The NIH INCLUDE Project had a strong presence at the 6th International Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) Conference in Denver, Colorado, from July 17–20, 2026.
Self-advocates and family members helped open the conference by sharing their lived experiences and perspectives on participating in research. Their stories explained the importance of conducting research that is informed by and meaningful to the Down syndrome community, inspiring attendees from around the world.
The INCLUDE Project had seven affiliated booths: INCLUDE Data Coordinating Center (DCC), Down Syndrome Biorepository, DS-Connect ®, INCLUDE Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP), Data Science for Developing Scholars in Down Syndrome Research (DS3), CAVATICA, and The Human Trisome Project. There were also four featured presentations led by INCLUDE investigators and collaborators and eight INCLUDE posters helping shape the future of the field.
The conference also provided opportunities for attendees to connect beyond the scientific sessions. The INCLUDE Data Coordinating Center (DCC) hosted a networking reception that brought together investigators, clinicians, trainees, self-advocates and partners to strengthen collaborations and foster new connections across the Down syndrome research community.
Presentations
The DS-Connect® Registry and the INCLUDE Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP): Two Transformative Tools to Accelerate Participant-Centered Research
Speakers: Melissa Parisi, MD, PhD; Angela Rachubinski, PhD; Anna Esbensen, PhD, FAPA, FAAIDD; Tracie Rosser, PhD; Philip Lupo, PhD, MPH
The INCLUDE Data Coordinating Center: A Discovery Accelerator for Down Syndrome Research
Speakers: Huiqing Li, PhD; Robert Carroll, PhD; Jean-Philippe Thibert
Immune Dysregulation in People with Down Syndrome: From Mechanisms to Clinical Trials
Speakers: Dusan Bogunovic, PhD; Abigail Cozart; Bernard Khor, MD, PhD; Joaquin Espinosa, PhD
Science and Society - Session B
Connecting Families and Research: How DS-Connect® and the INCLUDE Project Are Accelerating Discovery.
Speaker: Melissa Parisi, MD, PhD
Posters
Explore the latest findings and ongoing work in Down syndrome research during the Poster Sessions and Happy Hours on June 18 and 19. Visit the Poster Areas on Floors 2 and 38 to connect with investigators and colleagues from across the research community.
- Featured INCLUDE Posters: Building the Next Generation of Down Syndrome Researchers: NIH INCLUDE Project
- The INCLUDE Experimental Models of Down Syndrome Portal
- The INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome) Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP)
- Incorporating Data Contributor and User Input in Development of the INCLUDE Data Model
- Advancing Discovery and Impact in Down Syndrome Research with the INCLUDE Down Syndrome Biorepository
- NIH INCLUDE Project: Advancing Down Syndrome Research Across the Lifespan
- INCLUDE Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP) overvie
- AI-Augmented Annotation Platform for Trisomy 21 Experimental Model Literature