Welcome Letters
- Message from ISMND 2026 Organizing Committee
- Message from HKUST President
Dear Colleagues,
The International Society for Molecular Neurodegeneration (ISMND) extends a warm welcome to our exciting meeting, ISMND 2026, which will be held in the Shaw Auditorium of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.
We are thrilled to have you join us to discuss recent groundbreaking science, further our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and inspire advanced diagnosis and innovative therapy. ISMND 2026 offers exceptional opportunities for scientists in the field of molecular neurodegeneration to attend invited talks by leading experts, short talks selected from submitted abstracts, and engaging poster presentations.
Hong Kong, often hailed as “Asia’s World City”, provides a truly unique backdrop for our conference. As a global hub where East seamlessly meets West, Hong Kong is renowned for its dynamic fusion of cultures, world-class infrastructure, and a reputation as a leading international financial and innovation center. Its strategic location offers unparalleled connectivity across Asia and beyond, making it an ideal place for fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. We encourage you to take this opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant energy, diverse culinary scene, and stunning natural beauty alongside our scientific program.
The theme of ISMND 2026 is “Cell Biology and Therapeutics of Neurodegenerative Diseases”. This year’s focus highlights the critical advancements in understanding the fundamental cellular processes that go awry in neurodegenerative conditions and the innovative therapeutic strategies being developed to combat them. Our program will address scientific progress in elucidating emerging pathogenic pathways relating to disease mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapy, with a particular emphasis on the cellular underpinnings and therapeutic interventions.
With ISMND’s mission to communicate the latest science and train the next generation of scientists, ISMND 2026 offers excellent opportunities for early career researchers, including travel fellowships, poster or short talk presentations, and, most importantly, the chances to network with colleagues, including leaders in the field.
ISMND 2026 is co-organized by ISMND and the scientific journal Molecular Neurodegeneration (MN), with support from ISMND's main sponsor and organizing partner, the BrightFocus Foundation, and ISMND 2026 partner, the Korean Society for Neurodegenerative Disease (KSND). The ISMND 2026 meeting is hosted by HKUST. We hope ISMND 2026 will provide ample opportunities to learn, network, create, and nourish scientific collaborations, and we wish you a productive and stimulating conference.
Yours sincerely,
Guojun Bu, Founder and BOD of ISMND
Henrietta Nielsen, President of ISMND
On Behalf of The ISMND 2026 Organizing Committee
Dear distinguished guests and participants of ISMND 2026,
It is my immense pleasure to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you, on behalf of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), for ISMND 2026. We are truly honoured to host this important conference on “Cell Biology and Therapeutics of Neurodegenerative Diseases” here on our beautiful campus.
HKUST holds a unique place in the landscape of global higher education. Though a relatively young institution, established in 1991, our journey has been one of remarkable growth and achievement. We were founded with a clear vision: to contribute to the economic and social development of Hong Kong and the region through excellence in science, engineering, business, and humanities. In just over three decades, we have rapidly risen to become a world-renowned research university, fostering a culture of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This rapid ascent is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, and our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
The year 2026 holds special significance for us as we celebrate HKUST’s 35th Anniversary. This milestone is not just a reflection on our past achievements, but also a forward-looking moment as we embark on our next chapter of discovery and impact. Your presence here at ISMND 2026, bringing together leading minds from around the world to tackle critical challenges in neurodegenerative diseases, perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and global collaboration that defines HKUST.
I encourage you to take this opportunity to explore our vibrant campus, with its stunning views overlooking Clear Water Bay. Beyond the conference halls, I also hope you’ll immerse yourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong – a truly unique “Asia’s World City” where tradition meets modernity, and where diverse experiences await at every turn.
Thank you for choosing HKUST as your host for ISMND 2026. We wish you a productive and inspiring conference, filled with stimulating discussions and valuable networking opportunities.
Sincerely,
Professor Nancy Ip
President, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
