International Batten Disease Research Conference Comes to Boston for the First Time

Ninth conference over 16 years brings together international scientists and invites institutional support for lysosomal research and therapeutic development

QUINCY, MA, UNITED STATES, November 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- For the first time, the Boston area will host the NCL Translational Science and Therapeutics Conference, an international scientific gathering dedicated to advancing research and treatments for Batten disease. Hosted by Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation, the ninth conference in this series spanning 16 years will take place November 11–13, 2026, at the Marriott Boston Quincy, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts.

The conference will bring together international scientists, clinicians, industry researchers and patient advocates to examine emerging discoveries, address challenges in drug development and build collaborations that can move promising research toward clinical treatments. Special recognition goes to Dr. Jill Weimer and the Weimer Lab at Sanford Research for their scientific leadership.

Batten disease encompasses a group of rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorders known as the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, or NCLs. Research into these disorders has relevance beyond Batten disease, connecting lysosomal biology with broader questions in cellular function, neuroscience and therapeutic development.

Supporters include BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Scenic Biotech, Azafaros, Sanford Health in South Dakota, Eastern Bank and Bedford Gastroenterology. The conference also recognizes the substantial support of Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, Noah’s Hope & Hope 4 Bridget Foundation and Children’s Brain Diseases Foundation, alongside the numerous family foundations whose commitment has helped sustain this scientific gathering.

Over the past 16 years, the conference series has provided a focused forum for connecting expertise dispersed across institutions and countries. Its arrival in Greater Boston offers an opportunity to engage the region’s healthcare, biotechnology and academic communities in the future of rare disease research.

Sponsorship Opportunities Remain Available

Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation invites healthcare systems, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities, and philanthropic foundations to make a substantial contribution to this important scientific endeavor.

Sponsorship helps sustain an international forum connecting academic research, clinical care, drug development and patient advocacy. For institutions committed to lysosomal research and therapeutic innovation, the conference offers an opportunity to engage with investigators and organizations working to translate scientific discoveries into better treatments.

Healthcare systems and educational institutions can advance their missions in research, education and rare disease care. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies can support scientific exchange around disease mechanisms, emerging therapeutic targets and the path toward clinical development. Philanthropic foundations can extend the impact of their research commitments by helping investigators connect knowledge and resources.

Bedford Gastroenterology is proud to support this endeavor and encourages other local, regional and national organizations to join the family foundations, corporate sponsors and scientific partners advancing this work.

Heather Dainiak
Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation
ourpromisetonicholasfoundation@gmail.com
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