ICAR 2024 Highlights

The 2024 International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR), hosted in London by Ataxia UK, NAF, FARA, and AGI, was the largest yet, drawing over 650 participants from 32 countries, including researchers, clinicians, industry, and patient groups. The event featured 350 research posters, 80+ talks, workshops on AI, imaging, and communication, as well as panel discussions with those affected by ataxia. Highlights included advances in gene therapies and new ways to measure ataxia progression. A trainee program offered mentoring, networking, and flash talks. ICAR 2024 was made possible thanks to the support of 14 pharmaceutical companies and two patient advocacy groups.

Download the 2024 Abstract Book

4.6 out of 5 stars conference rating

88% of survey respondents said that they found the conference 'extremely useful' or 'very useful' for advancing their work.

87% 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.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

Keynote Speaker:

Walter Koroshetz
Dr. Walter Koroshetz

Director

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Plenary sessions:

  • Advances in genetics and diagnostics
  • Cerebellar neurodevelopment and cognitive disorders
  • Emerging and existing therapeutics
  • Debate on controversial ataxia research topics
  • Hearing the voice of people affected by ataxia - Panel discussion

Parallel sessions:

  • Disease mechanisms
  • Cerebellar circuits and function
  • Cellular and Animal models
  • Biomarkers and clinical outcomes (I and II)
  • Imaging
  • Therapies - preclinical
  • Therapies - clinical

Workshops:

  • Genetic-based therapy and challenges
  • Towards preventative trials in ataxias
  • Imaging
  • Clinical grand rounds
  • Digital behavioral biomarkers
  • Novel models for cerebellar ataxias
  • A diagnostic approach to the ataxias

Scientific Steering Committee

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Massimo Pandolfo

McGill University, Canada - Chair

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Marek Napierala

UT Southwestern, USA - Co-Chair

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Esther Becker

University of Oxford, UK

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Alexandra Durr

Sorbonne University Paris, France & AGI

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Jennifer Faber

DZNE Bonn, Germany

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Anoopum Gupta

Massachusetts General Hospital, USA

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Marios Hadjivassiliou

Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital, UK

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Luis Pereira Almeida

University of Coimbra, Portugal

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Julie Greenfield

Ataxia UK, UK

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Elisabetta Soragni

FARA, USA

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Lauren Moore

NAF, USA

Scientific Steering Committee

headshot-1

Massimo Pandolfo

McGill University, Canada - Chair

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Marek Napierala

UT Southwestern, USA - Co-Chair

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Esther Becker

University of Oxford, UK

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Alexandra Durr

Sorbonne University Paris, France & AGI

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Jennifer Faber

DZNE Bonn, Germany

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Anoopum Gupta

Massachusetts General Hospital, USA

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Marios Hadjivassiliou

Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital, UK

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Luis Pereira Almeida

University of Coimbra, Portugal

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Julie Greenfield

Ataxia UK, UK

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Elisabetta Soragni

FARA, USA

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Lauren Moore

NAF, USA

Trainee Organizing Committee

1

Laurie Kerkhof

Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

2

Penina Ponger

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel

3

Alexa Putka

University of Michigan, USA

4

Thiago Rezende

University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil

5

Jussi-Pekka Tolonen

University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Finland

6

Magda Matos Santana

University of Coimbra, Portugal

Trainee Organizing Committee

1

Laurie Kerkhof

Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

2

Penina Ponger

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel

4

Thiago Rezende

University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil

3

Alexa Putka

University of Michigan, USA

5

Jussi-Pekka Tolonen

University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Finland

6

Magda Matos Santana

University of Coimbra, Portugal

2024 Abstract Book

12-15 November, 2024 Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge London, UK

Explore the latest ataxia research from ICAR 2024. The official Abstract Book features groundbreaking studies, clinical updates, and emerging therapies from leading scientists worldwide. Download your copy now to stay informed on the future of ataxia research.

Download the 2024 Abstract Book