The submission period for presentations is now closed.

Expression of Interest Submission Deadline: If you are interested in presenting at the 2026 CHILD-BRIGHT Conference, please submit your expression of interest (ie., proposal) by November 23, 2025.

Confirmation of Acceptance: You will be notified whether your proposal has been accepted and receive details about your assigned session (virtual or in-person) by December 8, 2025.

If you co-produce brain-based developmental disabilities (BDD) knowledge and identify as any of the following:

• Research team (researcher, trainee, or PWLE) who conduct BDD research

  • CHILD-BRIGHT Phase 1 and 2 projects

  • Patient-oriented research projects outside of the CHILD-BRIGHT Network

• Partner with lived/living experience (PWLE)

  • Child or youth with BDD:

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Cerebral Palsy (CP)

    • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    • Epilepsy

    • Intellectual Disability (ID)

    • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)

    • Rare genetic or metabolic syndromes affecting brain development

    • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in childhood

  • Caregiver, parent or family member of a person with BDD

…then you’re invited to submit an Expression of Interest to present at the 2026 CHILD-BRIGHT conference!

1. Pre-Conference Virtual Presentations (January 27 and 29, 2026) 

The two-day Pre-Conference Virtual Presentations welcomes those who is unable to attend in person, and creates opportunities for participation from across Canada and around the world.

• Research team (researcher, trainee, or PWLE): Deliver a 10-minute overview presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A. Presentations should highlight the project’s key aims, progress, learnings, and anticipated impact. 

• PWLE: Share either A) a 10-minute overview presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A or B) digital outputs (video/audio recordings, graphics, or arts-based work) about your patient and/or research journey. Digital outputs will be featured in a Virtual Showcase.

2. Dynamic Knowledge Exchange Session (February 2 and 3, 2026)

In place of a traditional poster session, the in-person conference will feature a Dynamic Knowledge Exchange Session, where researchers, trainees, and partners can showcase their work in creative and accessible ways – such as posters, infographics, videos, or art-based work. 

• Research team (researcher, trainee, or PWLE): Submit a one-page visual summary of the project work, deliver a 3-minute elevator pitch, and engage with attendees in a brief Q&A and discussion. 

We strongly encourage research teams to invite trainees and PWLEs to co-present. This is an excellent chance to build skills, share perspectives, and showcase the diverse voices that strengthen patient-oriented research.

All interested presenters are required to submit an Expression of Interest by November 23, 2025. This is a short, plain-language proposal, where you provide a brief description of your project or experience. It helps us to understand the focus and format of your contribution and ensures that your work aligns with the conference goals and audience. 

If your proposal is accepted, you will be assigned a presentation time slot for the Pre-Conference Virtual Presentations and/or Dynamic Knowledge Exchange Session. Presentation slots are expected to be confirmed by December 8, 2025.