Early Career Investigators (ECIs), students, post-doctoral fellows, and other scientists are invited to submit a poster abstract, apply to present a breaking news presentation (if desired), and apply for a travel grant (ECI/student/post-doc only). ECI is defined as a researcher who earned their doctorate no more than 10 years ago.

Poster and Breaking News abstracts submitted by ECIs, students, post-doctoral fellows, and others will be selected by the Organizing Committee based on:

• The scientific merit of their application/abstract 
• Timing of submission 

Poster abstract should be no more than 300 words, including the following sections: Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions.

Applicants need to identify their career stage in their submission. Applicants will be invited (but not obligated) to identify whether they are a member of groups defined by NIH as URM/underrepresented populations as defined here: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html.

Breaking news presentations (selected by the Organizing Committee from interested poster session entries) will enable applicants to present a 2-5 minute introduction to their work in the main conference room encouraging conference attendees to visit their poster in the poster sessions. When submitting your abstract you will have the option to indicate your interest in being considered for a breaking news presentation.

Select from the following research categories when submitting your abstract:

• Biomarkers & diagnostics (e.g., fluid biomarkers, imaging studies, etc.) 
• Genetics (e.g., genetic modifiers, novel mutations)
• Model systems (e.g., iPSCs, organoids, knock-in mice)
• Disease pathogenesis (e.g., spreading mechanisms, cell-type specificity)
• Pathophysiologic mechanisms (e.g., synaptic dysfunction, cellular toxicity)
• Neuropathology (e.g., vascular and glial involvement, co-pathologies)
• Structural biology (e.g., cryo-EM determination)
• Therapeutic strategies & clinical trials (e.g., novel strategies, preclinical and clinical studies)

36” x 48” in portrait format

Abstract submissions open: Friday, May 10
Abstract submission close:  Friday, September 13
Travel grant application deadline: Friday, September 13
Conference: Tuesday, November 12 - Thursday, November 14

Travel awards are available to support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows attendance at the conference. Applications will be considered based on need (both financial need and assessment of how conference attendance will help the trainee accomplish their career goals) as well as career stage to ensure there is diversity in training stage. To apply for a travel award, please submit: 

• Your CV
• A Letter from PI one page or less, that:
  • Confirms the PI's support for the applicant to attend the meeting
  • Describes how the meeting would aid in the applicant's career development

Travel grant applications open: Friday, May 10
Travel grant applications close:  Friday, September 13
Notification of awards: October 2024
Conference: Tuesday, November 12 - Thursday, November 14