Oliver Stevens Scholarship

WORLDSymposium is proud to support lysosomal disease Patient Advocates by providing specific travel grants to attend the 2027 Scientific Meeting in San Diego, California.

WORLDSymposium received 46 applications for the 2027 Oliver Stevens Scholarships.

Congratulations to these 8 individuals** who were selected to receive the inaugural Oliver Stevens Scholarship to attend WORLDSymposium 2027:

  • Sheridan Campbell, Fabry Australia
  • Nicola Elson, MLD Support Association UK
  • Margaret Haberman, George’s Pompe Pals
  • Sasha Herman, Gaucher Community Alliance
  • Jana Hunt, The Canadian MPS Society
  • Anne St Martin, Pompe Warrior Foundation
  • Antonina Waszczuk, Fundacja Sanfilippo
  • Ineka Whiteman, Batten Disease Support, Research and Advocacy Foundation

**Pending confirmation of all applicable travel visas and entry permits. 

WORLDSymposium 2027 would like to thank BioMarin, Denali Therapeutics, Orchard Therapeutics and Ultragenyx for their generous support to fund the 2027 Oliver Stevens Scholarships.

About the Scholarship

Oliver Stevens (1999-2025) lived with MPS II (Hunter syndrome) and faced more challenges than most. He did so with quiet strength and a cheeky laugh. He was deeply loved by so many people, and he had a profound positive impact on everyone who met him. WORLDSymposium is celebrating Oliver’s legacy by offering eight travel grants for lysosomal disease patient advocates to travel to and attend WORLDSymposium 2027, generously funded by independent grants from BioMarin, Denali Therapeutics, Orchard Therapeutics and Ultragenyx.

WORLDSymposium will provide travel funding as below:

  • Registration for LIVE, in-person WORLDSymposium 2027, The Patient Voice, and the Robert J. Gorlin Symposium
  • 5 nights room and tax at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (WORLDSymposium special group rate), booked by WORLDSymposium
  • Access to WORLDSymposium 2027 On Demand sessions
  • Round trip coach class airfare to and from San Diego, CA, booked by WORLDSymposium
  • Daily stipend to cover costs associated with attendance
  • Airport transfers to and from the airport and hotel, booked by WORLDSymposium
  • All other expenses, including any incidentals and meals not provided by WORLDSymposium, are the recipient’s responsibility
  • WORLDSymposium is unable to reimburse costs already incurred 

Eligibility

  • The scholarship is for lysosomal disease patient advocates only; Applicants must be part of a registered non-profit in their country.
  • Presenting at WORLDSymposium is not a requirement.

Terms & Conditions

  • WORLDSymposium reserves the right to withdraw or modify this offer at any time.
  • Scholarship grants may be used only for conference registration, travel, and accommodation.
  • Applicants are responsible for ensuring all travel requirements are met, including visas and entry permits where applicable.
  • By accepting the award, the grantee(s) consent to WORLDSymposium, Biomarin and Denali Therapeutics using their name, institutional affiliation, conference details, and any provided images for promotional purposes across social media, newsletters, the WORLDSymposium website, and other relevant business materials, without additional compensation.
  • By submitting an application, applicants consent to WORLDSymposium processing their personal data in accordance with its privacy policy, which can be found here. This will include sending updates about the WORLDSymposium Annual Scienitific Meeting. Applicants can unsubscribe and manage marketing preferences by clicking the link at the bottom of every email campaign.
  • All applicants will be notified, both recipients and non-recipients.
  • To apply, complete the application form on this page. The application deadline was October 16, 2026. Scholarship recipients were notified by email by October 26, 2026.