2027 Epigenetics Symposium
The Changing Nervous System: Epigenetics Across Development, Aging and Disease
The 2027 VAI Epigenetics Symposium will explore the dynamic role of epigenetics in nervous system development, function and disease.
Sessions will span the evolution and development of the human cortex, the epigenetic mechanisms that influence nervous system formation and the impacts of epigenetic disruption across aging and neurological disorders.
The symposium will feature a poster session and ample opportunities for networking across disciplines and career stages.
Registration Fees
- $50 for trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows)
- $150 for non-trainees
The program is in development! To be added to our mailing list, please email [email protected].
Session titles:
- Evolution and development of the human cortex
- Building the nervous system
- Epigenetic identity in the aging nervous system and neurological disorders
Poster abstracts may be submitted during registration. For questions or to be added to our email list, please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected].
Eligibility
Students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and research staff are welcome to submit an abstract. If the number of submitted poster abstracts exceeds the space, the organizers will select the abstracts that are most relevant to the conference theme.
Abstract format
Submitted abstracts should represent original research. The title should be brief and descriptive, and the body should include rationale, methods and results. Please prepare abstracts using the below template.
Abstract submission
Poster abstracts should be submitted during the registration process.
Questions?
Questions regarding abstract submission, posters or the poster session can be directed to Courtney Zirkle at [email protected].
TITLE OF ABSTRACT IN ALL CAPS (STYLE = TITLE)
Presenting Author1,2, Other Author1, and Last Author1,3(Style = Authors)
1First Dept., Institution, City, State, Country, 2Second Dept., Institution, City, State, Country, and 3Last Dept., Institution, City, State, Country (Style = Affiliations)
Body of abstract using 300 words or less. Define each abbreviation at first use. All fonts should be Arial, 11 pt. and text should be single spaced. Once you have filled in this template, choose File>Save As and save your file as a Word document (.doc or .docx) with the filename lastname_abstract. (Style = Body)
EXAMPLE
EPIGENETIC REGULATION IN THE DEVELOPING HUMAN CORTEX
Joe Smith1 and Jane Jones2
1Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, 2Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Development of the human cerebral cortex requires precise coordination of gene expression as neural progenitors proliferate and differentiate. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling, help orchestrate …
For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected].
When is the VAI Epigenetics Symposium? How much does it cost?
The VAI Epigenetics Symposium will take place Aug. 24, 2027.
The registration fees for the symposium are:
- $50 for trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows)
- $150 for non-trainees
What does the registration fee include?
In addition to symposium attendance, the registration fee includes lunch and an evening networking reception.
Important dates
- Friday, July 16, 2027: Deadline to submit abstract selected talks for the symposium.
- Monday, July 26, 2027: Abstract selected talk speakers notified.
- Monday, Aug. 16, 2027: Deadline to submit a poster abstract.
- Monday, Aug. 16, 2027: Registration closes for the VAI Epigenetics Symposium.
- Monday, Aug. 24, 2027: VAI Epigenetics Symposium begins.
Can I register a group for the VAI Epigenetics Symposium?
Yes! The registration form allows one person to register and pay for a group. Once registration is complete for one person, please click “add person” in the bottom right corner of the form. Input the second person’s information and continue in this manner until all parties in the group are registered. The system will then charge a total cost for the group.
Will late registrations for the VAI Epigenetics Symposium be accepted?
Unfortunately, late registrations will not be accepted. All attendees must register online by 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, Aug. 16, 2027.
What are the details regarding poster presentations?
VAI will provide a 6ft-wide frame and pushpins to display your poster. Poster presenters are welcome to bring any scientific sized poster. For more information, please visit the Posters tab.
What is the refund policy for the symposium?
Refund requests must be made in writing on or before Monday, Aug. 16, 2027, and sent to Courtney Zirkle at [email protected]. Refunds will not be accepted after Aug. 16, 2027. However, you may substitute a registrant in your place through Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2027.
How do I become a sponsor?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
What if I need accessible parking?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] to discuss any accessibility needs.
What if I have dietary needs?
Please include any dietary allergies or restrictions on your registration or application form. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests.
How do I get to VAI?
Van Andel Institute’s address is 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. We are located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, approximately 20 minutes from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. VAI is conveniently within walking distance of multiple local hotels. Rideshare and taxi services are available in Grand Rapids.
Looking for accommodations? Here are some close suggestions:
- Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton —187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles - JW Marriott Grand Rapids — 235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.7 miles - AC Hotel — 50 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles
Code of Conduct Guidelines
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free, non-discriminatory symposium experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics covered by applicable law. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. We expect participants at our events to engage in constructive and professional discussions at all times. Harassment can include unwelcomed attention, inappropriate comments or jokes that refer to sexual topics, requests for dates, or other sexual activities as well as the use of language that may demean or degrade individuals. These behaviors are not appropriate for any of our conference venues, including talks, workshops, networking sessions, poster sessions, social networking platforms, and other online media platforms. Any participant violating these guidelines will be removed from the symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Anyone who has experienced the above, or who has witnessed such behavior, should notify Courtney Zirkle. Anonymous reporting may also be done through the EthicsPoint Hotline.
Chair and Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Director, MiND Program
Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research
Dr. Darren Moore seeks new diagnostic and treatment approaches for Parkinson’s by investigating genetic risk factors and a range of inherited forms of the disease, which comprise 5% to 10% of cases. He aims to translate the understanding of these genetic mutations and risk factors into new disease-modifying treatments and biomarkers for Parkinson’s, both inherited and sporadic forms. Discoveries from Dr. Moore’s lab routinely elucidate the faulty molecular interactions that transform healthy, functioning neurons into diseased ones.
Chair and Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik seeks to understand how we become whom we become, and how our disease susceptibility is defined from early on in life, even before conception, with the long-term goal of being able to predict individual lifelong health outlook at birth.
Interim Chair, Department of Cell Biology
Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Dr. Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf investigates how environmental factors, such as toxicants, impact our genetic code and contribute to cancer. Her research is illuminating powerful new insights that could influence our understanding of health and disease, providing a path forward for new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
Assistant Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Dr. Derek Janssens explores the factors that give rise to blood cancers with the goal of informing improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. His research has contributed to powerful new methods that enable scientists to better study the complex factors that drive cancer development.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Dr. Bang-An Wang develops new technologies to explore the epigenetic underpinnings of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. His multi-faceted research brings together powerful techniques to illuminate potential future treatment targets.
Event Details
Contact Info:
Email: Courtney Zirkle