Team Telomere Scientific Summit 2026: A River Runs Through Advocacy and Research

From July 7-10, 2026, Team Telomere brought together clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community leaders in Missoula, Montana, for the Team Telomere Scientific Summit 2026: A River Runs Through Advocacy and Research. Held alongside the Community Summit, the gathering connected scientific discovery and clinical expertise with the lived experiences of individuals and families affected by Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs).

The Summit explored advances and ongoing challenges across the many systems affected by TBDs. Sessions addressed hematologic and cancer complications, liver and gastrointestinal disease, pulmonary fibrosis and lung transplantation, vascular and mucocutaneous complications, bone health, reproductive health, family planning, and genetic counseling. Discussions also examined emerging research and the role of advocacy in shaping priorities and moving the field forward.

Patient and family perspectives were central to the Summit’s purpose. Crossover opportunities with the Community Summit created space for clinicians and researchers to engage directly with the people whose lives their work seeks to improve. A poster session featuring scientific posters and accompanying lay summaries helped make research accessible and encouraged conversations across scientific and community audiences.

Beyond the sessions, shared meals, networking along the Clark Fork River, and the Community Celebration & Award Ceremony offered opportunities to connect, recognize contributions, and strengthen relationships across the TBD community.

The Summit reflected a shared commitment to translating progress in telomere biology into better diagnosis, care, and treatments. It also reinforced the importance of keeping patient and family priorities at the center of that work.

Thank you to our organizers, Dr. Kasiani Myers, Dr. Chris Reilly, Dr. Mary Beth Scholand, and Katie Barrett Stevens, and to the speakers, attendees, sponsors, and community members who made this gathering possible. Your expertise, perspectives, and commitment continue to guide our work toward effective treatments and a cure.

Agenda

Each session at the Scientific Summit is uniquely designed to reflect the needs of our community and provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and learning. Sessions will be tailored to encompass a broad spectrum of topics and will actively work to facilitate insightful discussions.

Areas of focus for the Scientific Summit are as follows: 

  • Hematologic & Cancer
  • Hepatology & Gastroenterology
  • Vascular & Mucocutaneous & Bone Complications
  • Pulmonary & Lung Transplantation
  • Reproductive Health, Family Planning & Genetic Counseling
  • Emerging Field Innovations and Advancements
  • Advocacy as the Current

A working agenda is now available. Please note this is subject to change. The finalized agenda will be shared once logistics, speakers, and topics are confirmed.

Working Agenda

Organizers

Dr. Kasiani Myers + Dr. Chris Reilly + Dr. Mary Beth Scholand + Katie Barrett Stevens

Registration

The cost of registration includes:

  • Access to all educational sessions and poster session and recordings post meeting
  • Meals for opening session, breakfast, lunch, and dinner* (*Dinner Wednesday night is on your own to enjoy downtown Missoula)
  • Admission to Wednesday evening networking night with colleagues and patients at Cara’s Park along the Clark Fork River, with whiskey tasting provided by the Rhino Bar
  • Activity programming opportunities, including interfacing with the community
  • Conference swag 
  • Digital and printed conference material 
  • Ticket to Team Telomere’s annual Community Celebration & Award Ceremony held on Thursday 

Registration for in-person attendance closed on May 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. 

Virtual registration is now open. Virtual registration includes access to the two days of Scientific Summit sessions on Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9, as outlined in the agenda. Virtual registration will close on July 1, 2026.

Questions regarding registration should be directed to [email protected].  

Lodging Information

The Scientific Summit will be held in Missoula, Montana. Attendees should fly into Missoula Montana Airport (MSO). Shuttles to and from the airport and hotel will be provided by Team Telomere. More details will be provided to registered attendees.

Sponsors

Team Telomere greatly thanks our generous partners for their support of the Scientific Summit.

River Guide Sponsor

Compass Sponsor

Fly Reel Sponsor

Community Scholarship Fund Sponsor

Opening Night Sponsor

Summit Exhibitor

Scientific Summit Networking Event

Interested in sponsoring the Scientific Summit?

Connect with our team at [email protected] and view our sponsorship packet below.

View Sponsorship Packet

Join us!

Here is what participants in Team Telomere’s previous scientific convenings have said:

“All my prior contact with [TBD] families had been through their samples, genomic data, or stories shared by the physicians who see them in the clinic. This was the first time that I had the chance to talk with them in person, get to know how this condition really impacts their lives, and get a perspective that you do not get from a lab.It was also a great opportunity to touch base with a lot of the big names in the field, and we have already organized several follow up zoom calls to discuss collaborations and share resources.”

“[I] was very impressed … by the sense of community and genuine care and intellectual curiosity that everyone projected. I really hope that together we can find better treatments and can reach to all the patients/providers and caregivers that need us.”

We look forward to seeing you at the Team Telomere Scientific Summit 2026: A River Runs Through Advocacy and Research!