We are delighted to welcome you to the 23rd Annual NEALS Meeting, a cornerstone event for NEALS that epitomizes the collaboration and innovation within the ALS research community. In keeping with our valued tradition, this year’s meeting will unveil scientific breakthroughs in ALS, provide updates on evolving clinical trials, showcase exceptional research contributions, enable in-person meetings for our interest groups, and deliver the latest NEALS training opportunities. This year’s agenda encompasses a wider range of topics than ever before, including the importance of public-private partnerships, biomarker and outcome development, community initiatives in ALS, and insights into how artificial intelligence will transform ALS research.

 

We extend a warm welcome to all participants from the ALS community, including researchers, clinicians, scientists, individuals with lived ALS experience, clinic staff members, and partners from government, industry, and foundations. Your diverse perspectives enrich our discussions and foster a broad exchange of ideas. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce a record-breaking 195 accepted abstracts this year, underscoring the community’s commitment to advancing ALS research.​

 

Each year, we aim to enhance the meeting experience over the prior year. Building on last year’s positive feedback, we are dedicated to improving both the in-person and virtual experience for our attendees.  Our upgraded virtual platform now offers a more interactive experience, enabling virtual participants to engage directly with abstract poster presenters. By uniting over 1000 virtual attendees, and a robust global audience, we can enrich our collective knowledge and strengthen the unity essential to driving ALS research forward.

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We invite you to fully engage with the program, beginning with the Opening Session that will feature updates from NEALS and information on ALS research partnerships. Key highlights of the meeting include a NEALS Affiliated Trial Session, an Industry Roundtable, and numerous networking opportunities. The Research Ambassador Panel will showcase how individuals impacted by ALS have used their experiences to advance ALS research. The Hot Topic Session will delve into ALS predictive models and their applications in clinical trials. Our Scientific Symposium, titled “AI is NOW: Bringing AI into ALS Research,” will focus on leveraging growing data sets from ALS patients to enhance understanding and accelerate disease outcome transformation. New this year is the "Stats Corner," which will cover essential preparations for meetings with statisticians, clarify important statistical terminology, and explore biomarkers like neurofilament in trial design. We have also added a session focused on advancements related to Brain-Computer Interfaces, a member spotlight focused on respiratory care for ALS, and important updates from NEALS Committees. The meeting will conclude with the Awards and Platform Abstracts Session, celebrating the achievements of those advancing ALS research.

 

Next year will mark NEALS’ 30th anniversary, and we are excited to announce a special bike ride to honor this occasion. Stay tuned for more details about this event. As we reflect on the past three decades, it’s important to recognize the invaluable partnerships that have driven advancements in ALS research. We extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers who participate in research studies, as their contributions are vital to our ongoing efforts to find effective treatments.

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We also want to take this opportunity to recognize the unwavering dedication of our members, the Executive Committee, the Scientific Advisory Board, the Patient Advisory Committee, the NEALS Information & Community Education (NICE) and Global Research and Outreach (GROW) Leadership Working Groups, the Abstract Selection Committee, and all NEALS Committees. Your efforts are essential to the success of the Annual Meeting, and your commitment to NEALS drives our collective progress. And finally, we want to acknowledge the tireless and effective work done by our NEALS Executive Operations Team: Carly Allen, Beverly Smits, Christina Smith and our valued Community Engagement Consultant, Allison Bulat. Through their leadership, the NEALS organization continues to evolve and explore new significant paths. Together, we are shaping the future of ALS research!​​

 

With sincere appreciation,​​

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