Registration and abstract submission to open March 2026!
The Scientific Steering Committee for the 2026 International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR), to be held November 10-13, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA is inviting expressions of interest for members of the Trainee Organizing Committee (TOC).
Hosted by the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), Ataxia Global Initiative (AGI), and Ataxia UK, ICAR will cover aspects of cerebellar function, neurodegeneration, and treatment of ataxias, and provide ample opportunities to network, as well as interact with ataxia patients and families.
2026 ICAR Venue
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
2026 Event - Important Dates
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Registration and Abstract Submission to open in March 2026
Scientific Steering Committee
Marek Napierala, PhD
UT Southwestern, USA – Chair
Vikram Shakkottai, MD, PhD
UT Southwestern, USA - Co-Chair
Bernard Brais, MD, PhD
McGill University, Canada
Sanjay Bidichandani, PhD
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA
Gulin Oz, PhD
University of Minnesota, USA
Hélène Puccio, PhD
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France
Matthis Synofzik, MD, PhD
University Tübingen, Germany
Bart van de Warrenburg, MD, PhD
Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Julie Greenfield, PhD
Ataxia UK, UK
Lauren Moore, PhD
NAF, USA
Elisabetta Soragni, PhD
FARA, USA
International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR)
2024 Conference Recap
Ataxia UK, National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and Ataxia Global Initiative (AGI) partnered to host the International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR) 2024 which took place in London from 12th - 15th November 2024. This was the biggest ICAR yet, with 600 in-person attendees and 50 online attendees, from 32 countries, including researchers, clinicians, representatives from the pharmaceutical industry and patient organisation representatives. The congress brought together researchers from the ataxia field to share knowledge through talks, workshops, debates and poster presentations. Around 350 scientific research posters were presented, and over 80 talks were given.
ICAR 2024 included sessions on disease mechanisms, models of the ataxias, and preclinical and clinical research, showcasing many innovations in the field of ataxias, from gene therapies to new measures of ataxia progression. Workshops covered topics including imaging, AI tools for research and patient communications. There was also a panel discussion with people affected by ataxia, and an interactive debate session on controversial ataxia research topics.
The full program organized by our Scientific Steering Committee is available to view here.
The 2024 Abstract Book is available to view here.
A program for junior/trainee researchers was organized by a Trainee Organizing Committee, which included career mentoring sessions, networking opportunities and flash talks.
We are grateful to the 14 pharmaceutical companies and two patient advocacy organisations whose sponsorship made ICAR 2024 possible.
To receive updates about ICAR 2026, you may sign up to the mailing lists of Ataxia UK, NAF, FARA or AGI. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact: jamie.dean@curefa.org
4.6 out of 5 stars conference rating
of survey respondents said that they found the conference 'extremely useful' or 'very useful' for advancing their work.
of respondents said that they think it is 'very likely' or 'likely' that the new contacts they made at the conference will enhance their work.
Partnerships
Our Partners
The International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR) is made possible through collaboration with leading organizations dedicated to advancing ataxia research and improving the lives of those affected. Together, we are driving innovation, fostering global connections, and accelerating progress toward treatments and cures.
We are proud to partner with organizations that share our vision for a world without ataxia.
Interested in becoming a 2026 Sponsor?
Learn more about ICAR sponsorships.