CARELeuko Symposium 2025

About the Symposium

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The 2025 CARELeuko Symposium was held on December 5, 2025, at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). This hybrid scientific meeting brought together clinicians, researchers, trainees, advocacy leaders, and patient partners from across Canada and internationally. Through a series of invited talks, panel discussions, and a dedicated poster session, the symposium showcased emerging advances in diagnosis, translational research, clinical studies, and policy initiatives in the leukodystrophy field.

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This year’s program featured perspectives across the research and care continuum; from next-generation genomic technologies and newborn screening, to RNA- and gene-based therapeutic development, immune phenotyping, advocacy leadership, cross-national partnerships, and Indigenous health in rare disease care. The diverse expertise represented across sessions underscored the importance of multidisciplinary, collaborative approaches to improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by leukodystrophies.

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Acknowledging Our Sponsors

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The CARELeuko Symposium was made possible through the generous support of our advocacy and industry partners. ​

We extend our sincere thanks to all sponsors for their commitment to strengthening Canada’s leukodystrophy research and care community.

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We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation for their generous support and partnership in co-organizing this year’s symposium. Their continued commitment to advancing pediatric research and care plays a vital role in making this event possible.

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Finally, we are sincerely grateful to the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre for their ongoing support of the CARELeuko Network. The RI-MUHC’s infrastructure, leadership, and dedication to fostering collaborative science have been instrumental in the network’s growth since its inception.

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We are deeply grateful to all speakers, attendees, volunteers, patient partners, and collaborating organizations who contributed to the success of the 2025 CARELeuko Symposium. The insights shared throughout the day will continue to guide our growing national efforts to accelerate research, improve clinical pathways, and enhance the lived experience of individuals and families across Canada.

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The full symposium program, including speaker biographies, talk titles, and poster abstracts, is available below.​​​​​