On behalf of the International Child Neurology Association, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th International Child Neurology Congress being held in San Diego, USA October 19-23rd 2020 in collaboration the Child Neurology Society. Our congress theme is "Sharing Knowledge, Sowing Friendships, Spreading Hope". The ICNCs have truly set the stage as the key forum which provides the very latest and most relevant updates on child neurologic disorders from a global perspective. Speakers from across the six major geographic regions will present at the congress. The scientific program will feature internationally recognized experts including themes of "Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies: What we know and what we do not know" (Nicola Specchio / Pritchard award); "Update in Pediatric Neurometabolic Disorders 2020: cerebral folate deficiency and disorders of polyamine metabolism" (Lance Rodan / Linda de Meirleir Neurometabolic award); "Burden of Neurological Conditions in the World's Children" (Charles Newton / Frank Ford Award) and "Dietary therapies for epilepsy in low resource settings: Challenges and successes" (Suvasini Sharma/ Shiela Wallace Award).  

We are keen to hear from members of the ICNA and CNS community and encourage you to submit your proposals for symposium sessions, platform and poster presentations. Following the successful framework of previous congresses the globally representative scientific committee, chaired by Prof Jonathan Mink, will select the most innovative proposals to ensure a rich and diverse program which guarantees that all delegates will leave inspired and with knowledge gained.

There will be opportunity for the newly established Council of the Future Leaders of ICNA comprised of outstanding, regionally nominated senior child neurology residents, fellows and junior faculty to meet and discuss strategy, as well as how the ICNA can support junior child neurologists. In-line with previous congresses we will offer a number of bursaries for attendees from low and low middle income countries. Based on popular demand there will be a strong educational program inclusive of master classes and teaching courses. There will also be an opportunity for the meeting of different child neurology subspecialty special interest groups.

The networking opportunities building international collaborations is a key theme for the ICNA and the 2020ICNC-CNS congress will be an ideal opportunity to pursue this. The congress promotes connecting clinicians involved in the phenotyping of unique clinical populations afflicted with specific neurological diseases with researchers in state-of- the-art research laboratories.

Please join us for a scientifically stimulating ICNC2020 program in an atmosphere of warm collegiality at the beautiful coastal destination of San Diego, complete with access to stunning beaches, hikes along sandstone cliffs of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and exploring the cultural hub at Balboa Park with its many museums, theatres and gardens.

We look forward to meeting new colleagues and engaging with old friends there.

Obo of the ICNA board
Jo Wilmshurst
President of the ICNA