Events & Highlights
SLC6A1 Europe brings together families, researchers, healthcare professionals and patient organisations to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration and accelerate progress in understanding and treating SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorder (SLC6A1-NDD).
Our European meetings create opportunities for scientific exchange, meaningful dialogue between families and researchers, and lasting connections across national borders.
Explore our upcoming events and highlights from previous gatherings.
Amsterdam 2027
Second European SLC6A1 Symposium
26–28 August 2027
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Following the success of our first European symposium in Lisbon, SLC6A1 Europe will bring the international SLC6A1 community together again in Amsterdam in August 2027.
The second European SLC6A1 Symposium will welcome families, clinicians, researchers, patient advocates and representatives from the life sciences sector for scientific discussions, updates on therapeutic development and opportunities to strengthen European and international collaboration.
The meeting will take place immediately before the 37th International Epilepsy Congress (28 August – 1 September 2027), creating additional opportunities for scientific participation and exchange.
The programme will combine accessible scientific sessions for families, specialised presentations for researchers and healthcare professionals, and activities that encourage direct communication between the scientific and patient communities.
Preliminary Programme
Family Science Day
Thursday, 26 August 2027
The opening day will focus on helping families understand current scientific developments and participate actively in discussions about SLC6A1 research.
Researchers will present their work in accessible language, explaining what has been learned about SLC6A1-NDD, which questions remain unanswered and how ongoing projects may contribute to future therapeutic approaches.
Representatives of SLC6A1 Europe will provide updates on the Alliance's activities, European research collaboration and initiatives supporting clinical trial readiness.
Dedicated sessions will introduce patient registries, natural history studies and research participation opportunities, explaining why the contribution of affected individuals and their families is essential for advancing scientific knowledge.
Families will have opportunities to ask questions directly to researchers and healthcare professionals, share their experiences and discuss the issues that matter most in everyday life.
Alongside the family programme, an early-career researchers' workshop will encourage exchanges between scientists working on different aspects of SLC6A1-NDD, helping to build new collaborations and strengthen the next generation of researchers.
Informal gatherings will provide further opportunities for families from different countries to meet and connect.
Scientific Symposium
Friday, 27 August 2027
The second day will be dedicated to scientific advances in SLC6A1-NDD and the steps required to translate research findings into therapeutic development.
Researchers, clinicians and other professionals will present ongoing studies, discuss disease mechanisms, experimental models, potential therapeutic approaches and progress towards clinical trials.
The programme will also address the importance of international research networks, data sharing, natural history information and the development of meaningful outcome measures for future clinical studies.
During the afternoon, sessions will encourage direct participation from families, making scientific developments more accessible and creating opportunities for dialogue between researchers and families affected by SLC6A1-NDD.
A patient perspectives panel will give families the opportunity to highlight their experiences, unmet medical needs and priorities for research and future treatments.
Scientific poster presentations and dedicated networking opportunities will allow participants to exchange ideas, discuss ongoing projects and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The day will conclude with an evening reception, bringing families, researchers and professionals together in a more informal setting.
Research Collaboration & Family Connections
Saturday, 28 August 2027
The final day will offer opportunities to continue the discussions and connections established during the symposium.
A meeting of GABAnet, the European SLC6A1 research network, will bring together researchers to exchange updates, coordinate collaborative activities and discuss future research priorities.
Families will also have time to connect informally, share experiences and build relationships within the European SLC6A1 community.
A possible family visit to ARTIS, Amsterdam's historic zoo, is among the recreational activities under consideration, offering an opportunity for families and children to enjoy time together beyond the conference setting.
A Meeting Designed for Families and Researchers
An important objective of the Amsterdam symposium is to create an inclusive environment where families can participate meaningfully alongside researchers and healthcare professionals.
The event will incorporate opportunities for informal discussions, family networking and access to a quiet respite space for participants who need a break from conference activities.
By bringing together scientific expertise and lived experience, we aim to ensure that research priorities reflect the needs of individuals and families affected by SLC6A1-NDD.
Registration & Practical Information
Further information about the venue, accommodation, registration and the detailed scientific programme will be published here as arrangements are finalised.
For enquiries: advocates@slc6a1europe.org
Programme details are preliminary and may be updated.
Lisbon 2025
First European SLC6A1 Symposium
28–29 August 2025
Lisbon, Portugal
Where Our European Journey Began
Lisbon marked a historic milestone for the European SLC6A1 community.
In August 2025, families, researchers, clinicians and patient advocates from different countries gathered in Portugal for the first European SLC6A1 Symposium and the official launch of SLC6A1 Europe – Research & Support Alliance.
The gathering represented an important step towards building a coordinated European community, strengthening collaboration between national patient organisations and supporting research into SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorder.
Building a Stronger European Community
28 August 2025
On 28 August, families and representatives of national patient organisations from across Europe came together for a dedicated meeting to strengthen collaboration, share experiences and align on common goals for people affected by SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorder.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share experiences, establish personal connections and define common priorities for the future.
Discussions focused on strengthening family support across Europe, improving access to reliable information, promoting participation in patient registries and biobanking initiatives, and supporting research that could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Above all, this first gathering demonstrated the importance of working together across national borders and creating a united European voice for people affected by SLC6A1-NDD.
The First European Scientific Symposium
29 August 2025
On 29 August, the first European SLC6A1 Scientific Symposium took place at the Vila Galé Ópera Hotel in Lisbon, in collaboration with CURE GABA-A.
The symposium brought together international speakers, researchers, clinicians, families and representatives from the life sciences sector to discuss current knowledge and advances in SLC6A1 research.
The scientific programme covered clinical manifestations of SLC6A1-NDD, disease mechanisms, functional characterisation of genetic variants, experimental models, emerging therapeutic strategies, patient data collection and the challenges of preparing for future clinical trials.
Two parallel presentation rooms allowed scientific discussions to take place alongside sessions designed to make research information more accessible to families.
The event encouraged exchanges between researchers and families, giving professionals the opportunity to better understand the everyday impact of SLC6A1-NDD and the unmet needs of affected individuals.
A closing reception provided further opportunities for networking, discussion and the development of new connections.
Strengthening European Research Collaboration
Following the symposium, members of the European SLC6A1 research community met under the coordination of Elena Bossi, University of Insubria, Italy, and Mouhamed Alsaqati, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
Their discussions focused on strengthening scientific collaboration, sharing expertise and coordinating future research activities across institutions and countries.
These exchanges contributed to the development of GABAnet, a collaborative network connecting researchers working to improve our understanding of SLC6A1-NDD and advance therapeutic research.
With Thanks to Our Community
The success of the Lisbon symposium was made possible through the commitment of families, researchers, clinicians, national patient organisations, volunteers, partners and sponsors.
We sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, expertise and support to this first European gathering.
Lisbon laid the foundations for a stronger European SLC6A1 community and for the continued collaboration that will take us forward.
