KARACHI: In a national first, the Aga Khan University hosted the Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Conference 2026 (RSC-2026) in Karachi, bringing together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, regulators and industry representatives to discuss recent advances in stem cell research, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with a focus on Pakistan and comparable health care settings.
The conference highlighted the growing global importance of regenerative medicine and stem cell science in reshaping the understanding and treatment of disease, particularly in the context of rising non-communicable diseases and persistent health system constraints in countries like Pakistan. Participants examined how emerging scientific developments could be responsibly adapted to local needs and realities.
Speaking at the conference, Syed Ather Enam, Conference Chair and Director of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at AKU, said regenerative medicine represents a shift from managing disease to restoring function. He noted that the conference aimed to place Pakistan within the global scientific conversation while remaining grounded in local health care challenges, with a focus on building knowledge, capacity and collaboration for patient benefit.
RSC-2026 featured scientific sessions, panel discussions and focused deliberations covering a range of topics, including RNA-based gene transfer, stem cell-derived exosomes, regeneration of damaged heart tissue, glaucoma care, liver fibrosis and Alzheimer’s disease modelling. Discussions underscored the importance of strong scientific standards, ethical responsibility and robust regulatory oversight, particularly in resource-limited environments.
Participants emphasized that sustainable progress in regenerative medicine requires integrated systems, interdisciplinary collaboration and alignment between scientific research, regulation and clinical needs. Capacity building was identified as a critical element for long-term impact.
The conference was preceded by hands-on capacity-building workshops designed to introduce participants to foundational concepts and laboratory approaches in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, with the objective of strengthening local expertise and developing a skilled scientific workforce in Pakistan.
