Research Symposium

The fourth biennial NF Center Research Symposium, celebrating 25 years of NF at Washington University, will take place on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) located on the campus of the Washington University School of Medicine.

For more details, or to register for the event, visit the 2018 NF Center Research Symposium website.

See below for information about past symposium events:

2016 Research Symposium

Symposium_Largaespada

David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, and David A. Largaespada, PhD

The Washington University NF Center hosted our 3rd Biannual Research Symposium on Friday, April 1st at the Eric P. Newman Education Center on the Medical School Campus. A group of 90 faculty, researchers, residents and families learned about current and future research from an even more diverse group of speakers. Washington University NF experts and two visiting researchers brought attendees up to date on what we know about NF1 and where research is heading.

Symposium_Silva

David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, and Alcino Silva, PhD

David A. Largaespada, PhD, of the University of Minnesota discussed Using Model Systems and Functional Genomics to Develop New Treatments for NF1 Syndrome Associated Tumors. Alcino Silva, PhD, from UCLA talked about Mollecular, Cellular, and Systems Mechanisms That Link Memories Across Time. Both speakers provided insight into novel research platforms and delivered thought-provoking ideas about the future of NF research.

We also heard from Washington University NF experts John Constantino, MD, Dr. Kimberly Johnson, MPH, PhD, Matthew Dobbs, MD, NF Center Director David Gutmann, MD, PhD, Angela Hirbe, MD, PhD, Courtney Dunn, PT, DPT and Nicole Weckherlin, OTR/L.

During lunch break, attendees enjoyed NF-related artwork by Rachel Mindrup of Omaha, Nebraska. Rachel brought an array of 15 oil portraits titled “The Many Faces of NF.”  The day ended with a cocktail reception accompanied by the music of the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars.

2014 Research Symposium

Drs. David H. Gutmann and Jonathan Epstein

The second Washington University NF Center Research Symposium, held on Friday, May 16, 2014, was a tremendous success with over 180 medical professionals, researchers and families in attendance.

Drs. David H. Gutmann and Jonathan Epstein

Keynote speakers Jonathan Epstein, MD, and Sean Morrison, PhD, discussed their research on NF1-associated heart disease and NF1-associated tumors, respectively, while Kent Robertson, MD, PhD, described ongoing clinical trials for plexiform neurofibromas in NF1.

Drs. David H. Gutmann and Dr. Sean Morrison

Researchers from the Washington University NF Center spoke about

During this day-long event, medical professional, researchers and families had the opportunity to learn about the exciting research being performed at Washington University. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all who presented and attended the 2014 Washington University NF Center Research Symposium.

2012 Research Symposium

Drs. David H. Gutmann and Luis F. Parada

On Friday, May 4, 2012, the Washington University Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center hosted its first NF research symposium attended by over 180 physicians, researchers, therapists, medical professionals and families.

The morning session highlighted basic science research performed by faculty in the Washington University NF Center.  The keynote speaker was Dr. Luis F. Parada, an internationally-recognized leader in neurofibromatosis research. Dr. Parada is the Diana & Richard C. Strauss Distinguished Chair in Developmental Biology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Drs. David H. Gutmann and Bruce Korpf

The afternoon session focused on clinical research performed by faculty in the Washington University NF Center. The keynote speaker was Dr. Bruce Korf, one of the world’s leading authorities on neurofibromatosis. Dr. Korf is the Wayne H. and Sara Crews Finley Professor of Medical Genetics and Chair of the Department of Genetics at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Following the afternoon session, Team NF welcomed attendees to meet the keynote speakers and members of the Washington University NF Center faculty at an informal reception.