Research conferences
Since 2005, Ataxia UK has organised three research conferences, bringing together ataxia researchers from around the world.
Ataxia UK and the Friedreich's Ataxia Society Ireland (FASI) will be jointly hosting an international Ataxia Research Conference in London on 1-3 November 2012. See the flyer for more details. To receive future updates about the conference, please register your interest here.
See below for details of previous Ataxia UK research conferences. For reports of other international ataxia research conferences please click here.
2008
‘Current Research into the Ataxias’ - FASI/Ataxia UK research conference
A one-day conference for researchers, students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in the progressive ataxias was jointly held by Ataxia UK and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Society of Ireland (FASI) on 25 September, 2008.
FASI also hosted the 2008 euro-ATAXIA conference and AGM at the same venue on 26-27 September. Here is a link to a report of the research conference.
2006
‘Diagnosis and potential new treatments for the ataxias’
Following the success of the previous year, the second Ataxia UK research conference was held on 15 September at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. A more clinical theme was chosen to reflect the exciting advances in research this year. Summaries of the research presentations are found below.
- Research update on the ataxias
- Sporadic ataxia: how much of it is truly idiopathic?
- From basic research to establishing potential treatments for dominant ataxias
- Idebenone trial for Friedreich's ataxia
- rhuEPO as potential therapy for Friedreich's ataxia
- Rehabilitation for the ataxias
- Specialist Ataxia Centres: a model of care for people with ataxia
- The potential for stem cells as future treatments for the ataxias
2005
'Therapeutic approaches for the ataxias - molecular and cellular studies’
On 21 September 2005 ataxia researchers from all over Europe convened in London for a one day conference organised by Ataxia UK. The day featured formal presentations from key researchers as well as time for questions and informal discussion. The theme of the conference was therapeutic approaches for the ataxias and it focused on basic research using cell and animal models.
The conference was chaired by members of Ataxia UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee Dr Barry Hunt gave the introductory talk, telling the audience about Ataxia UK and its involvement in research.
- Clinical overview of the ataxias: Professor Patrick Chinnery
- Ataxia channelopathies - overview of current research and potential therapeutic strategies: Professor Annette Dolphin
- Approaches to treatment of polyglutamine diseases: Dr David Rubinsztein
- Mitochondrial antioxidant therapies for the ataxias: Dr Mike Murphy
- Gene silencing in Friedreich’s ataxia and the role of position effect variegation: Professor Richard Festenstein
- New approaches for the pharmacological treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia: Dr Pierre Rustin
- Announcement of idebenone trial in Friedreich’s ataxia by Santhera Pharmaceuticals
