IRCND 2026

The 6th International Research Conference on Neurodegenerative Diseases (IRCND 2026) invites scientists from around the world to share the newest research findings and exchange the most innovative ideas on neurodegenerative diseases. The conference includes keynote lectures, themed sessions with oral presentations, posters sessions and structured workshops and informal networking opportunities to foster collaborations and the professional development of young investigators.

Chair: Michael K. Lee, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota

Co-Chair: Yun Li, Ph.D.
University of Wyoming

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Michael Greenberg, PhD Harvard University

Harry Orr, PhD University of Minnesota

IRCND 2026 Scientific Program

Program Overview

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and other related disorders, are characterized by the loss of function and eventual death of nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system. Millions of people in the US and worldwide suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, there is no cure for these conditions. The underlying mechanisms of the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases are not fully understood. The purpose of IRCND 2026 is to highlight important findings in the field and to promote exchange of information across different neurodegenerative diseases. The program committee has planned multiple themes for the conference and welcomes all participants to submit abstracts including, but not limited to, the thematic areas below. We look forward to meeting with and learning the exciting new findings from you!

Program Themes

Senescence, neuroinflammation, epigenetics, mechanisms and pathology of AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative diseases, organelles, multi-omics, AI, and new technologies.

Program Tentative Schedule click here

Meeting & Venues

Conference Venue

Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis
615 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Hotels

Main Conference Hotel:

Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis
615 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Booking Link: IRCND2026 Hotel Booking
Group Rate is guaranteed until 6/5/2026
Guests can also call the hotel at (612) 379-8888, press 2 for reservations, and request the IRCND 2026 room block (group code 90S)

Meeting Venues & Hotel Map

Travel Information

Minneapolis and Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

MSP services most major domestic and internation airlines and more information on the airport can be found at: https://www.mspairport.com.

After arrival, MSP is serviced by Taxi, Rideshare, and all rental car companies.

There is a Light Rail line from MSP – Downtown Minneapolis – University of Minnesota. More information on Light Rail and fares can be found here: https://www.metrotransit.org/home

Driving, Parking, and Other information:
https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/getting-campus

Committees

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Chair:
Michael Lee, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Co-Chair:
Yun Li, Ph.D., University of Wyoming
Co-Chair:
Huaibin Cai, Ph.D., NIH

Members:
Zixu Mao, Ph.D., Emory University
Wanli Smith, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
Gemma Casadesus, Ph.D., University of Florida
Xiongwei Zhu, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Xinglong Wang, Ph.D., University of Arizona
Mali Jiang, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University

LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Chair:
Swati More, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Co-Chair:
Rocio Gomez-Pastor, Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Steering Committee

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Chair:
Alexa Woo, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Co-Chair:
Jungsun Kim, Ph.D., Indiana University
Co-Chair:
Zixu Mao, Ph.D., Emory University

Members:
Huaibin Cai, Ph.D., NIA/NIH
Mathew LaVoie, Ph.D., University of Florida
Swati More, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Rocio Gomez-Pastor, Ph.D., University of Minnesota

PRESIDENTIAL TRAVEL AWARD COMMITTEE

Chair:
Gemma Casadesus, Ph.D., University of Florida

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Chair:
Shinghua Ding, Ph.D. (2024–2027)
Co-Chair:
Wenzhang Wang, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Co-Chair:
Yang Li, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University

AWARDS COMMITTEE

Chair:
Junmin Peng, Ph.D. (2024–2027)
Co-Chair:
Hyoung-gon Lee, Ph.D.
Co-Chair:
Yulan Xiong, Ph.D., University of Connecticut

ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE

Chair:
Ying Xu, Ph.D. (2023–2026), Rutgers University
Co-Chair:
Gabriela Mercado, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University

Visitor Guide

Explore Minnesota and the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area using the following visitor resources:

Archived Meetings

IRCND 2021
IRCND 2022
IRCND 2023
IRCND 2024
IRCND 2025
GASND Summit 2025