International Society for Stem Cell Research Appoints New Global Leadership Following 2026 Board Elections

The ISSCR names Dr. Malin Parmar as Vice President and elects new board members to lead global stem cell research and clinical translation efforts in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 6:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

A Strategic Shift in Global Stem Cell Governance

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has unveiled a new leadership cohort following its 2026 elections, marking a significant evolution in the organization's efforts to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical impact. The newly elected officials bring a diverse array of expertise spanning translational science, emerging technologies, and global policy. These leaders are tasked with steering the society through a pivotal era where the responsible advancement of stem cell science is increasingly critical to public health. According to society representatives, this leadership group is well positioned to guide the field as clinical progress accelerates worldwide.

Advancing Regenerative Therapy in Cellular Neuroscience

Malin Parmar, Ph.D., from Lund University in Sweden, has been elected as the society’s vice president. As a recognized authority in cellular neuroscience, Dr. Parmar’s research is primarily focused on the development of regenerative therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Her role will involve strengthening global collaborations and ensuring that clinical translations are both evidence-based and ethically sound. Dr. Parmar’s appointment comes at a time when the research community faces new responsibilities regarding the application of emerging biotechnologies to human health, requiring a commitment to scientific excellence at the highest level.

Integrating Engineering and Synthetic Biology

Joining the Board of Directors is Jianping Fu, Ph.D., a researcher from the University of Michigan who operates at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Dr. Fu’s work emphasizes the use of bioengineering to create advanced tissue models and stem cell-based systems. By applying next-generation tools such as mechanobiology and data-driven synthetic biology, he aims to accelerate the discovery phase of stem cell research. His presence on the board is expected to foster deeper interdisciplinary collaboration, a key strategic goal for the ISSCR as it seeks to modernize the technological framework of the field.