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Announcing the 2026 NMD4C Award Recipients | |
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 NMD4C Awards, recognizing excellence, leadership, and impact across Canada’s neuromuscular research community. Now in its fourth year, the Awards Program introduces two new categories; Trainee Publication of the Year and Patient‑Oriented Research (POR) Publication of the Year which highlights the vital contributions of trainees and patient partners within the NMD4C network. Congratulations to the 2026 NMD4C Awards Recipients!!!
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Award recipients will be formally recognized at the NMD4C Annual Meeting in Calgary on September 25, 2026. Read the full announcement and learn more about the awardees on our website! | |
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Advancing Neuromuscular Research: MDC Awards $700k to Seven NMD4C Investigator-Led Projects | |
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We’re proud to share that our neuromuscular research from our NMD4C Investigators and Leads; Dr. Hanns Lochmüller, Dr. Rashmi Kothary, Dr. Rami Massie, Dr. Bernard Jasmin, Dr. Elise Duchesne, Dr. Omid Kiamanesh and Dr. Nicolas Dumont were recently recognised as recipients of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s 2026 Neuromuscular Clinical and Translational Research Grants. Read how these grants are advancing neuromuscular research across Canada and strengthening national research impact:
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2027 Clinical Neuromuscular Fellowship Funding Competition Opens May 1 - June 12, 2026
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Save the dates: In partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada, our 2027 Clinical Neuromuscualr Fellowship Funding Competition will open from May 1 - June 12, 2026!
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NMD4C Welcomes new Clinical Trial Manager | |
We are happy to welcome a new addition to our NMD4C Team, Dr. Sophie Karolczak. Sophie is currently a Research and Policy Analyst at Muscular Dystrophy Canada who earned her Molecular PhD at the University of Toronto in 2025 working on an ultra-rare
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disease. She researched liver complications associated with X-linked myotubular myopathy at SickKids under the supervision of Dr. James Dowling. Sophie will be joining us as the Clinical Trial Manager.
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Join the NMD4C Talent Pool! | |
To support neuromuscular trainees and research professionals seeking new career opportunities, NMD4C is launching a web‑based Neuromuscular Talent Pool. This new database will showcase neuromuscular trainees and research professionals across Canada who are seeking opportunities in basic neuromuscular research. If you are looking for the next step in your neuromuscular career (e.g., MSc, PhD, postdoc, technician, other research professional) and would like to be included in this database, register below by completing the form and uploading your CV and personal statement:
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The database will officially launch in the coming weeks, and we’d love your early registration to help us build a strong Talent Pool at launch. We will also continue to promote job opportunities for neuromuscular trainees and professionals through our website. If you would like NMD4C to promote a position at your institution or laboratory via our website or social media channels, please email the job posting to NMD4C Communications Coordinator, Lola Owoeye at LOwoeye@cheo.on.ca.
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2026 Signals That Move Us: Image Competition | |
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Collaborative Research Training Awards – Due: 15 June 2026 – | |
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2026 NMD4C Annual Meeting Registration is Open! – 25 September 2026 –
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The 2026 Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C)’s Annual Meeting will be held in Calgary on Friday, September 25, 2026. Join us for a full day of dynamic discussions, research updates, and networking opportunities. It will be held just ahead of the 6th Western Canadian Neuromuscular Conference (WCNMC 2026). | |
This year, we’re excited to share a special opportunity for research trainees; For the first time, the WCNMC will host a full day of basic science sessions, running in parallel with the clinical sessions on Saturday September 26th, followed by a networking event. All basic science trainees who attend the NMD4C Annual Meeting will also receive complimentary registration for the WCNMC 2026 basic science sessions and networking event! | |
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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in the New Steroid Age: Practical Considerations
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- Dr. Anne Marie Sbrocchi: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in the Evolving Steroid Era: Practical Neuromuscular and Endocrine Considerations.
- Dr. Jean Mah: Vamorolone: A novel treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
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- Date:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Time: 5-6 pm ET
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Learning Objectives: - Review DMD pathophysiology
- Summarize current glucocorticoid treatment approaches in DMD
- Present data on vamorolone for treatment of DMD.
- Identify key endocrine complications of long-term glucocorticoid therapy, with emphasis on adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, growth, and weight gain.
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Emerging Insights Into AAV‑Mediated Gene Therapy: Understanding Hepatotoxicity and Implications for Neuromuscular Disorders
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- Dr. James Dowling (chair): Clinical safety signals and efficacy of AAV gene therapy in neuromuscular disorders
- Dr. Emanuela Pannia: Preclinical models and mechanisms of AAV-associated hepatotoxicity: lessons learned from X-linked myotubular myopathy.
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- Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Time: 5-6 pm ET
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Learning Objectives: - Summarize the current safety profile and efficacy of AAV-based gene therapies in neuromuscular disorders.
- Describe potential mechanisms underlying AAV-associated liver toxicity.
- Understand current biomarkers and strategies for monitoring, mitigating, and managing adverse events.
- Discuss critical considerations in preclinical development and clinical translation of emerging gene therapies.
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Neuromuscular Mystery Case Rounds
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Speaker: Dr. Albert Yeung (University of Alberta)
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- Date: 2 June, 2026
- Time: 6-7 pm ET
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Moderators:
- Dr. Aaron Izenberg
- Dr. Christen Shoesmith
- Dr. Shafina Sachedina
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Learning Objectives: - Given a particular case and examination findings, localize the lesion.
- For each case, discuss a differential diagnosis
- For each case, discuss an investigation and management plan.
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Community of Practice (CoP) Sessions
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Clinical Trial Personnel CoP Educational Sharing Session:
| Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR) Details: 12 May, 2026 | 1PM ETPresenters: Drs. Victoria Hodgkinson & Lisa Marie Langevin, University of Calgary, Calgary | |
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy CoP Knowledge Sharing Session:
| Teens, Sex, and Physical Disability: Practical Strategies to Support Client Goals Related to Sexual ExpressionDetails: 26 May, 2026 | 2PM ETPresenters: Charise MacDonald, OT and Amanda Landry, OT | | | |
To register, please get in touch with our CoP Coordinator, Zainab Adamji. Once registered, Zainab will send a calendar invite so you can easily save the date. We look forward to seeing you there! | |
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New Publications & Research | |
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Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada
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Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Walk & Roll is their signature, coast-to-coast community event bringing together families, advocates, clinicians, researchers, and supporters in cities across Canada to move with purpose and create impact. | | | |
Each step and wheel forward helps fund life-changing research, essential programs and services, critical equipment, and advocacy efforts that improve the lives of Canadians living with neuromuscular disorders. | |
New this year, participants will experience an immersive “Path to Access” activity along the Walk route - designed to bring to life the complex journey of how new therapies are approved and accessed in Canada. As you move through each stage, you’ll encounter key milestones in the drug approval process—from discovery and clinical trials, to regulatory review (e.g., Health Canada), health technology assessment, pricing negotiations, and provincial access decisions. This interactive experience highlights the real-world barriers many families face (delays, uncertainty, and inequities across provinces) while reinforcing why advocacy matters. It’s an opportunity to not only learn, but to stand behind a shared goal: faster, fairer access to life-changing treatments for all Canadians. Learn more and create or join a team below: | |
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WCNMC 2026: Poster Submissions Open until September 1, 2026 | |
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The WCNMC is offering expanded opportunities for trainees, including a full day of basic science sessions running alongside clinical programming on September 26, followed by a networking event. Clinicians, researchers, trainees, and allied health professionals are invited to submit their work. Trainees presenting accepted posters will receive conference registration reimbursement, with additional travel and accommodation support available. Basic science trainees attending the 2026 NMD4C Annual Meeting will also receive complimentary registration to WCNMC. The poster submission deadline for the 6th Annual Western Canadian Neuromuscular Conference (WCNMC) remains September 1, 2026. | |
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WCNMC 2026: Keynote Announcement | |
Professor Rita Horvath, leading clinician‑scientist in rare neurogenetic disorders and a Professor of Neurogenetics at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, has been announced as the first keynote speaker! | | | |
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NOW OPEN: Defeat Duchenne Canada's 2026/27 Research Grant Program | |
Defeat Duchenne Canada's 2027 Research Grant Cycle is officially underway. Researchers are invited to submit a Letter of Intent by Tuesday, April 28, 2026. This program prioritizes the funding of research with strong potential to translate into real-world impact, quickly and effectively, for the Duchenne community. | | | |
See this year's criteria and share this once-a-year opportunity with our scientific community around the world:
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Support the Walk to Defeat Duchenne on May 24, 2026! | |
It is Canada’s largest national fundraiser dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Funds raised support critical research, advocacy to improve access to treatments in Canada, and essential education and support programs for families. Whether registering to walk, donating to a team, or sharing with your | | | |
contacts, every action helps raise awareness and drive meaningful progress for those affected by Duchenne: | |
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15th International Myotonic Dystrophy Consortium Meeting (IDMC-15) – Registration is Open! | |
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Register today for IDMC-15! Key updates about registration, posters, flash talks or oral presentations, travel tips, and networking opportunities now available on the IDMC-15 website: | |
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Register for the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) Dialogue Series
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Join the national conversation from April to June 2026 to help shape IMHA’s research priorities! Take part in one of the thirteen in‑person sessions across Canada (in Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, London, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and St. John’s) and any of the virtual sessions that will bring together people from across the IMHA community for meaningful discussions to advance research in all aspects of IMHA’s mandate. Advance registration is required for in‑person sessions and virtual sessions will prioritize people with lived and living experience.
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World Muscle Society: Myology Café – 30 April 2026
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Join the global myology community for the next online Myology Café on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 8:00 AM EST. This session features Hacer Durmuş, Professor of Neurology at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, who will present her recent case study of Turkish OPDM.
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MICYRN Strengthens National Maternal and Pediatric Ethics Support with Appointment of Ethics Support Manager | |
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MICYRN is pleased to welcome Megan Allore as Ethics Support Manager. Megan brings expertise in Canadian REB harmonization and multi-site pediatric research ethics. If you are planning a pediatric multi-site study, visit MICYRN’s website to learn more about existing resources.
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The University of Calgary Neuromuscular Medicine / EMG Fellowship Program is now Open!
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The University of Calgary Neuromuscular Medicine and EMG Fellowship Programme offers comprehensive clinical training in neuromuscular neurology and electromyography across multiple hospital sites. Fellows gain hands‑on EMG experience, longitudinal patient care, and access to strong academic and research opportunities in a collaborative training environment. The programme offers comprehensive clinical training in neuromuscular neurology and electromyography across multiple hospital sites. Fellows will gain hands‑on EMG experience, longitudinal patient care, and access to strong academic and research opportunities in a collaborative training environment. | |
Key Dates: Applications are due April 15, 2026, for a July 2027 start date. International applicants must apply at least 14 months in advance. Virtual interviews will take place from May 1–15, 2026. | |
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Become a Member of Defeat Duchenne Canada 's Board of Directors
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Defeat Duchenne Canada is currently seeking new members to join its Board of Directors. As the country’s only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the organization is looking for individuals who bring strong professional expertise and a commitment to advancing impact across research, advocacy, education and support, and community engagement. | | | |
Applications are open until April 17, 2026. | |
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Become a member of CIHR’s Institute Advisory Boards!
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Are you interested in advising CIHR’s Scientific Directors and having a say in the Institutes’ research priorities and community engagement? If so, apply today to become a member of one of CIHR’s Institute Advisory Boards (IABs). | | | |
Diversity of experience and representation are key to the success of IABs. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, Francophone, gender diverse, those living with disability, or belong to an equity-denied group. Patients, patient advocates and individuals with lived experience are also encouraged to apply. Visit the CIHR website to learn more and apply. Applications will be accepted until April 24, 2026. | |
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CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award 2025
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The 6-year REDI award supports trainees, including post-doctoral researchers, clinical fellows, and research associates, from specific underrepresented groups as they transition to independent research faculty positions in Canada. | | | |
This launch is open to racialized women, racialized gender diverse people, Black people (any gender), and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (any gender). Application deadline: June 16, 2026 | |
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TREAT‑NMD: Virtual DM1 Masterclass | |
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This one‑day virtual masterclass will focus on best practice, diagnosis, and care for patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1). Developed specifically for healthcare professionals, the session will provide practical guidance, clinical insights, and updates in DM1 management. Chaired by: Nick Johnson & Valeria Sansone Format: Virtual (Zoom) Date & Time: 10th April 2026 at 7AM EST
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Adult Neuromuscular Diseases Masterclass (In-Person) |
The Adult Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) Masterclass is a one and half day interactive educational programme in Amsterdam designed to strengthen clinical knowledge, build multidisciplinary confidence, and support best practice in the care of adults living with neuromuscular conditions. This event is FREE of charge, and a generous contribution* for travel and expenses will be provided to those offered a place to attend. Chaired by: Ros Quinlivan Location: Amsterdam Date: 26-27th June 2026 | | FSHD Masterclass (In-Person) |
A two-day, face-to-face FSHD Masterclass in collaboration with FSHD Europe/ FSHD European Trial Network. This event is designed specifically for healthcare professionals,andwill cover key topics including diagnosis, treatment strategies, and the patient voice, providing practical insights and fostering collaboration among clinicians and experts. Chaired by: Peter Coetzee and Channa Hewamadduma Location: Prague Date: 17-18th July 2026
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EURO-NMD Neuropathology Webinar Series: | |
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EURO‑NMD is launching a new 8‑part Neuropathology Webinar Series bringing together international experts to explore the role of neuropathology in diagnosing neuromuscular diseases. The series will cover nerve and skin biopsies, from fundamental techniques to advanced diagnostic approaches, with real clinical case examples and insights into emerging technologies. View the program for the first four webinars:
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Episode 1: Basic Techniques for Nerve Biopsies
| Date: Tuesday, 7 April 2026 (Please note that this session will exceptionally take place on a Tuesday). Speaker: Prof. Angelo Schenone (IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – Genova, Italy). Content: Surgical procedures followed by histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques | | Episode 2: Advanced Microscopy Techniques for Nerve Analysis
| Date: Thursday, 9 April 2026 Speaker: Prof. Mathilde Duchesne (CHU Limoges, France) Moderator: Prof. Edoardo Malfatti (AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France). Content: Electron immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, immune-electron microscopy, and molecular genetic techniques | | | |
Episode 3: Nerve Biopsy in Clinical Practice
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Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026.Speaker: Prof. Joachim Weis (Director, Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany).
Moderator: Dr. Teresinha Evangelista (Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière – AP-HP, Institute of Myology, Paris, France). Content: Findings from nerve biopsies in routine clinical practice, with a focus on inflammatory and immune-mediated neuropathies and the use of electron microscopy
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Date: Thursday, 7 May 2026. Speaker: Prof. Mathilde Duchesne (CHU Limoges, France).Moderators: Dr. Matteo Garibaldi (Sant’Andrea Hospital of Sapienza University of Rome, Italy), Prof. Joachim Weis (Director, Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany).Content: Infectious neuropathies, nerve tumours, and infiltration; the role of neuropathology in diagnosis
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Applying for a Grant? We Can Help! | | Share your news & events with the NMD4C | | | |
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Previous issues of the NMD4C newsletter All previous editions of the NMD4C newsletter
are available on our website! | |
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Our mailing address is: CHEO Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L1
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