Congrès international de la recherche

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

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

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 Form

Nomination Deadline: May 25, 2026

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

Faire avancer ensemble la recherche mondiale sur la FSHD

Depuis plus de 30 ans, le Congrès international de recherche (CIR) sur la dystrophie musculaire facio-scapulo-humérale (FSHD) de la FSHD Society est la première réunion mondiale consacrée exclusivement à la recherche sur la FSHD. Chaque année, des scientifiques, des cliniciens et des partenaires industriels de renommée mondiale se réunissent pour partager leurs découvertes, accélérer la science translationnelle et tracer la voie vers des thérapies efficaces.

Avec des avancées rapides dans le domaine des biomarqueurs, des mesures de résultats et du développement clinique, le CEI continue de catalyser l'innovation et la collaboration mondiale dans tout l'écosystème de la recherche sur la FSHD. Nos dernières réunions ont attiré plus de 240 participants en personne et 100 participants virtuels issus du monde universitaire, de l'industrie et de la défense des intérêts des patients, ce qui souligne l'élan et l'engagement qui font avancer le domaine.