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Research Workshop

2027 Research Workshop

Collaboration for a Cure

April 29-May 1, 2027, in Ann Arbor


The ChadTough Defeat DIPG Research Workshop is an invitation-only forum for DIPG/DMG researchers to collaborate on promising ideas, especially unpublished work, and accelerate the path toward effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Over three days, investigators from leading institutions share emerging findings, work through key scientific questions in small groups, and build the cross-institutional partnerships that drive progress. The workshop also gives the DIPG/DMG families who partner with our foundation a chance to hear about recent advances and connect with the researchers working on their behalf.

This workshop is co-hosted by the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation and the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center at Michigan Medicine.

Airport

Detroit International Airport (DTW) is the airport nearest Ann Arbor. Travel time from DTW to Ann Arbor is approximately 25 minutes. For a complete listing of accommodations and transportation options in the Ann Arbor area please visit Destination Ann Arbor.

Official Hotel Partners

We encourage you to consider one of these wonderful hotels to make your evening even more enjoyable. Special ChadTough Defeat DIPG rates will be available soon. Book before March 15, 2027, as rooms are limited.

  • The Kensington Hotel, 3500 S.State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
  • Even Hotel, 600 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Day 1 – Spark

Thursday, April 29

[NEW] Poster Reception & Lightning Talks · 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

The Kensington Hotel, 3500 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 · Researchers and Foundation Partners

The workshop opens with a poster reception featuring trainees and faculty. Selected ChadTough Fellows give five-minute lightning talks to highlight key findings and spark discussion for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Ignite & Connect

Friday, April 30

Research Workshop · 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Thomson Reuters, 6300 Interfirst Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 · Invited researchers only

A full day of scientific and plenary sessions on recent breakthroughs and emerging science, followed by a session on publishing and research resources. The afternoon features breakout discussions on bridging basic science and clinical samples. Transportation from The Kensington Hotel is provided.

Poster Reception & Family Networking · 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

The Kensington Hotel · Researchers and Foundation Partners

An evening poster session and reception that brings researchers and ChadTough Defeat DIPG families together for informal scientific discussion and connection.

Day 3 – Unite

Saturday, May 1

Research Workshop Continued · 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Kensington Hotel, 3500 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 · Researchers and Foundation Partners

The final morning features the keynote from Dr. Mariella Filbin, followed by a Family and Researcher Idea Exchange: facilitated, mixed tables where families and scientists share perspectives and ideas.

Join us to hear from keynote speaker Dr. Mariella Filbin.

Keynote speaker: Mariella Filbin, MD, PhD
Co-Director, Brain Tumor Center of Excellence,
​Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center

Dr. Filbin’s research maps the cellular networks that pediatric brain tumors depend on, with the goal of uncovering new targeted therapies. Her lab uses single-cell transcriptomics to reveal how these tumors are built and how their cells vary, and studies how epigenetic driver mutations shape DIPG and high-grade gliomas — and how those effects might be targeted therapeutically.

Registration

Attendance at the Research Workshop is by invitation only, so that discussions can stay focused, candid, and collaborative. We welcome requests from DIPG/DMG investigators, clinicians, and trainees whose work could contribute to, or benefit from, the conversation.

Request Invitation

Full Schedule of Events

A detailed schedule for the workshop will be available soon.

Interested in Sponsoring?

Sponsorship opportunities are available! If you are interested in sponsoring, please reach out to us at info@chadtough.org.

Celebrate

ChadTough Defeat DIPG Gala · 5:30 – 11:00 pm

Crisler Center · Researchers and Foundation Partners

The research program wraps up at noon on Saturday, and that evening we invite you to join us for the annual ChadTough Defeat DIPG Gala.

It’s a night unlike any other: families, scientists, supporters, and advocates fill one room, and researchers are celebrated like the heroes they are to our community. It’s a powerful reminder of why we collaborate and keep pushing the boundaries of research. Watch the video below for highlights from a previous Gala.

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ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

P.O. Box 907, Saline, MI 48176  |  (734) 707-8732

Federal Tax ID: 47-4041494

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