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Fragile X Syndrome Symposium

March 29–30, 2026

Registrations are closed

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:

  • Researchers and scientists specializing in Fragile X syndrome and related conditions

  • Clinicians and healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis, treatment and support

  • Trainees and early-career professionals in medical and research fields

  • Advocates, community leaders and policy stakeholders

  • 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:

  • Learn about the latest advances in Fragile X Syndrome research and clinical care

  • Connect with national and international experts

  • Share insights and lived experiences

  • Contribute to shaping future research and care initiatives

  • 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)

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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Details

Start: March 29, 2026
End: March 30, 2026
The Azrieli Foundation

SickKids Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Bay Street, Toronto, ON, Canada

Bay Street 686
M5G 0A4 Toronto ON
Canada