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JAX Frontend Platform

Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)

Explore the intricate connections between vascular biology and cognitive impairment

Join us for the Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and DementiaConference, where scientists from diverse fields—vascular biology, neurodegeneration, genetics, and computational biology—will come together to tackle critical challenges in this growing area of research. With a focus on participation by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior investigators, this conference and integrated workshops will focus on the fundamentals of VCID, the interface between the human condition and preclinical resources, and will provide networking and career development opportunities.

Trainee applications are now being accepted.

May

13 - 16

2025

About

This interdisciplinary four-day conference is dedicated to advancing research on vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs).

Morning seminars, available in person or virtually, will highlight diverse topics, including glial biology, metabolic dysfunction, peripheral influences and mouse modeling. Afternoon and evening sessions are focused on hands-on workshops and trainee career development activities that include on omic approaches to study VCID, actionable priorities with regard to the creation and use of VCID models, trainee talks on their own research, and grantsmanship skills. Two keynote speakers will anchor the event, with one setting the stage for VCID research and another looking ahead to its future. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this event is designed to provide the knowledge and skills you need to drive innovation in dementia research.

Why Attend?

In-Person Experience:

  • Engaging Seminars. Experts will introduce both foundational and cutting-edge VCID concepts, as well as broader topics such as human to mouse translation, the value of -omics, the responsible conduct of research and how to establish an inclusive working environment.
  • Poster Sessions & Grant Proposals. Trainees will have the opportunity to present short talks or posters, gain feedback and work closely with experts in the field to develop VCID-related research proposals.
  • Career Development & Collaboration. The conference schedule includes ample career development and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and enhance the experience for both early-career and senior investigators.

Virtual Access:

Can’t attend in person? Our virtual format allows you to access live-streamed morning lectures, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from recorded content after the course.

Although virtual participants won’t have access to hands-on workshops, poster sessions, or evening events, the comprehensive online experience ensures you stay apprised of the latest advancements in VCID research.

Accommodation Information

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Erin McDevitt at 207-288-6659 or [email protected].

Registration

Apply to Attend

Registration Fee: $750 (includes all meals and shared housing at Highseas Conference Center)

Trainees are invited to apply to attend at this time. Applications will be reviewed in January 2025 and notifications will be sent to applicants by early February. No fees are collected at the time of the application.

The following items are required to complete application:

  • Brief description of our current research
  • Abstract Title
  • Single Page Abstract

Scholarships are available for this course, and are made possible by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NIH Grants, foundation awards and gifts or donations to The Jackson Laboratory. The Jackson Laboratory strongly encourages students, post-doctoral fellows, or junior faculty from populations under-represented in the biomedical sciences to register, with a preference for those currently enrolled in or working at a U.S. institution. Underrepresented populations are defined by the National Institutes of Health, see NIH NOT-OD-20-031 for definitions.

Scholarship awards will be applied directly to the course registration fee.

Apply to Attend

Travel Information

On-Campus

Shared lodging accommodations at JAX’s Highseas Conference Center is available for trainees. Highseas, located approximately 1 mile from The Jackson Laboratory, is a spacious estate built in 1912, overlooking the entrance to Frenchman Bay and adjacent to beautiful Acadia National Park. Highseas is handicap accessible (please indicate accessibility needs in registration). This lodging option cannot accommodate families. Rooms may be shared with other participants.

Off-Campus

Participants choosing off-campus lodging are responsible for securing arrangements and may refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a guide on hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals in the Bar Harbor area.

Event Contact

Erin McDevitt, M.S.

People

Gareth HowellGareth Howell, Ph.D.Professor, Diana Davis Spencer Foundation Chair for Glaucoma ResearchThe Jackson Laboratory

©2025 The Jackson Laboratory