Australian Dementia Research Forum | 1 – 3 June 2026

Agenda

ADRF2026 Program

View the ADRF2026 Program Guide to explore the full outline of this three-day conference. From 1–3 June in Sydney, the Forum will bring together leading researchers, health professionals, policy makers, and people living with dementia to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices. The program details keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aligned with the theme “Towards Healthy Brains for All: Precision, Prevention and Participation”, providing delegates with a comprehensive roadmap to make the most of their ADRF experience.

ADRF2026 Symposia

Special Interest Group Sessions

Day 2, Tuesday 2 June 2026

2:00pm – 3:00pm Publishing and peer review in gerontology (Special Interest Group)

Title: Meet the Editor for GSA Journals
This interactive session will provide an overview of the scope, editorial priorities, and submission expectations for the GSA journal portfolio, including The Gerontologist; The Journals of Gerontology, Series A (Biological and Medical Sciences); and Series B (Psychological and Social Sciences). The aim is to offer practical guidance to prospective authors on identifying appropriate outlets for their work and preparing manuscripts that align well with each journal’s remit. The Editor will also discuss common reasons manuscripts are not sent for review, strategies for strengthening submissions, and opportunities for interdisciplinary research within the GSA portfolio.

Day 3, Wednesday 3 June 2026

8:30am – 10:00am DEMON (Special Interest Group)

Title: Connecting Australia’s Dementia Cohorts: Multimodal Biomarker Trajectories in Aging and Dementia
Longitudinal cohort studies are essential for understanding the biological and clinical trajectories of brain aging and dementia, and for identifying actionable intervention windows across the disease continuum. Across Australia, leading cohorts are generating rich multimodal biomarker data spanning neuroimaging, genetics, blood-based biomarkers, cognition, and digital measures. This session will bring together leaders from major Australian aging and dementia cohorts to showcase how these data are being used to map trajectories of risk, resilience, early disease processes, and disease progression. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration, harmonise data, and accelerate discovery.

8:30am – 10:00am Young Onset Dementia (YOD-SIG) (Special Interest Group)

Title: Closing the gap between research and real-world support
This symposium brings together lived experience, researchers, and clinicians to showcase the latest research in young onset dementia, spanning symptom trajectories and physical activity, cognitive stimulation therapy, and family support interventions. The presentations and Q&A panel will highlight the breadth of research needed to improve clinical, lifestyle, and support outcomes for people living with young onset dementia and their families.

10:30am- 12:00pm Early to Mid-Career Researcher’s Workshop (EMCRs) (Special Interest Group)

Title: Partnering with Peers and People with Lived Experience
This workshop will support early and midcareer researchers to build connections with peers and people with lived experience using structured meet and greet activities.

This will foster early connections for future collaborations and research strategy informed by lived experience. The workshop is open to EMCRs and people with lived experience.

10:30am- 12:00pm Childhood Dementia (Special Interest Group)

Title: Childhood Dementia: pathophysiology, biomarkers, treatment strategies and support in the community
Childhood-onset dementia is a debilitating group of rare neurological conditions affecting more than 1,400 Australian families. These disorders lead to progressive loss of skills and currently have very limited treatment options. This session will highlight the burden of disease and present new findings in biomarkers for childhood dementia, alongside advances in rare disease research, newborn screening, and emerging gene therapies. It will also outline new efforts to lead the way in care for children and families living with rare and undiagnosed diseases, including those affected by childhood-onset dementia. The session will conclude with an interactive panel discussion with clinicians, researchers, and advocates.

Continuing Professional Development

Come and join us on Day 3 of the Australian Dementia Research Forum for Continuing Professional Development sessions.

Attendance at the Forum can contribute to CPD points.

Register today and enjoy early bird prices until April 15!

Awards and Prizes

ADRF2026 will feature a series of awards recognising outstanding dementia research and leadership.

Nominations for awards are now open, click on the Award to review criteria. PLEASE NOTE: Nominations close on Wednesday 15 April 2026

• Baillieu Myer Award – Early-Career Researcher Award

• ADNeT Mid-Career Researcher Award

• ADNeT Lifetime Achievement Award

Baillieu Myer Award – Early Career Researcher
Selection Process
This award is open to all categories open to all authors who submitted an abstract for ADRF2026.

ADNeT Mid-Career Researcher Award- Mid-Career Researcher
Selection Process
This award is open to all categories open to all authors who submitted an abstract for ADRF2026.

ADNeT Lifetime Achievement Award- The ADNeT Lifetime Achievement
*All applicants from all disciplines are invited to apply.*
Selection Process
The ADNeT lifetime achievement award recognises a distinguished senior investigator whose enduring contributions in research, leadership and/or mentorship, have made a lasting impact in the dementia field. Their work reflects lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge and achieving significant progress against Alzheimer’s and dementia within Australia and internationally.

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