Welcome to the 21st International Symposium on ALS/MND, organized by the Motor Neurone Disease Association, UK in collaboration with the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. This year we return to the USA as our hosts at the ALS Association mark their 25th year in the fight against the disease.
The Symposium Programme Committee, chaired for the first time this year by Prof Wim Robberecht, has compiled a stimulating platform programme that includes ground breaking scientific topics and thought provoking clinical sessions. From opening plenary talks that cover new perspectives in our understanding of the disease and an examination of practice guidelines, the parallel scientific and clinical sessions go on to explore a range of pertinent themes including RNA biology, newly generated disease models, holistic care and care education and practice. A session on glial cell biology emphasizes the importance of ‘thinking outside the neuron’ whilst a surrogate markers session includes novel suggestions for measuring disease progression.
This year the committee has been pleased to reflect the quality and quantity of the poster presentations by including two poster sessions, allowing for more extensive discussion and hopefully encouraging some lively debate.