About

The 11th annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2026 will take place February 5-7, in San Diego, California, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

This CE-accredited meeting stands apart from many traditional medical meetings by featuring a single track of scientific and clinical presentations that highlight the latest advancements in MS and related disorders. Key features of the Forum include the Kenneth P. Johnson Memorial Lecture, the National MS Society Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research Lecture, poster sessions showcasing over 400 poster presentations, numerous networking opportunities, and a vibrant Industry Hub.

The theme of the 2026 ACTRIMS Forum, “MS at a Crossroads,” recognizes that fundamental advances in understanding the causes, biology, clinical presentation and course, and treatment of MS and related central nervous system inflammatory and demyelinating disorders, many of which result from new technological breakthroughs, require the field to take stock of its achievements and consider how previous priorities may need to be adjusted or rethought. In a series of sessions organized around these advances, invited talks, many by junior and mid-career clinicians and scientists, will summarize the current state of the field and consider the implications for where the field should move over the coming 5–10 years. Panel discussions at the end of each session, moderated by leading experts, will encourage debate among presenters and with Forum attendees, all toward the goal of bringing clarity of purpose and direction to the field. As always, the Forum will also solicit and integrate cutting-edge research from trainees and established experts, including results of new clinical trials, especially those that clarify the relevance of new therapeutic targets and modalities. 

A special thank you to our Program Committee for planning an outstanding 2026 program!

ACTRIMS is dedicated to fostering the careers of Young Investigators with an interest in MS. The first session of the Forum features platform presentations by Young Investigators who are selected based on a review of submitted abstracts. In addition, junior faculty, fellows, and students who submit abstracts are eligible for an educational grant to support their attendance. Neurologists in training will also benefit from the pre-conference Neurology Resident Summit in Multiple Sclerosis, offering insights into career paths in clinical and investigative neuroimmunology.

Mission

The ACTRIMS Forum is a translational science meeting highlighting novel and rigorous scientific discoveries made in MS that advance our understanding of research and clinical care of MS patients.

Reasons to Attend

  • Gain the latest knowledge in scientific principles to clinical application approaches

  • Optimize MS management

  • Engage with clinical and scientific experts in the field of MS and neuroimmunology

  • Get career advice from established investigators on how to launch a career as a Young Investigator

  • Learn through a unique and intersectoral approach — looking at a single issue from multiple perspectives in a contained meeting that favors exchanges and peer learning

  • Dive deeper into hot topics with other clinicians and scientists

Who Should Attend

The ACTRIMS Forum will be of value to researchers, clinicians, residents, students, and postdoctoral fellows who have an interest in the cellular, molecular, neural, and social networks within MS research and treatment fields.