VISION RESTORATION SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
We are proud to announce that the VHRN will host its third cohort of students/interns in 2026. Following the success of the 2022 and 2024 editions, the organizing committee is preparing a scientific program as exciting and interesting as the first two. Don’t miss this unique opportunity in Quebec to engage in discussions, over several days, in a beautiful setting with renowned local and international vision researchers, and to build connections with students passionate about vision science!
REGISTRATION OPENING : JANUARY 2026
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 16, 2026
CONFIRMATION – 2026 COHORT : April 2026
REGISTRATION FEES*: 300$ / selected candidate
*Registration fees include:
- access to conference
- travel (round trip Montreal to St-Paulin by bus)
- accommodation (3 nights)
- breakfasts (3) – lunch (3) – dinner (3) – Coffee breaks
- outdoor activities
MISSION
The Vision Restoration Summer School focuses on new concepts and cuttingedge research in vision science, impacts of visual impairments, recovery of function, and restoration. World class faculty will provide insights into a broad range of current topics including retinal circuits and function, retinal degeneration and regeneration, vascular dysfunction, brain and perception, visual impairment and rehabilitation.
Our mission comprises three (3) main objectives:
- To train the next generation of vision scientists by exposing them to inspiring topics in an immersive environment;
- To provide extensive possibilities for student-faculty interactions and networking;
- To enhance the ability of students to pursue a successful career in vision science.
Join us for this unique opportunity to learn and share knowledge with experts and colleagues.
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
The summer school will take over 2 1/2 days (3 nights), from July 13 to 17 inclusive. Ten (10) guest speakers (international and local) will present a 50-minute lecture. Two main themes will be addressed: retinal processing, degeneration, and therapies (to be determine) and holistic aspects of visual processing and visual impairment (to be determine). Presentations will be given exclusively in English. Selected students will be asked to present a poster of their research work, and some will be rselected to give an oral presentation.
Poster Event – TO COME
Detailed program: SESSIONS 1, 2, 3 and 4 – TO COME
TARGET AUDIENCE AND SELECTION PROCESS
This advanced school isopen to all graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and clinical fellows. Students from Canada and abroad are invited to apply. A limited number of spaces is available. Selection, conducted by the organizing committee, will be based on the quality of the abstract and motivation statement (deadline: MARCH 25 2026).
Candidates will be informed of the results by April, 2026.
STUDENT PRESENTATION DETAILS
SCHEDULE – Coming Soon
POSTER presentation is mandatory for all participant (even for participants who have been selected for an oral presentation – Flash talks). ORAL presentations are 5 minutes maximum and will be followed by a 5-minute question period (see detailed program for poster numbering and the schedule for oral presentations). For poster presentation, please prepare a 3-minute presentation summarizing your work and be prepared for a 2-minute question period.
Poster dimensions (maximum):
- WIDTH: 41 inches (104 cm)
- HEIGHT: 38 inches (96 cm)
LOCATION / ACCOMMODATION
We are happy to welcome you at Le Baluchon- Eco-villegiature, an ecologically minded resort, in the heart of the Mauricie region overlooking the Rivière-du-Loup. Renowned for its enchanting decor, historic character, farm-to-table gastronomy, and outstanding service, Le Baluchon – Éco-villégiature is a choice par excellence for our summer school. Its unique location offers a variety of outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting (hiking, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, achery, etc.).
Every student will have to share a room with another student. The Organizing + Logistic Committee will establish the pairing.
For more information, please visit their web site: https://www.baluchon.com/en/
Approximative time :
Montreal : 2 hours
Quebec : 2 hours
Trois-Rivieres : 50 minutes
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
RETINA and POSTERIOR SEGMENT AXIS
Adriana Di Polo, Ph.D.
Tenured professor, Centre de recherche du CHUM
Department og nerosciences
Université de Montréal, Montreal QC Canada
BRAIN and PERCEPTION AXIS
Stuart Trenholm, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI)
Department of neurology and neurosurgery
McGill University, Montreal QC Canada
LOGISTIC COMMITTE
Valérie Lavastre, Ph.D. VHRN Coordinator |
Deborah Villafranca-Baughman, MSc, Ph.D. |
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TRANSPORTATION TO VENUE – COMING SOON
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REGISTRATION LINK – COMING SOON
DETAILS FOR PAYMENT
Selected participants will receive an invoice inviting them to pay their registration fee. You will be asked to complete your registration form in the « PAYMENT » section. Payment can be made by credit card (an easy and secure way). The invoice and other details will be include in your acceptance e-mail, sent in April.
Registration includes:
- Round trip Montréal to the hostel
- Accommodation (3 nights) (2 students/room)
- All meals and coffee breaks
- Outdoor activities
For any questions regarding your registration or for other information, please contact the Logistic Committee.
