#USH2025: International Symposium on Usher Syndrome
After a long breadue to the COVID-19 pandemic since the 2018 Usher Conference in Mainz, we are excited to announce that the 5th International Symposium on Usher Syndrome, USH2025, will take place on June 19, 20, and 21, 2025, in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. This groundbreaking event, organized by Stichting Ushersyndroom in collaboration with Usher Syndrome Coalition (US) and various international patient organizations, promises to be an unforgettable experience.
A collaboration of global excellence
For the organization of USH2025, we have joined forces with a group of leading scientists from Radboudumc in Nijmegen Boston Children’s Hospital and Louisiana State University School of Medicine. Together, they form the Scientific Committee. This unique collaboration allows us to share the latest scientific insights and innovations with each other and the USH community.
The Scientific Committee is in the process of assembling an impressive list of speakers for both the two-day scientific congress and the Congrestival/Patient Day on Saturday, including leading experts from around the world. This list will be further expanded in the coming months.
A symposium for everyone
The scientific congress on Thursday and Friday focuses on knowledge sharing, interaction, and networking. During these days, scientists, medical professionals and interested parties will come together to discuss the latest developments and findings.
Stichting Ushersyndroom formulated its Moonshot in 2023: “By 2030, the Netherlands (and the whole world) will be familiar with Usher syndrome, and its diagnosis, care, and treatment will have become standard.” With USH2025, the foundation aims to take new steps toward achieving this goal. All scientists coming to Nijmegen to share their knowledge and experiences with each other and with the USH community will share with us how their contributions will help realize the Moonshot 2030.
On Saturday, the USH2025 Congrestival will follow, where the highlights of the first two days will be shared with the broader Usher community in an accessible and inspiring way.
“Ten years ago, at the start of Stichting Ushersyndroom, our dream was to build an Usher community, raise funds for research, and develop a Knowledge Platform. Together with the USH community, doctors, and researchers from Radboudumc, we have been able to realize this. That we are now organizing the International USH2025 symposium in the Netherlands as Stichting Ushersyndroom feels like a huge recognition and the icing on the cake!”
Ivonne Bressers, Chair of Stichting Ushersyndroom
The USH2025 Congrestival: a festival of the senses!
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the eventlocation in Nijmegen will be transformed into a sensory festival ground. The USH2025 Congrestival offers a platform where science, art, music, and stories come together. This day is designed to bridge the gap between people with Usher syndrome, their families, and scientists by providing everyone with an equal and inclusive experience.
With USH2025, the organization aims to emphasize the possibilities and positive aspects of living with Usher syndrome. We want to create an inspiring environment where everyone feels welcome and where equal experiences can be shared. We are goingoff the beaten track and opt for a non-traditional program setup. We believe that the name ‘congrestival,’ a combination of congress and festival, is all-encompassing.
Everyone will be able to experience science, art, music, and stories with all their senses.
Location and accessibility
USH2025 will take place at the modern Van der Valk hotel-conference center in Nijmegen-Lent, directly next to the Nijmegen-Lent train station. The symposium is fully accessible to everyone, with inclusive facilities and innovative support for people with auditory and visual impairments, as well as for non-native speakers.
Join us and contribute
Registration for USH2025 opens on November 1, 2024.
For all inquiries about USH2025, please contact us at info@ush2025.org.
Would you like to contribute as a volunteer, sponsor, or donor? Visit our website for more information.
