PROGRAM
The full conference program is currently still in progress. Below is a brief list of events:
Tuesday, 6 May 2025 - Welcome Cocktail Event (6pm - 8pm)
Wednesday, 7 May 2025 - Full Day Conference (8.30am - 5pm)
Thursday, 8 May 2025 - Full Day Conference (8.30am - 5pm),
Conference Dinner (6pm - 10pm)
Friday, 9 May 2025 - Half Day Conference (finish approx 2pm)
SPEAKERS
The conference will include keynote presentations, research updates, and collaborative discussions to address the challenges posed by MJD and Spinocerebellar Ataxias.
Professor Dr Thomas Klockgether
Professor Dr Thomas Klockgether
Prof. Dr. Thomas Klockgether is a distinguished clinical scientist specializing in neurology. He is affiliated with the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn. His research primarily focuses on spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), a group of genetically diverse, autosomal dominantly inherited progressive ataxia diseases12. Prof. Klockgether has made significant contributions to the clinical characterization of these conditions and is dedicated to translating research insights into new therapies and preventive strategies.
Professor Laura Bannach Jardim
Professor Laura Bannach Jardim
Professor Laura Bannach Jardim is a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She has an extensive background in research, particularly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) and various types of spinocerebellar ataxias. Her work includes numerous publications on the genetic and clinical aspects of these conditions, contributing significantly to the understanding and potential treatments of these disorders. Her contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of these complex diseases, providing a foundation for future research and potential therapies.
Associate Professor Courtney Ryder
Associate Professor Courtney Ryder
Associate Professor Courtney Ryder is a distinguished Aboriginal ECR injury epidemiologist and Matthew Flinders Fellow at Flinders University. She serves as the Discipline Lead for Injury Studies in the College of Medicine and Public Health. Her research focuses on Indigenous Data sovereignty and knowledge interface methodology to address health inequities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 NHMRC Investigator grant for her innovative work in transforming injury outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Courtney Ryder’s academic journey began with a double degree in Biomedical Engineering and Science from Flinders University, followed by a PhD from UNSW. Her career is marked by significant contributions to public health, particularly in the areas of injury and trauma, and she is recognized for her leadership in transforming student learning and public health education.
Doctor Rebecca Amery
Doctor Rebecca Amery
Dr. Rebecca Amery is a lecturer and clinical education coordinator in speech pathology at Charles Darwin University. She completed her PhD in 2023, focusing on the collaborative development of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems with Yolŋu families living with Machado-Joseph disease. Dr. Amery has a diverse background, holding a Graduate Certificate in Yolŋu Studies from Charles Darwin University and a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from the University of Newcastle. She has extensive experience working as a speech pathologist with people who have complex communication needs, both in Australia and internationally, including in Vietnam and Indonesia. Her research and clinical interests include intercultural and culturally responsive speech pathology, communication access, and AAC1. Dr. Amery’s work is particularly focused on improving communication opportunities for Aboriginal Australians through the development of bilingual AAC systems.
Doctor Sarah Milne
Doctor Sarah Milne
Dr. Sarah Milne is a distinguished physiotherapist and researcher. She is currently the Coordinator of the Friedreich Ataxia Clinic and a Research Officer at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Additionally, she serves as the Clinical Research Lead for Physiotherapy at Monash Health Dr. Milne completed her PhD in 2018, focusing on rehabilitation and the measurement of gait and balance in individuals with Friedreich Ataxia. Her research interests include the efficacy of rehabilitation for hereditary cerebellar ataxia and the development of specialized services for people with functional neurological disorders.
KEY DATES
Conference Dates: 6 - 9 May 2025
Abstract Submissions: 23 Aug - 15 Dec 2024
Welcome Reception: 6 May 2025
Conference Dinner: 8 May 2025