Background Given the interest around the use of stem cells in ALS, the ENCALS neurologists from across Europe have reviewed the published evidence around the Brainstorm Therapeutics treatment, NurOwn (debamestrocel), and discussed this at a meeting on 13 July 2023. On 10 December 2021, Brainstorm Therapeutics published the results of their Phase 3 clinical trial. The therapy is an intrathecal infusion of autologous mesenchymal stem cells given on three occasions. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of a response at 28 weeks. A post-hoc analysis (analysis performed after the initial res ..read more

Deadline for award submissions is March 27, 2023, 5 PM (CEST) Please note that in order to apply for the Young Investigator Award, researchers must submit one structured abstract of your work also detailing your role in the research projects described (as part of the Young Investigator Award application, see below the Application procedure) and one abstract submission for the oral or poster presentations. Eligibility The competition is open to researchers aged 35 or younger on 1 September 2023, or who will be within 8 years of having been awarded their PhD if a basic scientist, or still i ..read more

It is with great sadness that we have to report the loss of our dear colleague Dr. Ettore Beghi after an incurable and long-term disease.  We will remember him for his collaborating attitude and commitment, his friendship, a humble guide and he was always keen on sharing his knowledge, expertise and wisdom with everybody he met. A memorial service will take place in the Basilica of S. Magno, Piazza S. Magno, 10 in the city of Legano (MI) on October 13 2022 at 10:30 AM. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Dr. Ettore Beghi. The post In Memoriam; Dr. Ettore Beghi appeared ..read more

From June 1st until the 3rd 2022, more than 650 people from 22 different countries came together in Edinburgh – Scotland to participate in the ENCALS meeting 2022. The first meeting that was live again after COVID. McEwan Hall – venue of the ENCALS meeting 2022 With 52 platform presentations and 234 posters the meeting was a huge success. Besides many informative and interactive presentations by young investigators, Prof. Ammar Al-Chalabi (chair of the ENCALS Award Committee) also awarded three winners of the Young Investigator Award: Chen Eitan (Weizmann Institute of Science) Ruben van Eij ..read more

During the ENCALS meeting 2022, Prof. Amar Al-Chalabi awarded three young researchers with the ENCALS Young Investigator Award. They have received this award for their outstanding research on ALS. Chen Eitan – Weizman Institute of Science (Israel) While the non-coding genome is substantially larger than the protein-coding genome, the lack of appropriate methodologies for identifying functional variants limits genetic association studies in non-coding genomic regions. Since these regions were overlooked, the goal of my projects was to test for the first time the hypothesis that genetic variants ..read more

ENCALS provides a max. of 5 travel grants for young qualified researchers to attend the ENCALS meeting 1-3rd June 2022 in Edinburgh. The aim is to encourage participants from underrepresented countries. The travel grant amount is up to a maximum of 500 Euros, based on actual travel expenses. The criteria for selection: age limit <40 the applicant is not working in the UK your institution is unable to refund travel costs participation in the ENCALS meeting with an abstract as first author The following information is required: short CV (max 2 pages) publication list abstract of ..read more

The Lalji Family ALS Award is a global prize celebrating excellence in research for an individual or team of investigators who are making transformative breakthroughs in the science of repair of neurological function in ALS. The goal is to identify and recognize therapies and modalities to regain lost function in ALS patients.   Prize Criteria The Lalji Family ALS Award is accepting nominations for individual or team of investigators who have made significant progress in the ALS field impacting the repair of neuronal degeneration in ALS. Examples include but are not limited to: Identific ..read more

A digital welcome by Professor Leonard van den Berg, chair of ENCALS From 12 to 14 May 2021, we digitally welcomed all attendees for the 18th annual ENCALS Meeting. A total of 562 attendees from over 30 different countries joined us at this first ever virtual edition. The ENCALS Executive Board would like to thank the 2021 Organizing Committee, all attendees, all speakers and all session chairs for their valuable input See you in Edinburgh next year!   Read more about this meeting on the meeting page With great thanks to And the sponsors of this meeting   Platinum Gold Silver ..read more

Almost 200 posters were displayed in the virtual Poster Gallery during the meeting. All attendees could vote and nominate their favorite poster for an ENCALS Poster Award. Many young PhD students and post docs presented their research at the virtual ENCALS meeting, 12-14 May 2021. The aim of the ENCALS meeting is to allow young researchers for exchange of ideas with peers and with top international investigators. The poster sessions provided ample opportunity to share new ideas and discuss the exciting developments in the field. Every year the best posters are awarded with an ENCALS Poster A ..read more

Alfredo presenting his work during the last day of the virtual ENCALS Meeting, Friday May 14th. Alfredo Iacoangeli is the winner of the ENCALS Young Investigator Award 2021. Prof. Ammar Al-Chalabi, chair of the ENCALS Award Committee, congratulated Alfredo during the virtual ENCALS Meeting on Friday, May 14th 2021.  Research background: Dr Iacoangeli’s background includes BSc and MSc degrees in biophysics at “Sapienza” University of Rome and a PhD in bioinformatics graduating with honours. He now chairs the Data Infrastructure Working Group for Project MinE, and he is the Bioinformatics ..read more