The annual International TSC Research Conference is a very important event for the TSC research community, giving TSC researchers and clinicians from around the world the opportunity to share their latest discoveries and plan new collaborations. The TSA was delighted to host this year’s conference, which was held virtually for the first time.

The International TSC Research Conference 2021 focused on A Vision For the Future. This theme focused on exploring how academics, researchers and clinicians from across the globe are ambitiously driving new opportunities in TSC to advance their understanding, deliver innovation in clinical practice, and transform the lives of people living of people living with TSC and their families.

ITSCRC2021 talks and presentations focused on seven key areas of TSC across three days. These areas were chosen as they have been identified as the most important to people affected by TSC. This ensured that the research, networking and collaboration achieved through ITSCRC2021 would have as great an impact as possible on those who live with the impact of TSC globally. The seven key areas were:

Early diagnosis Early risk assessment Basic science and pre-clinical work Prevention

New and available therapies Social research A vision for the future

Around 250 TSC professional delegates joined ITSCRC2021 from 22 countries, all whom are dedicating their lives to improving the lives of people affected by TSC. Attendees included:

• Healthcare professionals
• Academics
• Clinical and lab researchers
• Early career researchers (individuals on the start of their TSC research journey)
• Students, including PhD students and post-doctoral students
• TSC-focused organisations, including TS Alliance (USA) and e-TSC (Europe-wide)
• Pharmaceutical company executives

Click here to view the conference programme.

Scientific committee (SC)

Co-chairs: Dr Chris Kingswood, Professor Anna Jansen and Professor Andrew Tee.

Members: Dr Nicholas Annear, Professor Patrick Bolton, Professor Petrus de Vries, Dr Steve Roberds, Professor Simon Johnson, Professor Julian Sampson, Professor Elizabeth Thiele, Professor Elizabeth (Lisa) Henske and Dr Angela Peron.

Patient representatives: Mr Perry James and Mrs Corrine Swainger.

TSA representatives: Mrs Louise Fish, Dr Pooja Takhar and Miss Bethan Vaughan.

Early career researchers (ECR) committee

Co-chairs: Dr Charilaos (Harry) Filippakis, Dr Charlotte Tye, Dr Elaine Dunlop, Miss Fabienne Haslam, Dr Sam Amin and Dr Nicholas Annear.

TSA representatives: Dr Pooja Takhar and Miss Bethan Vaughan.

Internal organising committee (OC)

Co-chairs: Mrs Louise Fish (CEO) & Dr Pooja Takhar (Head of Research).

Members: Miss Bethan Vaughan (Research and Evidence Officer), Mr Luke Langlands (Head of Communications and Research), Mr Mike Dodson (Office Manager) and Mrs Mikaela Conlin-Hulme (Head of Fundraising).