Schedule of Events*

JANUARY 25 | DAY 1: SCIENCE, TRANSLATION, INDUSTRY, CLINICAL TRIALS
Day 1 focuses on the early stages of the GCT pipeline. From scientific discovery through manufacturing and translational readiness before therapies enter human trials. The day begins broadly with the scientific and strategic foundations of GCT development before splitting into specialized streams for gene therapy and cell therapy.
TimeSession
8:00 – 8:45 amBreakfast & Networking
8:45 – 9:00 amOpening Remarks
9:00 – 9:30 amOpening Keynote: Élie Haddad, MD, PhD,  Professor of Pediatrics and of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal;  Head of the Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology Division, Director of Innovative Therapies, CHU Sainte-Justine
9:30 – 10:45 amScientific Discovery Session
10:45 – 11:05 amCoffee Break
11:05 – 12:00 pmLightning Rounds:  Manufacturing Landscape/ Supply chain 
12:00 – 12:35 pmLightning Rounds: Industry Session
12:35 – 1:35 pmLunch & Industry Booth Session
DAY 1: BREAKOUT SESSIONS
 Track A: In vivo Gene TherapyTrack B: Gene-modified cell therapy
1:35 – 2:45 pmTranslational SessionTranslational Session
2:45 – 3:00 pmCoffee Break
3:00 – 4:05 pmPreclinical Readiness: Gene TherapyPreclinical Readiness: Cell Therapy
4:05 – 4:50 pmPoster Presentations & Oral Abstracts
5:00 – 7:00 pmCocktail & Networking Reception & Poster Sessions

JANUARY 26 | DAY 2: SCIENCE, INDUSTRY, CANADIAN ECOSYSTEM
Day 2 focuses on moving GCTs from clinical implementation to sustainable patient access by exploring clinical trial readiness, real-world implementation, regulatory pathways, commercialization, reimbursement, and future national coordination strategies across the Canadian gene and cell therapy ecosystem.
TimeSession
8:00 – 8:45 amBreakfast & Networking
8:45 – 9:15 amBreakfast Keynote: Steven J. Gray, PhD, Helen J and Robert S Strauss Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
9:15 – 9:45 amDay 1 Recap
International Keynote: R. Jude Samulski, Ph.D., Alumni Distinguished Professor and Honorary Edward T. Samulski Professor of Medicine, and member of the National Academy of Inventors, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
9:45 – 10:30 amClinical Trial Readiness for Gene & Cell Therapies
10:30 – 10:45 amCoffee Break
DAY 2: BREAKOUT SESSIONS
 Track A: Gene TherapyTrack B: Gene-modified cell therapy
10:45 – 12:15 pmClinical Case Studies: Gene TherapyClinical Case Studies: Cell Therapy
12:15 – 1:15 pmAsk a Colleague: Lunch Networking Session
1:15 – 1:30 pmTrainee awards
1:30 – 2:15 pmRegulatory pathways
2:15 – 2:30 pmCoffee Break
2:30 – 3:30 pmIndustry Access & Commercialization Panel
3:30 – 4:30 pmNational Opportunities & Gaps Discussions
4:30 – 5:00 pmClosing Remarks & Next Steps

*subject to change