Packard Center’s 25th Annual ALS Research Symposium Unites Brightest Minds in ALS Research

This three-day event served as a key forum for sharing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration.

The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research recently held its milestone 25th Annual ALS Research Symposium in Baltimore, bringing together nearly 450 researchers, including 150 virtual participants. This prestigious three-day event served as a key forum for sharing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration among the leading minds in the ALS community. Click here to watch a video recap of the 25^th Annual ALS Research Symposium.

Keynote Address Highlights Microglia Research

Dr. Beth Stevens from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School delivered the symposium’s compelling keynote address. Her presentation, “Connecting microglia states to function in neurodegenerative disease,” offered valuable insight into the role of these specialized brain cells in ALS and related conditions.

Hope Takes Center Stage

The theme of this year’s symposium—hope—resonated throughout the proceedings. Dr. Richard Bedlack, distinguished clinician and researcher at Duke University, joined Cassandra Haddad, a nurse practitioner at Temple University and SOD1 gene carrier, in setting an inspiring tone for the meeting. Haddad, who works with End the Legacy, a patient-led organization dedicated to serving the Genetic ALS & FTD community, emphasized the critical importance of hope when working with those living with ALS. Together, their remarks speakers laid a powerful foundation for the scientific discussions that followed.

Cutting-Edge Research Approaches

The symposium featured numerous presentations highlighting the growing importance of computational approaches in ALS research. Several talks showcased sophisticated analysis of large datasets and innovative machine learning techniques that are accelerating our molecular understanding of the disease. Throughout the proceedings, participants demonstrated a powerful and unifying commitment to the collective mission of improving the lives of those affected by ALS.

Two evening poster sessions showcased 60 research posters, with five outstanding projects selected for special five-minute “poster blitz” presentations during the symposium’s general session.

Fostering the Next Generation

A networking lunch on the second day provided valuable opportunities for trainees to engage in small group discussions with featured hosts. These discussions included senior investigators, nonprofit leaders, and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, creating meaningful connections that will help advance ALS research for years to come.

The 25th Annual ALS Research Symposium reflects the Packard Center’s ongoing commitment to accelerating research through collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives from across the scientific community to tackle the complexities of ALS and work toward effective treatments.

Thank you to our symposium sponsors:

• Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America
• The Berardino Family, In memory of William Gray Smith, Sr.
• Biogen
• GRIP/Gates Ventures
• Leal Therapeutics
• Ionis
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• QurAlis
• Answer ALS
• Novartis