ESGCT 2025 | Spanish Society for Gene & Cell Therapy
At #ESGCT in Seville, the Spanish Society for Gene & Cell Therapy showcased their work and dedication to advancing the field. Gonzalo Garcia-Aguilera and Sergi Verdés highlighted exciting research on AAVs for ALS, children’s health, and more. Their passion for science reflects the energy present throughout ESGCT. As they put it, a career in life sciences requires love for the work, because in the end, it is always worth it.
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Aaron: Check, check. All right, so when we're talking, you guys can look at me; you don't have to look at the camera. I'll just hold the mic like this, okay? And what’s everybody’s name?
Sergi: I’m Sergi.
Gonzalo: And I'm Gonzalo.
Aaron: Sergi and Gonzalo, okay. Hello everybody, we're here at ESGCT and today I am at the Spanish Society of Gene and Cell Therapy with two new friends. I have Sergi and Gonzalo. Sergi, you're studying AAV?
Sergi: Yeah.
Aaron: And you're in your doctoral program now?
Sergi: I'm actually a junior postdoc.
Aaron: A junior postdoc, okay. And Gonzalo, you're studying cell therapy?
Gonzalo: Yes, I work with TILs, which are tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. I'm a PhD student in my second year.
Aaron: You guys both shared with me a few minutes ago that you brought some research to the show this year. Sergi, what is your research on? You had a talk yesterday?
Sergi: I had a talk yesterday about AAVs for ALS—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We’re testing a new neuroprotective protein for this disease.
Aaron: That’s really important, excellent. And how about yourself, Gonzalo?
Gonzalo: I work with TILs as well. I have a poster about how we can improve TIL therapies for pediatric tumors in children.
Aaron: That’s excellent too. What made you both want to get into life sciences? What was the big spark that made you want to pursue your career? It’s a big question, I know.
Sergi: I think in my case, I always liked science and I thought that maybe that way I could get closer to patients or feel like I was doing something meaningful for society. It might just be a small step, but if I could contribute to that, I would be happy to help.
Aaron: Very fulfilling. And how about you, Gonzalo?
Gonzalo: In my case, it’s the same. In high school, I always loved biology and relating it to cells. During my studies, we focused more on immunology, so I think I landed in the perfect field working with TILs. As Sergi said, the goal is to improve these therapies and try to solve these problems. If I can contribute with one single step, I’m happy with that.
Aaron: Just like Sergi! Have you been to ESGCT before?
Sergi: I think this is my fifth year.
Gonzalo: It’s totally different for me because this is my first year.
Aaron: Your first year! So, why do you think people should come to ESGCT?
Sergi: For me, one of the most important things is all the networking. You get to meet a lot of collaborators that maybe you don’t see in your daily life, but you get to catch up with them and have meetings. Also, we have a lot of activities specifically for young researchers; you get to meet them, keep updated, and see how everything is going with their research and their lives. The human or social part is the most important, but you also get a lot of breakthroughs in the talks that are really important for the people working in the field.
Aaron: I absolutely agree. I’d assume it’s a very accessible and embracing community. For those here in Spain, it’s pretty important to join a society like yours to continue these discussions throughout the year. Would you agree?
Gonzalo: Yeah, I think so. In Spain, we can share our knowledge to improve our own research in our country. But also, at a Congress like this, we share our discoveries with others to improve the network between countries and build boundaries with the younger researchers. Since I’m new to this Congress, I’ve discovered a lot of people here and I’m doing a lot of networking. I’m very happy being here.
Aaron: It’s very important to come to these shows to network. Now, when you think about the science you're seeing, is there anything particularly exciting to both of you at this year's ESGCT?
Gonzalo: Well, as I said, I'm interested in how to improve CAR T-cell therapy. Specifically, how we can knock out some genes to improve T-cell functions. I’m very interested in that and will implement it in my work field.
Sergi: There are still many talks ahead, but I work in the CNS (central nervous system) field. Yesterday there were really nice talks from Beth Stevens and Professor Pietro Fratta, who works in ALS. Since that is my field, it was a really great talk and I was specifically expecting it.
Aaron: That’s awesome. Seeing these people in person and getting the last updates on their work is a great reason to come. Any advice you would have for folks interested in joining the life sciences industry?
Gonzalo: I think the most important thing is that you have passion for your topic and for science. You should go ahead. It’s a hard way, it’s true, but it’s very rewarding.
Sergi: It’s a hard path, but it’s worth it in the end.
Aaron: It’s worth it! So if you’re sweating right now over all the exams you need to take or the things you have to study, just follow your passion. Even a small difference is still making a difference. I'm very excited to meet you both. If you are still here at ESGCT, we’d love for you to stop by and check out the Spanish Society of Gene and Cell Therapy booth. Is there anything else coming up in Spain that you want to promote?
Sergi: Yeah, we will have a workshop in Bilbao, which will be about AAV and non-viral delivery vectors for gene editing. Anyone who is interested in that field can come to our booth and discuss it.
Aaron: And that one is in Bilbao in September?
Sergi: Yes.
Aaron: That sounds really cool. Again, thank you very much; it was a pleasure to meet you both. Have a great show!
Sergi & Gonzalo: Thank you! Bye everybody.