Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/545673
THE CONFERENCE, TITLED Changing Paradigms in Down Syndrome, attracted more than 230 participants from 20 countries, including principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and clinicians. "We were pleased to surpass our attendance goal and to receive many presentations and posters highlighting new work in the Down syndrome field," said Jean Maurice Delabar, President of the Society. SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM The scientific program was organized by a scientific sub-committee led by Jorge Busciglio, Ph.D. (U.S.), and included Marie-Claude Potier, DR2 (France), Elizabeth Head, Ph.D. (U.S.), Frances Wiseman, Ph.D. (U.K.), Katheleen Gardiner, Ph.D. (U.S.), Mara Dierssen, Ph.D. (Spain), John O'Bryan, Ph.D. (U.S.), and Renata Bartesaghi (Italy). The program covered 11 broad and inclusive themes in Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, research, allowing representation from as many research areas as possible. The program committee systematically selected abstracts for oral presentations that represented cutting-edge work in trisomy 21 research. Speakers in each symposium came from as wide of a geographical region as possible, ensuring that no single institution dominated any given area. Two sessions showcased 83 thought-provoking posters. PARTNERS AND SPONSORS T21RS was established to elevate and augment Down syndrome research throughout the world. Many other conditions and diseases have long-time established research societies, and it is important for Down syndrome to have one as well. T21RS is fortunate to have five Founding Donor Members — Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Jerome Lejeune Foundation, LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation, The Matthews Foundation, and Trisomie 21 France. The conference was sponsored by two of its Founding Donors, Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Jerome Lejeune Foundation. Other supporters included Roche, Transitional Therapeutics, International Brain Research Organization, LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation, and Down Syndrome U.K. ABOUT T21RS The Society is made up of six committees: Program Committee, Committee for Science and Society, Committee for Sponsoring, Committee for Fellowships, Education and Training, Committee for Pre-clinical Research, and Committee for Clinical Research. The goals of the Society are as follows: • Facilitate the permanent interaction among researchers studying Down syndrome by means of our website, scientific meetings, publications in journals, and the biennial T21RS International Conference • Establish common research protocols both for basic research, such as mouse and stem cell studies, and translational research for clinical trials • Support education and training of young researchers in all stages of their careers, including undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral fellows who are interested in Down syndrome, by providing training programs and grants to young scientists • Stimulate research on Down syndrome • Explain recent findings in Down syndrome studies to the general public and inform legislators and other policymakers about new scientific knowledge and recent developments and their implications for public policy and society • Promote the interaction between scientists and patient associations, foundations, and pharmaceutical industries FROM JUNE 4 TO 7, THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED TRISOMY 21 RESEARCH SOCIETY (T21RS) HELD ITS FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AT THE HOSPITAL PITIÉ-SALPÊTRIÈRE BRAIN & SPINE INSTITUTE IN PARIS. The Inaugural T21RS Conference — Paris, France SUMMER2015 DOWN SYNDROME WORLD 30