The International Symposium of Neural Regeneration brings researchers, clinicians, and trainees together for a single-session program on neural injury and repair, with a focus on spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve regeneration, from axon regrowth and neuroplasticity to neuromodulation.
The International Symposium of Neural Regeneration (The ISNR) is a semi-annual, multidisciplinary meeting on neural injury and regeneration, both central and peripheral. Its focus sits squarely on spinal cord injury (SCI) and peripheral nerve repair, and its single-session format keeps every attendee in the same room for every talk.
The 2026 program moves from axon regeneration and neuroplasticity to neuromodulation and the whole-body effects of SCI on blood pressure, bowel, and bladder. Keynotes cover neural control of movement after SCI and vagus nerve stimulation for chronic injury. The ISNR is a proud affiliate of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA).
Trainees are a central focus, with data blitz sessions, poster presentations, and dedicated networking. For the SCI community, the science presented here shapes the therapies of the years ahead. Barry Munro of the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC) is among the 2026 featured speakers.
No parallel tracks. Every attendee shares the same sessions, which keeps the focus tight and the conversations connected across disciplines.
Young Investigator and Trainee Data Blitz sessions, two poster sessions, poster awards, and dedicated trainee networking put early-career scientists at the center.
Opening and closing keynotes on neural control of movement after SCI and on vagus nerve stimulation, plus featured talks across regeneration and repair. The conference package also includes all meals and a family-friendly setting on the Chesapeake Bay.
Dr. Edelle Field-Fote (Shepherd Center, Emory University) opens with neural control of movement after SCI. Drs. Robert Rennaker II and Seth Hays (University of Texas at Dallas) close with vagus nerve stimulation and rehabilitation to promote recovery in chronic SCI.
Thematic sessions on axon regeneration and plasticity, and on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity, featuring investigators from across the field.
Sessions on advances in neuromodulation and on the whole-body impacts of SCI, including blood pressure, bowel, and bladder function.
Thematic sessions on immune changes after central and peripheral nervous system injury, and on non-mammalian model systems of CNS and PNS injury.
Two Young Investigator and Trainee Data Blitz sessions, two trainee poster sessions, and a poster award presentation give early-career researchers the floor.
North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC)
Barry Munro brings more than ten years in personal injury law and three decades of lived experience with a spinal cord injury to his work as an advocate for the disability community. He represents NASCIC on the 2026 ISNR program, connecting the symposium's research to the people whose lives that research aims to change.
Munro is scheduled as a Featured Speaker on Tuesday, July 21. His presence underscores a theme that carries through the meeting, that progress in neural regeneration is measured not only in the laboratory but in the daily lives of people living with SCI.
The 2026 ISNR Conference is made possible by the organizations below, whose support advances spinal cord injury research and education.
Sponsors shown are supporters of the 2026 ISNR Conference. Listing here is informational. For sponsorship details, see the ISNR partners page.
Registration is open through June 26, 2026. The conference package rate is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
100 Heron Blvd, Cambridge, MD 21613
A 342-acre waterfront resort and spa on the Chesapeake Bay, with a River Marsh golf course, a 150-slip marina, and the Sago Spa. Cambridge offers a rich history and a relaxed pace for attendees and their families.
The conference is booked as a package at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. The conference rate is limited and closes with registration on June 26, 2026, so reserve early.
Note: Complete your conference registration to reserve your room at the package rate before the June 26, 2026 deadline.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is the closest major airport. The ISNR offers group shuttle service at scheduled times, with mid-day arrival shuttles on July 19 and morning departure shuttles on July 23. Plan flights to match the shuttle windows.
| Date | Day | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| July 19 | Sunday | Mid-day arrivals via BWI shuttle, welcome remarks, opening keynote on neural control of movement after SCI (Dr. Edelle Field-Fote), dinner and networking |
| July 20 | Monday | Thematic sessions on immune changes and on axon regeneration and plasticity, featured speakers, trainee data blitz, and poster session one |
| July 21 | Tuesday | Thematic sessions on neuroplasticity mechanisms and non-mammalian models, featured speakers including Barry Munro (NASCIC), trainee data blitz, and poster session two |
| July 22 | Wednesday | Thematic sessions on whole-body SCI (blood pressure, bowel, bladder) and advances in neuromodulation, closing keynote on vagus nerve stimulation, and poster awards |
| July 23 | Thursday | Morning departures via BWI shuttle |
Draft program, subject to change. See the official ISNR program for the latest schedule.
The 2026 ISNR Conference takes place July 19 to 23 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. Registration and the conference rate close June 26, 2026.
Accessibility: The ISNR and ASIA work to help all attendees take part. For accessibility accommodations at the 2026 Conference, contact the ISNR office in advance. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay offers ADA-compliant guest rooms and meeting spaces.
