Organizer Description: Stem cells are the building blocks during development and are essential for tissue maintenance throughout life. However, cells with stem cell properties can also serve as cells of origin for tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. In addition, tumors arising from both stem cell and non-stem cell origins can hijack molecular pathways of stem cell self-renewal, genomic maintenance and metabolic control to enable their deregulated growth. Thus, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate proper stem cell function and tissue homeostasis under normal conditions directly informs understanding of how cancer starts and spreads throughout the body. Conversely, knowledge of the mutations and environmental signals that can trigger and maintain tumor cell renewal can suggest novel avenues to boost stem cell function and facilitate organogenesis and repair through regenerative medicine. This conference will provide a platform for scientists and clinicians working on topics such as organogenesis, tumorigenesis, stem cell function, regenerative medicine, and anti-cancer therapies to catalyze collaboration and cross-fertilize ideas.