The Stephen Hawking lecture is just wrapping up - more on that shortly. In the meantime, a reminder of why the Symposium is so important. 

Every year we bring researchers from around the world together (in a different place each time) to collaborate, share progress and meet others working in the same field. The more scientists can work together, the quicker our progress on understanding and treating this disease will be. 

In fact, feedback from last year’s Symposium in Montreal indicated 90% of delegates made new connections and planned to pursue these. This event is vital in providing such collaborative and introduction opportunities. 

The International Alliance on ALS / MND runs a Patient Fellows programme each year, supporting people affected MND to come. We're welcoming are 22 patient fellows this year. 

Three sessions run simultaneously throughout this unique meeting with one being streamed to our virtual delegates. There’s a chance for delegates to ask questions at the end of sessions and loads of opportunities to engage with speakers throughout the three days. 

The Symposium is in fact the largest medical and scientific conference specific to MND. And a virtual streaming element of our Symposium means you don’t have to be here in person to be here! 

Our first ever Symposium was held in Birmingham in 1990 with 50 delegates. Here today are: 

• Over 1,000 delegates from over 40 countries
• 24 themed sessions
• Approximately 250 speakers
• 300 science posters being shown and discussed in three sessions across the three days. 

That's a lot of people to share passion, determination and knowledge.

Welcome live to our 36th International Symposium on MND/ALS, the world’s largest gathering of MND researchers. It’s a privilege to be here among so many people all connected by one purpose: to bring hope to everyone affected by MND. 

We’re set to welcome over 1,000 people from over 40 countries — scientists, researchers and innovators from across the globe, all here to share discoveries happening right now. 

There’s a real sense of community already. Over the next three days, we’ll take you inside some of the most promising research, meet the people behind the breakthroughs and hear powerful personal stories. 

Along with Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi, chair of the Programme Committee, our Chief Scientist Dr Brian Dickie is about to kick-off proceedings. 

Stay with us for updates.