Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins

04/21/2026

This week, we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week — and we want to take a moment to honor the incredible people who give their time, energy, and heart to the fight against ALS.

To clinical trial participants, event volunteers, fundraisers, community advocates, and everyone who shows up for the ALS community — thank you. Your dedication fuels the research that moves us closer to treatments and, one day, a cure.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing with us. 🙏

04/20/2026

It’s not too late to register! Tuen in to hear Packard Center Science Dirtor, Dr. Christine Vande Velde give. Recap of our recent symposium.

Join us on Tuesday, April 21 at 12:00 PM PT / 9:00 AM HST for ASK ME: Cutting-Edge ALS Research — 2026 Packard Center Symposium Review.

Led by Steve Goclowski, the ALS Network’s Vice President of Care Services, this session brings together Sarah Dougherty, PhD, Senior Director of Research at the ALS Network, and Christine Vande Velde, PhD, Scientific Director at the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins.

The presentation will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to engage in a live Q&A.

RSVP today to attend and receive the webinar recording here: https://ow.ly/6PyP50YJ7WR

04/14/2026

We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming ALS Network ASK ME Webinar featuring Packard Center Scientific Director, Dr. Christine Vande Velde. Here she will present highlights and outcomes from the Packard Center ALS Research Symposium, held in March 2026 — offering a timely and comprehensive look at the latest advances in ALS research.

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT

This webinar is an excellent opportunity to stay informed on the cutting-edge work being driven by the Packard Center research community. To register, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Ol0VgM

03/09/2026

This week, we're at the Muscular Dystrophy Association 2026 Clinical & Scientific Conference! We're looking forward to hearing exciting updates from our Packard Center-funded researchers and scientific advisors, and connecting with the patients, advocates, and partners who make this work meaningful. 💙

03/06/2026

The Packard Center is proud to be an official Charity Partner of for the on November 1, 2026.

Through this charity partnership, we are able to provide three selected athletes with the opportunity to participate in this iconic event, believe in every step, and support the Packard Center’s worldwide cutting-edge ALS by creating awareness and raising funds.

For more information on how to apply: www.packardcenter.org/NYC_Marathon

03/01/2026

We are kicking off the 26th Annual Packard Center ALS Research Sympsoium with a presentation from our partners Answer ALS. ignight- where the magic of collaboration meets the power of science

02/20/2026

We were saddened to hear about the passing of actor Eric Dane. In the year since he made his diagnosis public, he became an ALS warrior sharing his battle with the disease.

"Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight."

Eric Dane, the celebrated actor best known for his roles on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" and who later in life became an advocate for ALS awareness, died Thursday. He was 53.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the staff and researchers at the Robert Packard Center.

12/31/2025

Today is the last day to make a tax-deductible gift in 2025 to support our ALS research efforts. This holiday season, please join us in investing in hope by making a gift to the Packard Center. All gifts made through January 31, 2026, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $200,000 thanks to a grant from the family of Robert Packard. Double the impact of your donation today. To donate: www.packardcenter.org/donate

12/17/2025

This holiday season, please join us in investing in hope by making a gift to the Packard Center. All gifts made through January 31, 2026, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $200,000 thanks to a grant from the family of Robert Packard.

To make a gift:https://packardcenter.org/give/

12/05/2025

The Packard Center team is attending the 36th Annual International Symposium on ALS/MND this weekend. This conference brings together researchers, clinicians, people living with ALS and advocates from all over the globe.

12/04/2025

Congratulations to Packard Center-funded investigator Jonathan Cooper-Knock who has become the first to be awarded a professorship named after the late rugby league player Rob Burrow.

Dr Johnathan Cooper-Knock, based at the University of Sheffield, has received the Professorship in Translational Neurobiology, which is funded by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association

The award will fund his research into the condition for eight years, which he hopes will result in "at least one treatment in a clinical trial running [by 2028] and several more in the pipeline".

Read more:

The professorship will fund Dr Johnathan Cooper-Knock's research into MND for the next eight years.