26th Annual Packard Center ALS Research Symposium

Four Seasons, Baltimore
March 1-4, 2026

In-Person Registration is now CLOSED.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS NOW CLOSED

Please email Suzie Connelly (sconnel6@jh.edu) for additional information. You are welcome to attend virtually, email Suzie Connelly for further instructions. Thank you

Welcome to the 26th Annual Packard Center ALS Research Symposium


THIS IS A CLOSED, INVITATION-ONLY MEETING. IF YOU REGISTER WITHOUT AN INVITATION, YOU WILL BE REMOVED.

For the past 26 years, the Packard Center has grown from a handful of ALS researchers into a global force, a self-supporting entity that has propelled the understanding of ALS to unprecedented heights. The Packard Center has become synonymous with exceptional fundamental research and the convener of a global ALS research community. Through catalyst funding and collaboration, our journey has been marked by one relentless pursuit and fueled by the passion of those who refuse to accept the status quo. This symposium serves as a testament to our collective commitment to empowering the early-stage, foundational research needed to guide future therapies and biomarkers for people living with ALS.

Location: Four Seasons, Baltimore


The location of the Packard Center Symposium is the Four Seasons, Baltimore. This year, all attendees will be required to book their own hotel accommodations. Please use the Travel Information link for booking instructions and the link to the discounted conference rate.

Ignight: Where the Magic of Collaboration Meets the Power of Science 

Presented by: Answer ALS

Sunday, March 1, 2026
5:00pm - 7:00pm

Uniting philanthropy, industry, and research to accelerate the path to cures. Join thought leaders, industry partners, and philanthropists as they explore how collaboration, technology, and AI are transforming the future of ALS research. This discussion will reveal how cross-sector partnerships are fueling breakthroughs faster than ever and why sustained support is vital to keep momentum alive. Behind every scientific leap lies not only data and determination, but the quiet magic that happens when purpose and innovation align.

Keynote Address


Sergiu P. Pasca, MD, PhD
Stanford University School of Medicine

Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Bonnie Uytengsu and Family Director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program

SCHEDULED TO PRESENT


Steven Altschuler, PhDUniversity of California, San Francisco
Jimena Andersen, PhDEmory University School of Medicine
Jinsy Andrews, MD, MScNYU Grossman School of Medicine & NEALS Consortium
Adriano Aguzzi, PhDUniversity of Zurich
Sami Barmada, MD, PhDUniversity of Michigan
Michael Benatar, MD, PhDUniversity of Miami
Aaron Burberry, PhDCase Western University School of Medicine
Don Cleveland, PhDUniversity of California San Diego
Johnathan Cooper-Knock, MD, PhDUniversity of Sheffield
Sandrine Da Cruz, PhDKU Leuven - Leuven Brain Institute
Nicolas Fawzi, PhDBrown University
Pietro Fratta, PhDUniversity College London
Fen-Biao Gao, PhDUMass Chan Medical School
Monica Gorassini, PhDUniversity of Alberta
Lin Guo, PhDThomas Jefferson University
Aaron Haeusler, PhDThomas Jefferson University
Eran Hornstein, MD, PhDWeizmann Institute of Science
Jack Humphrey, PhDMt. Sinai School of Medicine
Julia Kaye, PhDGladstone Institute
Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne, MD, PhDMassachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School
John Landers, PhDUMass Chan Medical School
Albert LaSpada, MD, PhDUniversity of California, Irvine
Sabine Liebscher, PhDLudwig-Maximilians University Munich
Nicholas Maragakis, MDJohns Hopkins University
Jeroen Pasterkamp, PhDUMC Utrecht
Tulsi Patel, PhDRutgers University
Magdalini Polymenidou, PhDUniversity of Zurich
Alessandro Ori, PhDThe Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute
Jonathan Rohrer, PhDUniversity College London
Jeffrey D. Rothstein, MD, PhDJohns Hopkins University
Rita Sattler, PhDBarrow Neurological Institute
Chantelle Sephton, PhDCERVO Brain Research Center
James Shorter, PhDPerelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania
Shuying Sun, PhDJohns Hopkins University
Peter Tessier, PhDUniversity of Michigan
Dario Valenzano, PhDThe Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute
Ludo Van Den Bosch, PhDKU Leuven
Brian Wainger, MD, PhDHarvard Medical School
David Walt, PhDWyss Institute - Harvard University
Michael Ward, MD, PhDNational Institutes of Health
Phil Wong, PhDJohns Hopkins University
Lani Wu, PhDUniversity of California, San Francisco
Daniela Zarnescu, PhDPenn State University
Sai Zhang, PhDUniversity of Florida

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026

5:00pm - 7:00pm - Ignight: Where the Magic of Collaboration Meets the Power of Science  - Presented by Answer ALS
7:00pm-9:00pm - Welcome Reception/Poster Session I


MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026

7:45am - Breakfast
8:45am - 5:00pm - Presentations
9:00am - Keynote Address
12:55pm - Junior Investigators/Trainees Networking Lunch
5:15pm - Poster Blitz
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Reception/Poster Session II


TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026

7:30am - Breakfast
8:45am - 4:45pm - Presentations
12:35pm - Junior Investigators/Trainees Networking Lunch
12:35pm -ALS Organizations Collaboration Lunch (Invitation Only)
6:00pm - 10:00pm - Networking Dinner & Bowling


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - 1:00pm - Presentations
1:30pm - 3:00pm - Scientific Advisory Board (Advisors Only)

VIRTUAL COMPONENT


If you are unable to attend the Symposium in person, you may register to attend by Zoom. Only those invited/registered will be sent the Zoom link.  Anyone on the Zoom who is not pre-registered will be removed. Please choose the virtual option when you register to receive the Zoom link to the meeting. 

Junior Investigators/Trainees Networking Lunch

Gain valuable insights and explore collaboration opportunities with both academic and industry leaders in the field and connect with fellow researchers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, strategies, and best practices. Look for the signs on Monday and Tuesday.

Two Poster Sessions

Join us Sunday and Monday night for poster sessions. Five abstracts will be chosen for a three (3) minute presentation during our Poster Blitz segment on Monday afternoon.

Location

Hybrid event:

Four Seasons, Baltimore

200 International Drive

Baltimore, MD

United States, 21202

Dates

Registration period:

October 16, 2025 - 8:00 AM EDT - February 28, 2026 - 12:00 PM EST

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact sconnel6@jh.edu

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