Professor Michael H. Gelb, PhD, to Receive the 2026 Catalyst Award

WORLDSymposium is delighted to announce Professor Michael Gelb, PhD, as the recipient of the 3rd Annual Catalyst Award to be presented at WORLDSymposium 2026. A chemist by training, Dr. Gelb has spent the second half of his career researching the development of new assays for expanded Newborn Screening with a focus on lysosomal diseases. The application of his research has transformed Newborn Screening on a global scale. WORLDSymposium is honored to recognize Dr. Gelb’s significant international contributions to Newborn Screening and the wide-reaching positive impact it has had on the families living with lysosomal diseases in numerous countries around the world. Read the full announcement here >

Bob Stevens to receive the 2026 Patient Advocate Leader (PAL) Award

The WORLDSymposium Awards Committee is pleased to announce Bob Stevens as the recipient of the 2026 WORLDSymposium Patient Advocate Leader (PAL) Award. Bob currently serves as Group CEO of the MPS Society and Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP). Under Mr. Stevens leadership, the MPS Society has expanded its global influence, remaining a world-leading patient organisation that provides one-to-one support, psychological services, and access to advocacy services across the UK and internationally. Read the full announcement here >

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Call for Abstracts Submissions Now Closed

Thank you to all who submitted — abstract submissions for WORLDSymposium 2026 are now closed. All abstracts submitted by the October 1, 2025, deadline will be reviewed, and notifications of platform/poster acceptance will be sent to first authors (only) by November 3, 2025. The late-breaking abstract submission site will be open from November 1 to December 1, 2025. Authors may resubmit their work as late-breaking if it was not chosen for platform presentation and if new or updated data materially strengthen the science.

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Peter Marks, MD, PhD, will receive the 2026 Roscoe O. Brady Award

Each year, WORLDSymposium recognizes one individual for innovation and accomplishment in the lysosomal disease research and therapy field. Following a competitive nomination process, the WORLDSymposium 2026 Awards Committee has selected Peter Marks, MD, PhD, as the 2026 Roscoe O. Brady Award recipient. Read the full announcement here >

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Registration is Open: Advance Registration Ends January 5, 2026

Registration for the 22nd Annual WORLDSymposium™ is now open. The 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting will be a Hybrid event. Plans are in place for a Live in-person gathering in San Diego at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Hotel. In addition, plans are underway for Virtual registration to make the program available to those who are unable to attend in person. Learn more.

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Award Nominations Now Closed

Nominations are now closed for the 2026 WORLDSymposium awards program, which recognizes excellence and impact in the field of lysosomal disease. Celebrating excellence in Lysosomal Disease Research and Advocacy: thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination. The deadline for nominations was September 3, 2025.

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Dates to Remember