Stem Cells and the Century’s Major Medical Challenges: Cancer, Diabetes and Neurodegenerative Diseases

October 22, 2026 | Private Faculty of Medicine of Marrakesh, Private University of Marrakesh (UPM), Morocco

Organized by the Moroccan Society for Regenerative Therapies (MSRT) in collaboration with the Private University of Marrakesh (UPM), the second edition of Stem Cell Awareness Day will bring together researchers, clinicians, academics, students, and healthcare professionals to explore the latest advances in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

About the Symposium

The 21st century faces major medical challenges, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite significant progress in biomedical research, these conditions continue to raise complex scientific and clinical questions, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Stem cell research is opening new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms, developing advanced disease models, supporting drug discovery, and exploring regenerative therapies. Its applications are contributing to new perspectives in oncology, diabetes research, neuroscience, and precision medicine.

Following the inaugural edition in 2025, which focused on induced pluripotent stem cells in Morocco, Stem Cell Awareness Day 2026 will broaden the scientific discussion to examine how stem cell research can contribute to addressing some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time.

Scientific Objectives

The symposium aims to:

• Explore recent advances in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

• Discuss emerging therapeutic strategies for cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Examine current scientific, clinical, ethical, and regulatory challenges.

• Highlight developments in cell-based therapies and precision medicine.

• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals.

• Contribute to strengthening scientific expertise and advancing stem cell research in Morocco.

Scientific Programme

The morning programme will feature opening remarks, expert presentations, scientific discussions, and recommendations.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration and Welcome

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Opening Remarks

• President of the Private University of Marrakesh

• Dean of the Private Faculty of Medicine of Marrakesh

• President of the MSRT

• Symposium Chair

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Scientific Session

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Stem Cells Reimagined: From Regeneration to Precision Therapeutics
Prof. Massimo Dominici — University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exert Neurotrophic Effects in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Prof. Salvador Martínez Pérez — Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche / Instituto de Neurociencias, Spain

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Cancer: From Biological Ambivalence to Therapeutic Engineering
Prof. Makram Merimi — Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
EU Regulatory Requirements to Successfully Guide a Cell Therapy Product to the Market
Dr. Elhem Sbaa — Senior Global Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Brussels, Belgium

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Discussion and Recommendations

1:00 PM | Closing of the Symposium

Meet the Speakers

The symposium will welcome distinguished experts in medical oncology, neuroscience, molecular biology, immunotherapy, cell therapy, and regulatory affairs.

• Prof. Massimo Dominici — Professor of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

• Prof. Salvador Martínez Pérez — Professor of Anatomy, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, and Group Leader at the Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Spain.

• Prof. Makram Merimi — Professor of Molecular Biology, Oncogenetics and Immunotherapy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco.

• Dr. Elhem Sbaa — Senior Global Regulatory Affairs Consultant, InovReg, Brussels, Belgium.

Advancing Regenerative Medicine Through Collaboration

Through this scientific initiative, UPM and MSRT reaffirm their commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, specialized training, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

By bringing together national and international expertise, Stem Cell Awareness Day aims to strengthen the dialogue between fundamental research and clinical practice, while contributing to the development of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in Morocco.

Event Information

Event: Stem Cell Awareness Day 2026 — 2nd Edition
Theme: Stem Cells and the Century’s Major Medical Challenges: Cancer, Diabetes and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Date: October 22, 2026
Venue: Private Faculty of Medicine of Marrakesh, Private University of Marrakesh (UPM), Marrakesh, Morocco
Organizers: Moroccan Society for Regenerative Therapies (MSRT) and Private University of Marrakesh (UPM)

Register Now

Join researchers, clinicians, academics, and healthcare professionals for a day of scientific exchange and collaboration dedicated to the future of stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Complete the registration form to confirm your participation.

Download the brochure