This Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) provides a roadmap for implementing cell-based medicine in Europe within the next decade. It is the combined vision of more than 100 institutions and medical centres, 80 companies and is supported by patient organisations as well as prestigious European scientific societies and research funding organisations. The SRA recommends significant investment in research and infrastructure programmes to address key clinical challenges and drive the transition to cell-based and patient-centred European healthcare. Implementing the proposed Science and Technology Roadmap will enable earlier detection and effective therapeutic treatment of diseases to improve the quality of life of European citizens, stimulate the European economy and ensure Europe as a leader in the cell-based interceptive medicine of the future.