2026 endMS Summer School

Welcome message from Hosts

Queen’s University and MS Clinic at Kingston Health Sciences Centre are pleased to invite trainees interested in MS research to the 2026 endMS Summer School in Kingston, Ontario from June 15-18, 2026.  This will be a unique learning and networking opportunity, bringing to the forefront the collaborative efforts needed across preclinical, clinical and community-based researchers to conquer MS.

Our theme for the 2026 Summer School will be The Diversity of MS Research: From Cells to Clinic to Community. We will explore the diverse ways that MS topics are studied by researchers from different disciplines and across the spectrum of MS research and care.  Our speakers, workshops, and small-group work will allow trainees to explore:

(1) an array of methods used to measure MS disease and its impacts,
(2) the importance and range of daily rhythms and their relationship with symptom severity, and
(3) the ways in which diverse backgrounds and life experiences of people with MS influence their health and health care use.

Attendees will take part in interactive discussions and hands-on sessions to learn about circadian rhythmicity of neuroinflammation, ecological momentary assessment in humans and mice, and the importance of patient engagement to advance all types of MS research.

Our Summer School program will celebrate the diversity of MS research both at Queen’s University and across Canada. Our speakers have expertise across preclinical, clinical, and community-based research and in working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary, distributed research teams. Trainees will gain insight into the value and importance of interdisciplinary collaboration needed to advance MS research and how different perspectives on a topic can move research in unexpected directions. Trainees will also have opportunities to interact with and learn from people with MS and discuss how these partnerships could move their own work in new directions. Time will also be devoted to professional development sessions and SPRINT presentations. Our professional development sessions will address career pathways, knowledge mobilization, and best practices in preparing lay summaries. 

We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful and historic Kingston, the “Limestone City” and Canada’s first capital!

Drs. Marcia Finlayson, Afolasade Fakolade and Nader Ghasemlou 
2026 endMS Summer School Co-Hosts

Welcome Message from the Director of the endMS National Training Program:

Welcome to the endMS National Training Program’s 18^th annual endMS Summer School!

The endMS National Training Program (NTP) is a component of the endMS Research and Training Network that aims to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to MS research, foster opportunities to conduct MS research in Canada and increase the intent amongst trainees to pursue MS research for the long term.

The NTP is grateful to receive funding from MS Canada. Funding that is essential to be able to offer high caliber training programs: the endMS Summer School and endMS Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training (SPRINT).

The annual endMS Summer School brings together as many as 40 trainees including graduate students, post-doctoral and clinical fellows from a variety of research backgrounds to learn about one central MS-related research theme which changes from year to year. To learn more about the annual Summer School click here

endMS SPRINT, a year long program for trainees who are ready to invest their time to enhance their knowledge and skills in MS research. SPRINT is pursued as a supplement to the research conducted by the trainees at their institutions. Through innovative initiatives offering networking, career development, mentorship and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, SPRINT has already fostered collaboration among emerging and experienced researchers and strengthened the research community nationwide. To learn more about SPRINT click here

This year, we are delighted that the endMS NTP’s 2026 endMS Summer School will take place at Queen's University in Kingston. 

The endMS NTP’s Scholar Program for Researchers in Training (SPRINT) will hold additional meetings in conjunction with the Summer School on Monday, June 15^th, 2026 for SPRINTers and their mentors. On Tuesday, June 16^th, 2026 the SPRINT graduating teams will present their yearlong interdisciplinary learning projects to Summer School attendees.

There are many people involved in the planning and implementation of the Summer School.  Our very special thanks and appreciation are extended to the hosts, the Summer School Planning Committee, presenters, mentors, coordinators, people living with MS, volunteers and all who have contributed to this year’s Summer School.

We are excited about the program and enthusiastic at the prospects of learning and working together with you to expand the community of trainee researchers who, over time, will become experts and leaders in the field of MS research and clinical practice.

See you soon in Kingston!

Dr. Christina Wolfson
Director, endMS National Training Program