14th Biennial Meeting
Join us at the 14th Biennial Australasian Gene and Cell Therapy Societies Meeting
The AGCTS Biennial Meeting brings together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and policy-makers from across Australasia and around the world to share the latest advances in gene and cell therapy, foster collaboration, and chart the future of the field.
Key Dates
- Abstract submissions open1st July 2026
- Abstract and Award submissions close31st August 2026
- Early-bird registration closes30th September 2026
- Conference dates11-13 November 2026
Invited Speakers
World-leading researchers and clinicians shaping the future of gene and cell therapy.
Program
Three days of plenary sessions, workshops and networking. Full program coming soon.
10th November 2026
- Evening
Pre conference social night
Join us for light drinks and food, plus a local trivia night for anyone who wants to stick around and warm up their brains before the AGCTS conference begins. While open to all, this event is a great opportunity for students, early and mid career researchers, or anyone attending an AGCTS conference for the first time to meet new people and ease into the week before the main sessions begin.
11th November 2026
Theme 1
- 09.00am
Start of day 1
- Evening
The DynoTx Welcome Drinks
12th November 2026
Theme 2
- 09:00am
Start of Day 2
- Evening
The Conference Dinner
13th November 2026
- 09:00am
Start of Day 3
- 05:00pm
End of Meeting
Meeting Awards
AGCTS offers a range of awards to recognise excellence at the biennial meeting. Only current Australasian Gene and Cell Therapy Society (AGCTS) members are eligible for the following travel and conference awards. The awardee/s will be selected from the pool of applicants by the Executive Committee of the AGCTS, based on their submitted abstract fulfilling the criteria of scientific quality, innovation, and relevance to gene therapy. Prizes will only be awarded to applicants filling the above criteria, as determined by the judging panel. The prizes on offer each year are subject to change at the discretion of the AGCTS Executive Committee.
Panos Ioannou New Investigator Award
AUD $2000
Who can apply
PhD candidates and Postdoctoral fellows within 6 years of PhD graduation who are presenting an abstract and hold current AGCTS membership are eligible to apply.
This named New Investigator Award was established in 2005 to celebrate the life, commitment and passion of Professor Panos Ioannou (1951-2005). Panos was a founding member of the AGCTS who dedicated his career to developing novel therapies for thalassaemia and other inherited diseases. Up to 6 finalist are selected from submitted abstracts to present in the Panos Ioannou New Investigator Award session. The award is then announced at the biennial AGCTS Conference after each presentation has been assessed by a panel of judges. Prize to be used for travel support to attend a Gene and Cell Therapy Conference in the 2 years after the award. Hint: You can use it to attend the next AGCTS meeting.
AGCTS Travel Award-All Members
AUD $1000
Who can apply
Individuals who submit an abstract for the meeting, register as an AGCTS attendee and are in good financial standing as a new or renewed member of the AGCTS, will be eligible.
One award of $1000 for a travelling AGCTS member at any career stage. The recipient will be invited to present their research as an oral communication at the meeting.
AGCTS Travel Award- ECR and Student
AUD $1000
Who can apply
Individuals who submit an abstract for the meeting, register as an AGCTS attendee and are in good financial standing as a new or renewed member of the AGCTS, will be eligible.
One award of $1000 for a travelling student/Early Career Researcher (ECR) AGCTS member. The recipient will be invited to present their research as an oral communication at the meeting. NOTE: An ECR is defined as someone whose conferral date is less than six (6) years from the last day of the conference.
Other Meeting Awards
Other awards will be decided and presented at the biennial meeting, for example, Best Student Poster, Best ECR Poster, Best ECR presentation and are subject to change at the discretion of the AGCTS Executive.
Submit Your Abstract
We invite researchers, clinicians and students to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations at the AGCTS Biennial Meeting.
Abstracts may cover any area of gene and cell therapy, from fundamental discovery through translational research, clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory science and policy. Accepted authors will be notified ahead of the conference, with selected abstracts considered for poster or oral presentations.
You will be asked to submit your abstract during registration; this is a requirement if you wish to apply for travel awards or for selection in the Panos Ioannou New Investigator session. Abstracts can also be submitted after registration up to the deadline of 31 August 2026 via email agctscommittee@gmail.com.
Registration Pricing
Full Membership is just $350 for two years. Becoming a member before registering for the meeting will save you AUD $100.
Standard — Early bird
Member
AUD $700
Non-member
AUD $1,150
You Save
AUD $450Standard
Member
AUD $850
Non-member
AUD $1,300
You Save
AUD $450Student — Early bird
Member
AUD $550
Non-member
AUD $850
You Save
AUD $300Student
Member
AUD $650
Non-member
AUD $950
You Save
AUD $300
All prices in AUD. No GST charged.
Recommended Accommodation
The following hotels are within walking distance of the venue. We have no affiliations with these venues and are only suggestions.
Our Sponsors
AGCTS gratefully acknowledges the organisations that make this conference possible.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Standard Exhibitor Booth Sponser
Venue
Melbourne Connect
700 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia
Powered by The University of Melbourne in partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease, Melbourne Connect represents a physical and programmatic convergence of many organisations and interdisciplinary institutions seeking to leverage research and emerging technologies to disrupt and transform our society.
Bringing together world-class researchers, government, industry, SMEs, startups, higher-degree students, artists, and Science Gallery Melbourne, Melbourne Connect is a purpose-built innovation precinct right in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical precinct.
Code of Conduct, registration terms, and other meeting materials.