Cliona Rooney and Bambi Grilley Are Advancing Cell and Gene Therapy Through Leadership and Mentorship

Cliona Rooney, PhD and Bambi Grilley, RPh, CIP, CCRC/CCRP, RAC have been recognized by the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy with two major honors that highlight their impact on the field.

Cliona Rooney has received ISCT’s 2026 Darwin J. Prockop Mentoring Award. The award recognizes an individual who has shown a deep commitment to mentorship and has helped shape the careers of the next generation of leaders in the field.

Dr. Rooney is being recognized for more than 40 years of mentorship, during which she has guided over 140 trainees and helped cultivate future experts in cell and gene therapy. Her thoughtful leadership and dedication to developing others have left a lasting mark on the field.

Bambi Grilley has been elected president elect of ISCT. She will serve in this role from 2026 to 2028 and will serve as president from 2028 to 2030. 

In this position, Grilley will help guide the organization’s strategy and global mission. Her leadership will support continued progress in translating cell and gene therapies into real treatments for patients. Her election reflects both her expertise and her dedication to improving care for children with cancer and serious blood disorders.

Please join us in congratulating these leaders on their exceptional achievements.

The ISCT is focused on advancing cell and gene therapies from research to real-world treatments. It brings together experts across science, medicine, and industry to promote collaboration, set standards, and improve patient access to innovative care.