Elsa Abranches holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biotechnology, from the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal. Elsa has over 20 years of experience in stem cell biotechnology, standardization and Advanced Therapies regulation areas, ranging from applied research through to manufacturing and regulatory compliance of stem cell-derived products. She has held roles at AstraZeneca and at the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). She has also contributed to numerous collaborative projects with academia, industry and regulatory bodies and has served on several national and international committees supporting regulatory compliance in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). Currently, Elsa is Chief Scientific Officer at ViSync Technologies and the regional treasurer of the European Committee of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT).