Global neuromuscular diseases congress returns to Perth
The Perron Institute has had a key role in Western Australia’s winning bid to host the International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases in Perth in 2024.
This is one of the leading global conferences on neuromuscular diseases, attracting thousands of delegates from around the world.
It was last held in Perth in 1971, following the ground-breaking research by Western Australian Emeritus Professor Byron Kakulas AO who showed that degenerated muscle could regenerate in quokkas.
To secure the conference, Business Events Perth worked with the local conference organising committee, which is chaired by Perron Institute/Murdoch University neuroscientist, Professor Sulev Koks.
“Western Australia has a longstanding focus on excellence in neuromuscular research,” Professor Koks said.
“This dates to the work of Professor Kakulas and more recently has seen the development of the first FDA-approved targeted molecular genetic therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher (Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics – Perron Institute/ Murdoch University).
“WA can be justifiably proud of our achievements in research innovation and on the translation of world-leading scientific developments into clinical practice and treatment.”
Business Events Perth chief executive Gareth Martin said Western Australia had put forward a competitive bid to the specialty group on neuromuscular diseases for the World Federation of Neurology to secure the Congress for 2024.
“Our expertise in bidding for international business events, combined with Western Australia’s excellence in the field of neuroscience, ensured that Perth was the obvious choice to host the congress,” Mr Martin said.
Tourism Australia supported the bid to bring this event back to Australia through the Business Events Bid Fund Program.
“This is a tremendous win for Perth and for Australia,” said Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison.