Congreso Internacional de Investigación

Join us for the 2026 International Research Congress on FSHD
June 25-26 in Chicago

Join us in Rosemont, Illinois (Greater Chicago area) for our annual global gathering dedicated to advancing research in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). The 2026 IRC convenes leading scientists, clinicians, industry partners, and emerging investigators to collaborate at the forefront of discovery and innovation.

Together, we will accelerate the science that is transforming FSHD research and paving the path toward effective therapies. This year’s program will focus on three core scientific tracks:

Mechanisms of Disease & Genetics
Clinical Care Progress with an Emphasis on Human Studies
Biomarkers of Disease Activity and Progression

View this year’s planned programming aquí.

We look forward to another impactful year of knowledge exchange, multidisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful progress for the FSHD community.

Important Deadlines

Abstract submissions: April 12 (Closed)
Late-breaking abstracts: April 13-May 4 (Closed)
In-Person registration: June 1 (Closed)
Virtual registration: June 24

Venue Information

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago

Address: 9300 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Rosemont, IL 60018

Teléfono: (847) 696-1234

Scholarship Opportunities

The FSHD Society is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to help reduce financial barriers to participation in the 2026 International Research Congress on FSHD. Scholarships are intended to support individuals who would benefit from attending but may face cost-related challenges. Information on scholarship eligibility van be found on the application form.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Award Notification: March 25, 2026
Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026

Scholarship applications have closed.

Young Investigator Award

The FSHD Society is pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Young Investigator Award, to be presented at the International Research Congress on FSHD. This award honors an emerging researcher whose work demonstrates exceptional promise and the potential to make a lasting impact on the understanding and treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

Eligible nominees include postdoctoral trainees, clinical fellows, and junior faculty who are in the early stages of their careers and establishing their first independent laboratory (within five years). The award is intended to recognize scientific excellence, innovation, and a clear commitment to advancing FSHD research.

We encourage senior investigators, mentors, and institutional leaders to nominate outstanding early-career scientists who represent the future of the FSHD research community.

Nomination portal has closed.

Keynote Speakers Announced for IRC 2026

We are delighted to announce the keynote speakers for the 33rd Annual International Research Congress on FSHD.

Dr. April Pyle

Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA

Dr. Pyle will explore the emerging science of muscle regeneration, highlighting new biological insights and their implications for therapeutic development in FSHD. Drawing on advances in gene therapy from across the muscular dystrophy landscape, her keynote will examine how lessons from parallel indications can inform—and accelerate—innovation for FSHD.

Dr. Russell Butterfield

Professor of Neurology & Division Chief of Neuromuscular Medicine, University of Utah

Dr. Butterfield will deliver a forward-looking keynote on the FSHD drug development landscape, offering a clear-eyed assessment of where the field stands today and the opportunities that lie ahead. His talk will spotlight the rapidly evolving therapeutic pipeline, emerging modalities, and the scientific, clinical, and regulatory steps needed to translate discovery into effective treatments for patients.

Sponsorship Prospectus

Interested in being a 2026 IRC? Look through our sponsorship packet for more information.

2026 Sponsorship Prospectus

Thank you to our generous sponsors of the 2026 IRC:

Presenting Sponsors

Avidity Biosciences and Novartis logos

Scholarship Sponsors

Myologica, Muscular Dystrophy UK, and Friends of FSH Research logos

Event Sponsors

Scholar Rock, Dyne Therapeutics, Epicrispr Biotechnologies, Cook Myosite, Mirecule, Sarepta Therapeutics, and Souffle Therapeutics logos

Avanzando juntos en la investigación global sobre la FSHD

Durante más de 30 años, el Congreso Internacional de Investigación (IRC) de la Sociedad FSHD sobre la distrofia muscular facioescapulohumeral (FSHD) ha sido la principal reunión mundial dedicada exclusivamente a la investigación de la FSHD. Cada año, científicos, médicos y socios industriales de renombre mundial se reúnen para compartir descubrimientos, acelerar la ciencia traslacional y trazar el camino hacia terapias eficaces.

Con los rápidos avances en biomarcadores, medidas de resultados y desarrollo clínico, el IRC sigue impulsando la innovación y la colaboración global en todo el ecosistema de investigación de la FSHD. Nuestras recientes reuniones atrajeron a más de 240 participantes presenciales y 100 virtuales del mundo académico, la industria y la defensa de los pacientes, lo que pone de relieve el impulso y el compromiso que impulsan el avance en este campo.