ALS EnCouRage Canada is a national gathering that supports early career researchers (ECRs) in ALS. The program offers skill-building sessions, interactive workshops, and opportunities to learn from leading scientists, clinicians, and industry experts. ALS EnCouRage Canada also brings researchers together with people living with and affected by ALS, creating space for conversation and shared learning. The event is designed to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and build a supportive community that will help advance ALS research across Canada.

Inspiration: ALS EnCouRage Canada is inspired by MND EnCouRage UK, a similar event delivered by the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in the United Kingdom. Our event adapts the model for the Canadian context while maintaining the spirit of mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement.

Dates: April 24–25, 2026
Location: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, Etobicoke, ON

Purpose & Benefits

ALS EnCouRage Canada is an application-based program. Selected participants do not pay a registration fee, and ALS Canada will cover travel and accommodation costs to attend. The goal is to build a strong, national network of early career researchers poised to advance ALS Research in Canada.

The event aims to:

  • Strengthen research skills and career development opportunities.
  • Foster networking and collaboration across ALS research teams in Canada.
  • Support engagement between researchers and individuals living with or affected by ALS.
  • Provide a platform for emerging researchers to showcase their work.

Participants will also have the opportunity to:

  • Gain exposure to a broad spectrum of ALS research across Canada.
  • Receive mentorship and guidance from established researchers and clinicians.
  • Engage directly with the ALS community to understand research priorities and lived experience.
  • Build a professional network that supports collaboration, career development, and scientific impact.

Eligibility & Application Process

Eligibity:

Applicants must:

  • Be engaged in ALS or ALS-related research at a Canadian institution (fundamental, translational, or clinical).
  • Identify as an early career researcher: MSc student, PhD student, or postdoctoral researcher within the first five years of their research career.
  • Be able to provide a 3-minute lay level talk on their work.
  • Be available to fully participate in all program activities on both days.

 

Application Process

To apply, candidates should complete the ALS EnCouRage Canada Application Form.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026

 

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected by the ALS Canada Research Team based on multiple considerations, including:

  • Alignment and relevance of research to ALS.
  • Career stage and development needs.
  • Diversity in geography, gender, research focus, and institutional representation.
  • Overall fit with the goals of EnCouRage Canada.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance via email.

Program Highlights

While the full agenda is under development, participants can expect:

  • Lightning Talks: Short presentations where each participant shares their research in accessible language.
  • Interactive Workshops: Skill-building sessions led by senior researchers and industry experts.
  • Panels and Discussions: Opportunities to engage with the ALS community, explore career paths, discuss emerging trends in ALS research, and gain insights from people living with or affected by ALS.
  • Networking: Formal and informal sessions to connect with peers, mentors, leaders in the field, and members of the ALS community.

The detailed agenda will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Airport Shuttle

The Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre offers a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). There is no airport shuttle from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).

Hotel Pickup

Pickups at approximately 00:25 and 00:55 of every hour between 5:44 am until 11:25 pm.

Airport Pickup

  • Terminal 1: Post F3
    • Pickups at approximately 00:20 and 00:50 of every hour.
  • Terminal 3: Post 41
    • Pickups at approximately 00:15 and 00:45 of every hour.

The shuttle has the Sheraton logo as well as the Crowne Plaza logo on the side and front of the bus.

Please call the hotel at 416-675-6100 if the shuttle is more than 10 minutes late past the pickup time.

Parking

For ALS EnCouRage Canada attendees, ALS Canada will cover the cost of parking for the duration of the event.

To ensure your parking is validated, please refer to the instructions below:

  • Attendees staying at the Sheraton may register their car at Front Desk upon check-in.
  • Attendees not staying at the Sheraton need to register their car at the event by scanning a QR code and following the registration prompts.

Please be sure to register your vehicle when you arrive so that your parking fees are fully covered.

Our Sponsors

ALS EnCouRage Canada was made possible thanks to the generous support from: