About the Fragile X Syndrome Symposium
The Fragile X Syndrome Symposium brings together leading researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experience from Canada and the United States to advance understanding and collaboration in Fragile X Syndrome research and care.
This two-day symposium will focus on current research findings, clinical practices and real-world experiences, with an emphasis on translating research into meaningful outcomes for individuals and families affected by Fragile X Syndrome.
Through expert presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants will have the opportunity to share knowledge, build partnerships and explore future directions in Fragile X Syndrome research, treatment and advocacy.
Who Should Attend
This symposium is designed for:
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Researchers and scientists specializing in Fragile X syndrome and related conditions
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Clinicians and healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis, treatment and support
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Trainees and early-career professionals in medical and research fields
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Advocates, community leaders and policy stakeholders
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Individuals and family members with lived experience of Fragile X Syndrome
Participants will include representatives from academic institutions, healthcare organizations, research networks and advocacy groups from across Canada and the United States.
Why Attend
By attending, you will:
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Learn about the latest advances in Fragile X Syndrome research and clinical care
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Connect with national and international experts
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Share insights and lived experiences
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Contribute to shaping future research and care initiatives
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Build meaningful professional and community relationships
Program Overview
Join us for a focused and forward-thinking symposium bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, and advocates to advance understanding, research, and care in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS).
DAY 1- MARCH 29
|
Time |
Session Theme |
Speaker(s) |
|
10:30 |
Check in, Light Breakfast & Networking |
|
|
11:00 |
Welcome Remarks |
Naomi Azrieli Emily Osterweil, Mira Puri |
|
11:15 |
Introduction to Fragile X Canada |
Karen Kelm |
|
11:40 |
Q&A |
|
|
11:50 |
Keynote: Fragile X: The Next Big Thing |
Mike Tranfaglia |
|
12:40 |
Q&A |
|
|
12:50 |
Lunch Break |
|
|
14:00 |
Fragile X Care Pathways: Views from Boston Children’s Hospital and Canada |
Francois Bolduc & Evdokia Anagnostou |
|
Jonathan Picker & Lisa Prock |
||
|
14:50 |
Person and Family-Centred Approaches to Care |
Sara Mitchell & Sarah Levitt |
|
15:10 |
Panel discussion with Q&A |
Francois Bolduc, Evdokia Anagnostou, Jonathan Picker, Lisa Prock, Sara Mitchell, Sarah Levitt |
|
15:30 |
Coffee Break |
|
|
15:45 |
Genetics and Precision Medicine: research to healthcare |
Maya Chopra, Jennifer Crosbie, Evdokia Anagnostou |
|
16:30 |
Q&A |
|
|
16:45 |
Panel Discussion- Family Perspectives on Fragile X Syndrome over the Lifespan |
Karen Kelm, Mike Tranfaglia, Naomi Azrieli, Lisa Prock, Sarah Lippe |
|
17:15-18:30 |
Networking reception |
|
DAY 2- MARCH 30
|
Time |
Session Theme |
Speaker(s) |
|
8:00 |
Breakfast |
|
|
9:00 |
Day 2 Welcome |
Emily Osterweil, Mira Puri |
|
9:15 |
Basic Science (FMRP biology, genome biology) (20-minute talks) |
Ryan Yuen Jeannie Lee Wayne Sossin |
|
10:15 |
Q&A/Discussion |
|
|
10:30 |
Coffee Break |
|
|
10:45 |
Neurobiology/FXS models 20min talks |
Karun Singh Emily Osterweil Jonathan Lipton |
|
11:45 |
Q&A/Discussion |
|
|
12:00 |
Lunch Break |
|
|
13:15 |
Brain and other novel Biomarkers (20-minute talks) |
Jeff Gavornik Sara Kornfeld-Sylla Sarah Lippe |
|
1415 |
Q&A/Discussion |
|
|
14:30 |
Clinical Trials for FXS 15min talks (15-minute talks) |
Francois Bolduc & Sarah Lippe (Metformin) |
|
Eric Escobar & Stuart Cain, Bowens Fx Therapeutics (TAT-FMRP) |
||
|
Sravan Jaggumantri, Mirum Pharmaceuticals (PDE4D inhibitor) |
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|
Paul Wang (Arbaclofen) |
||
|
13:30 |
Q&A/Discussion |
|
|
16:00 |
General Discussion/Wrap-up |
Karen Kelm, Emily Osterweil, Mike Tranfaglai, Mira, Naomi Azrieli |
|
16:30 |
End Day 2 |
|
Subject to Change.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Emily Osterweil I Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, HJWRSZ Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital
- Evdokia Anagnostou I Vice President of Research and Director, Bloorview Research Institute; Child Neurologist
- François Bolduc I Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry – Pediatrics Department, University of Alberta; Stollery Children’s Hospital
- Jeannie Lee I Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
- Jeff Gavornik I Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston University
- Jennifer Crosbie I Clinical Psychologist & Health Clinician Scientist, Department of Psychiatry; Susan J. Bradley Health Clinician Scientist, SickKids Research Institute
- Karen Kelm I President, Fragile X Canada
- Karun Singh I Senior Scientist, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network; Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University
- Lisa Prock I Associate Chief, Division of Developmental Medicine; Director, Developmental Medicine Center, Boston Children’s Hospital; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
- Maya Chopra I Attending Physician, Division of Genetics & Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital; Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
- Michael Tranfaglia I Medical Director, Chief Scientific Officer & Co-founder, FRAXA Research Foundation
- Paul Wang I Senior Scientific Director, SFARI Pharmaceutical and Biotech Relations, Simons Foundation
- Ryan Yuen I Senior Scientist, Genetics & Genome Biology, SickKids; Associate Professor, Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto
- Sara Kornfeld-Sylla I FRAXA Postdoctoral Fellow, Picower Institue of Learning and Memory. MIT.
- Sara Mitchell I Director, Brain Medicine Program, University of Toronto; Deputy Chief, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Sarah Lippe I Psychology Department, University of Montreal; Director, Neuroscience of Early Development Lab (NED)
- Wayne Sossin I Professor, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery; Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University
Accomodations
If you are looking to book accommodations, a room block is available at the Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto) by clicking here.
You may also call the hotel directly, toll-free at 1-800-CHELSEA (243-5732) or 416-595-1975. They must identify themselves as part of the “Azrieli Foundation room block ” or use Res ID: AZR032826
Presented by the Azrieli Foundation
The Azrieli Foundation has grown to become the largest non-corporate public foundation in Canada, dedicated to strengthening communities and improving people’s lives through strategic and impactful giving in education, research, healthcare and the arts, across Canada and Israel.
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