Conference Description
The Myelin GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Myelinating glial cells exhibit a range of roles and interactions essential for healthy nervous system development and lifelong function. Reflecting their significance, disruptions to these cells are increasingly evident in various nervous system conditions, from neurodevelopmental disorders to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Our understanding of myelinating glia and their interactions is rapidly evolving. Since the last Myelin GRC in 2024, we have gained significant insights. For example, myelinating glia close critical periods of functional plasticity during circuit formation. Oligodendrocyte lineage cells respond to neuronal activity by enhancing myelination, which can also be detrimental, promoting addiction and cancer cell integration into circuits. Promising clinical trials are underway, based on extensive research into peripheral and central myelin diseases. Additionally, myelinating cells are increasingly found to be involved in more diseases than previously known, with ongoing research likely to lead to new treatment strategies. Cutting-edge research is yielding conceptual, mechanistic, and translational insights, and the 2026 Myelin GRC will provide a platform for the community to share their latest findings. We will: 1) convene an international meeting of academic, clinical, and industry scientists studying myelinating glial cells in health and disease; 2) discuss exciting new developments by selecting presenters to share unpublished data, with many presentation slots reserved for talks selected from abstracts; 3) promote collaborative interactions to accelerate conceptual discovery and therapeutic advances; 4) offer attendees from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to present their work, engage with other scientists, and foster collaboration among participants. This GRC will be held alongside the "Myelin" Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). Those interested in both events must apply for the GRS and submit an application for the GRC. Refer to the associated GRS program page for more information.
The conference will consist of nine sessions, on the topics listed below. The conference chair is currently developing their preliminary program, which will include the names of the invited speakers and discussion leaders for each of these sessions. The preliminary program will be available by August 27, 2025. Please check back for updates.
