About the Packard Center
While the Robert Packard Center exists within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, roughly two-thirds of our amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) investigators are from other institutions. The Center’s director, science director, scientific advisors and operating committee advise and shape ALS research activities.
Day-To-Day Operations, Worldwide Collaboration
Outside of the laboratory, our science director, administrative director, research program coordinator and two development officers oversee the Center's day-to-day operating. We hold monthly investigators’ meetings – required brainstorming sessions where grantees, advisors and colleagues share ideas and critique each others’ work. In the spring, our annual symposium brings the entire Center worldwide together for ALS research summaries and guest lectures.
Packard's Annual Research Symposium
Each year, Packard brings together over 160 researchers from over 50 institution to gather in Baltimore for our annual research symposium. The symposium isn’t just a yearly get-together for researchers; it lies at the heart of Packard’s mission. Scientists don’t just present progress reports, they also discuss their challenges and brainstorm solutions.
Information Through the ALS Alert Newsletter
Our e-newsletter and e-mail updates bring research news to ALS patients and families and Center friends. Click here if you would like to subscribe to email updates from the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Nonprofit Status Through Johns Hopkins University
Under the auspices of the Johns Hopkins University nonprofit status, we are an organization funded entirely by donations. We receive no government funding.
Our Experts
Johns Hopkins University
Neurologist Charlotte Sumner has a long history of studying neuromuscular disorders. In particular, she has focused her attention on caring for patients with inherited motor neuron and peripheral nerve disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Her work on the molecular pathogenesis of spinal muscular atrophy and the development of therapeutics may provide important clues for those with ALS.
Our Experts
Udai Pandey, PhD
Dr. Pandey's goal is to understand how the FUS/TLS gene promotes ALS in fruit flies, which may shed clearer light on both familial and sporadic ALS in patients.
Meet Our Experts
