As more than 5,000 delegates gathered in Florence for the 51st Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), one thing was clear: the future of cell therapy is being shaped by smarter systems, deeper collaboration, and greater resilience. For Biovault, exhibiting at EBMT for the first time, it was a powerful experience — not just as participants, but as active contributors to a fast-evolving field.
A Future Built on Flexibility
This year was Biovault Technical’s exhibitor debut and we were delighted by the high level of interest in our stand, particularly in contingency services that offer essential flexibility in the face of clinical and logistical uncertainty. From CAR-T storage to more tailored solutions, such as PBSC processing contracts or independent audits, visitors were keen to understand how Biovault is helping ensure continuity in complex therapeutic pathways.
This enthusiasm echoed a wider shift at EBMT 2025: a growing recognition that infrastructure and adaptability are just as vital as innovation in treatment.
JACIE Formalised: A Signal for Standardisation
One of the clearest markers of long-term direction came with the announcement that the JACIE Working Party has been formally established as part of EBMT’s core structure. This move toward permanent integration signals an institutional commitment to quality and consistency, especially in the rapidly growing areas of ATMPs and novel therapies.
We were delighted to see Lynn Manson named inaugural Chair – and to connect with fellow JACIE inspectors during the week, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing standards.
Ben Charles, Biovuault’s Managing Director and a JACIE Inspector
The Quality Conversation is Maturing
EBMT 2025 reinforced that quality management is no longer a side conversation; it's central to the future of cell and gene therapy. Highlights from the Quality track included:
Anna Sargent on Standardisation for Unpredictability
Nick Van Sinderen addressing the Inspection Burden in the ATMP Context
A rich update on the 9th Edition JACIE Standards, led by Charles Crawley and colleagues
These discussions showed a maturing approach to compliance, risk, and readiness — areas where Biovault continues to offer proven support through our systems and accreditation experience.
Biovault’s Managing Director and Technical Manager, Ben Charles and Michael Bardetti-Nixon
CAR-T and Cord Blood: Expanding Roles
The future of cell therapy is multi-faceted. While CAR-T featured heavily across multiple sessions, pointing to continuing clinical growth, we were also inspired by thought-provoking conversations around the role of cord blood. We were happy to see Eurocord and the Cord Blood Association at the meeting, and especially appreciated Dr. Elizabeth Shpall’s talk on the use of cord blood in manufacturing cellular therapies.
The inclusion of both CAR-T and cord blood in key sessions speaks to a future where diversity of source materials and processing methods will be critical to scaling and personalising treatment.
Connection Still Drives Progress
From scientific sessions to opera and vino at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the human side of EBMT remains just as important. With 945 attendees at the networking event and nearly 1,000 at the Welcome Reception, the buzz around collaboration was palpable. For us, as first-time exhibitors, the warmth of the EBMT community was genuinely moving. We’re especially grateful for the support and curiosity shown by delegates from across Europe and beyond.
Looking Ahead
EBMT 2025 didn’t just reflect where we are — it revealed where we’re going. With greater focus on quality systems, contingency strategies, and therapeutic diversity, the future of cell therapy is one of preparation as much as innovation.
As Biovault expands its support for both established and emerging therapies, we look forward to continuing conversations that began in Florence and playing our part in building a more resilient and responsive cell therapy ecosystem.