ALS Canada Research Forum

Designed for a scientific audience, this annual three-day event brings together experts in the field of fundamental and clinical ALS research. As the only ALS-focused conference in Canada, the event features presentations and discussions on the latest discoveries in the field, highlighting the future of ALS research and collaboration.

In addition to strengthening research and clinical care in Canada, parts of the event also bring together passionate and engaged leaders from the ALS community, including researchers, clinicians, partners, donors, advocates, and people living with ALS. It serves as an opportunity for non-researchers to learn about research, and for researchers to connect with the community they are working to serve.

The Research Forum supports researchers in sharing ideas, building and strengthening existing collaborations, and harnessing the collective knowledge of leading ALS researchers and clinicians in Canada. We aim to move the field forward with the common goal of achieving more effective therapies for ALS, as quickly as possible.

In its inaugural year in 2006, the Research Forum brought together 40 researchers across Canada.

Since then, it has grown to:

The evolution of the Research Forum over the years does only reflect ALS Canada’s unwavering support for the Canadian research community, but how much ALS research in Canada has continued to strengthen and evolve.

Over the years, the Research Forum has helped to build cross-Canada collaboration and enhance the research projects that fuel the scientific discovery leading us toward a world free of ALS.

The 2024 ALS Canada Research Forum was made possible thanks to the generous support from:

We thank our generous sponsors for supporting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building between researchers, clinicians, and people affected by ALS.

Our Research Program aims to support early career researchers, as they become the future of ALS research. Part of this support is nurturing how they communicate their research to the community, and strengthening their connection to people affected by ALS.

Our “Minute to Win It” presentations are an opportunity for young researchers to introduce themselves, their projects, and the impact of their work on ALS research and community.

Read more about the impact of the Research Forum below.