Dear Stem Cell Specialty Section Members,
It is an honor to serve as President of the Stem Cell Specialty Section (SCSS) for the 2026–2027 term. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a community of scientists committed to advancing toxicology through innovative applications of stem cell models and approaches.
I would first like to thank our outgoing President, Dr. Xiugong Gao, for his leadership and dedication to SCSS over the past year. I would also like to recognize Dr. Anke Tukker, Dr. Rong Li, and Dr. Katherine Zychowski for their valuable contributions and service to the Specialty Section.
I am pleased to welcome our incoming leadership members: Dr. Nicole Sparks (Vice President-Elect), Dr. Shu Yang (Secretary/Treasurer), Dr. Julie In (Councilor), Dr. Hyunjin Kim (Postdoctoral Representative), and Nneamaka Iwobi (Graduate Student Representative). I look forward to working with them and our returning Executive Committee members as we build upon the strong foundation established by previous SCSS leadership.
As stem cell models and approaches continue to advance and expand their role in toxicology, SCSS is well positioned to foster scientific exchange, collaboration, and professional development across disciplines and career stages. This year, we will continue to create opportunities for members to connect and share their science through webinars, scientific programming, collaborations with other SOT groups, and activities supporting trainees and early-career scientists.
I encourage our members to help shape the direction of SCSS by sharing ideas, participating in our activities, and finding new ways to engage with our growing community. Thank you for your continued support of SCSS. I look forward to working with you over the coming year and hope to see many of you at the 2027 SOT Annual Meeting in San Antonio.
All the best,
Sebastian Medina, PhD
2026–2027 President, Stem Cell Specialty Section