International Heidelberg Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer

12th International Heidelberg Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer

September 14-16, 2025
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany

About the Event

The SCC international symposium focuses on latest highlights concerning the malignant transformation of stem cells in the blood and other organs, as well as new findings concerning the epigenetic regulation of healthy and diseased stem cells.

Venue

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
69120 Heidelberg

Organizers

Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology
and Experimental Medicine
HI-STEM gGmbH

Department of Internal Medicine V
University Hospital Heidelberg
and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)

Registration and abstract submission

We award prizes to the three best posters and short talks

About the "International Heidelberg Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer"

September 14-16, 2025
September 14-16, 2025

12th International Heidelberg Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer - SCC 2025

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg
September 11-12, 2023
September 11-12, 2023

11th International Heidelberg Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer - SCC 2023

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg
September 16-19, 2018
September 16-19, 2018

10th InternatIonal Heinrich F.C. Behr-Symposium

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg

Our Topics for 2025

We are proud to be able to present an outstanding and amazing international speaker panel featuring 2 keynote lectures, 22 invited lectures, 5 short talks 20 lightning talks, and last but not least over 60 poster presentations. During the 2.5 days of the conference all major areas covering the interplay between stem cell biology and cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance in leukemias and solid tumors will be discussed. The speakers will present unpublished data sparking discussions towards novel concepts and innovative strategies to target leukemic and solid cancer stem cells and translate discoveries from bench to bedside. More than 300 participants from over 20 countries corroborate the outstanding reputation of this international symposium.

Besides the oral presentations during the conference, the social interactions are another important hub to discuss the latest data and develop novel hypotheses with colleagues and peers. In particular, we want to foster intensive interactions between students, young scientists, and principal investigators on emerging areas in stem cell biology. Therefore, we are happy to invite you to participate in the welcome reception on Sunday evening as well as the poster sessions on Monday and Tuesday.

With this, we would like to wish you an interesting and stimulating conference and of course, an enjoyable and memorable stay in Heidelberg.

Cancer Stem Cells

Understanding the role of stem-like cells in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance.

Developmental Biology and Cancer

Comparing normal developmental processes with oncogenic transformation and tumor heterogeneity.

Emerging Technologies and Translational Applications

Novel tools (e.g., organoids, CRISPR, AI) and their use in stem cell and cancer research.

Epigenetics and Gene Regulation in Stem Cells and Cancer

Investigating how epigenetic modifications drive stem cell plasticity and cancer evolution.

Immunology and Stem Cell-Cancer Interactions

The interplay between cancer stem cells, immune evasion, and immunotherapy approaches.

Metabolism in Stem Cells and Tumors

Metabolic reprogramming in stem cells and cancer cells as a therapeutic target.

Regenerative Medicine and Cancer

Harnessing stem cells for tissue repair while avoiding oncogenic risks.

Single-Cell Technologies in Stem Cell and Cancer Research

Advances in single-cell genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to dissect cellular heterogeneity.

Stem Cell Niches and Tumor Microenvironment

Exploring how the cellular and molecular environment influences stem cell behavior and cancer development.

Therapy Resistance and Relapse Mechanisms

How cancer stem cells evade treatment and strategies to overcome resistance.

News & Updates

Speakers for 2025

Get inspired by the best and brightest minds in Stem Cell & Cancer research at the International Symposium in Heidelberg.

Keynote Lecturers

The Rockefeller University

New York, USA

Speaker

HI-STEM gGmbH & DKFZ

Heidelberg, Germany

The Ohio State University

Columbus, USA

University Hospital Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany

University of California

San Diego, USA

Université Libre de Bruxelles

Brussels, Belgium

Genentech

San Francisco, USA

Baylor College of Medicine Houston

Houston, USA

HI-STEM gGmbH & DKFZ

Heidelberg, Germany

University of Oxford

Oxford, England

HI-STEM gGmbH & DKFZ

Heidelberg, Germany

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, USA

Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)

Barcelona, Spain

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA

Boston, USA

Registration and abstract submission

We award prizes to the three best posters and short talks

Five short stories about stem cells and cancer

10th International Heinrich F.C. Behr-Symposium on Stem Cells and Cancer Organizer: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); HI-STEM, University Hospital Heidelberg.

Interviews with Salvador Aznar-Benitah, Margaret Goodell, Benjamin L. Ebert, Carsten Müller-Tidow, Andreas Trumpp

Become a Sponsor for 2025

Make your company the highlight of our congress!

Our sponsorship packages offer the perfect platform to showcase your company at its best:

Gold Package

Exclusive speaking opportunity and maximum visibility

Silver Package

Prominent presentation with an attractive exhibitor stand

Bronze Package

Effective presence focused on the essentials

Basic Package

Visibility in selected media and distribution of promotional materials
Become a sponsor and showcase your expertise at the congress!

Travel Fellowship

We will support 4 exceptional Junior Researchers with € 500,- Travel Fellowships