Dr. Rita Horvath is a clinician scientist specializing in rare neurogenetic disorders. She is Professor of Neurogenetics at the University of Cambridge and an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Trained in Budapest, she completed her PhD at the Montreal Neurological Institute, focusing on mitochondrial diseases, and later advanced mitochondrial research in Munich and at Newcastle University. Since joining Cambridge in 2018, she has led research into the molecular basis of rare inherited neurological conditions, with a focus on mitochondrial disease, aiming to improve diagnosis and develop effective treatments.

Ruben van Eijk is an MD and biostatistician appointed as Associate Professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), The Netherlands. He obtained his Ph.D. in neurology / biostatistics, entitled: “Optimizing the design and conduct of clinical trials for ALS”.

He was a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Innovative Study Design and Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Stanford University. His current research focusses on innovative trial designs, new statistical models to combine survival and longitudinal data, integration of real-world evidence into drug development, as well as developing new endpoints that addresses the multidimensional nature of ALS and differences in patient preference.

Miguel Angel Rubio, MD, PhD, is a neurologist and neuroscientist based in Barcelona, Spain. He is the Director of both the ALS Unit and the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit at Hospital del Mar, where he combines clinical care, translational research, and the development of therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Rubio obtained his PhD in Neuroscience and leads the UnSyn Lab at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute (HMRI), a research group focused on RNA-based therapeutics and precision medicine approaches for neurological disorders. He also coordinates a national network dedicated to the development and implementation of personalized RNA therapies for neurological conditions. His work is primarily focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including genetics, biomarkers, presymptomatic disease stages, and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Jennifer Kwon is a professor of neurology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the director of the pediatric neuromuscular disorders program at UW.

She has been the site PI for clinical trials for gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Beginning in 2027, she will transition to overseeing research in pediatric neuromuscular disorders at UW, including managing newborn screening follow-up and research databases.

Dr. Kwon graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her pediatric neurology and neuromuscular training at Washington University of St. Louis. Prior to coming to Wisconsin in 2018, Dr. Kwon was at the University of Rochester in NY for 15 years.

The Western Canadian Neuromuscular Conference (WCNMC) returns for its 6th edition in 2026, continuing its mission to foster collaboration, education, and innovation in the field of neuromuscular medicine. The 2024 event brought together over 130 engaged attendees including clinicians, researchers, trainees, and allied health professionals from across Canada and beyond to share knowledge and advance care for individuals living with neuromuscular diseases.

This event reaffirms WCNMC’s reputation as a cornerstone event for the neuromuscular community.

Building on that momentum, the 2026 conference will offer a weekend of clinical insights, collaboration, and connection. The program will feature updates on the diagnosis and management of nerve, muscle, and motor neuron diseases—delivered through engaging plenary talks, interactive case discussions, and rich networking opportunities. Both the clinicopathologic case discussions and research presentations will return in 2026, with research now thoughtfully integrated throughout the main program, alongside a dynamic exhibit hall, welcome reception, and conference dinner.

• Neuromuscular clinicians and researchers
• Early‑career basic scientists, researchers and trainees (MD, MSc, PhD, residents, postdoc and clinical fellows)
• Nurses and allied health professionals (PT/OT’s)

• Expert Keynote Speakers: Hear from internationally recognized leaders in neuromuscular medicine.
• Interactive Sessions: Participate in dynamic case-based discussions, workshops, and Q&A panels.
• Trainee Research Symposium: Celebrate the next generation of neuromuscular researchers through short oral presentations and poster sessions.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and industry partners during meals, exhibits, and social events.
• Multidisciplinary Focus: Content tailored for neurologists, physiatrists, allied health professionals, and researchers.

Planning to attend? Be sure to book your hotel and flights early to get the best options.
Book your travel and hotel stay: https://event.fourwaves.com/wcnmc/pages/0e2435a6-a79d-476e-9e6a-722b9be3f1df