing examples of how the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is supporting the UK and the global sector through collaboration to tackle hurdles and enact real change at this foremost ELRIG conference.” 

Day two: Dr Annarita Miccio 

On day two, Dr Annarita Miccio will be presenting her keynote titled: “Successes and Challenges in Gene Therapy: The Example of Beta-Haemoglobinopathies” 

Dr Miccio is director of the Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development at the Imagine Institute in Paris. Her research focuses on transcriptional control of haematopoiesis and the development of therapies for beta haemoglobinopathies. She has optimised lentiviral vector design currently used in a clinical trial for sickle cell disease and developed CRISPR/Cas9 strategies for beta-haemoglobinopathies. An author of more than 70 publications and over 15 patents, Dr Miccio has led major European and national research projects and received multiple scientific awards.  

“It’s an honour to be invited to share our research into different genome editing strategies for safe and effective treatment of beta-haemoglobinopathies,” said Dr Miccio. “ELRIG provides a unique platform to engage with diverse audiences from across the drug discovery community and I very much look forward to discussing the successes and challenges in gene therapy with them at the conference.” 

Registration now open   

Cell and Gene Therapy 2026 is free to attend and open to researchers, industry professionals and students.   

Register now via the ELRIG website to secure your place at this unmissable event:  Cell & Gene Therapy 2026 – ELRIG