OGT/OGA Research Conference
O-GlcNAc Neurodevelopmental Disorders 2026: Models, Mechanisms, and Management
Save the Date: August 13th – 14th, 2026 | Aarhus, Denmark
Welcome to the first-of-its-kind international conference dedicated to OGT-Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (OGT-CDG). Affecting an estimated 1 in 15,000 live births, this rare genetic condition presents with developmental delays, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and co-morbidities like autism and ADHD. Currently, our community faces significant unmet medical needs due to a lack of diagnostic biomarkers and targeted treatments.
We are bringing together the world’s leading scientists, clinicians, industry experts, and, most importantly, patients and their families. By integrating the patient perspective directly into the scientific dialogue, we aim to ensure that future research priorities remain closely aligned with the real needs of affected individuals.
The Program
The meeting will be held at the highly accessible Fuglsø Conference Center. The scientific and community program features:
Scientific Tracks: Focused sessions exploring the molecular mechanisms of O-GlcNAc signaling, human genetics, clinical phenotyping, and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Demystifying OGT-CDG for Families: A dedicated session featuring introductory talks in layman’s terms, followed by an open Q&A with clinicians and researchers.
A Roadmap to Cures: A collaborative panel discussion aimed at producing a published white paper on the future of OGT-ID biomarkers and treatments.
Elevating Early Career Scientists: Dedicated short-talk slots and travel fellowships to foster and highlight the next generation of researchers.
Inclusivity & Support
This event is designed to be accessible. To facilitate participation by those most impacted, we have allocated a budget to help subsidize attendance costs for OGT-ID families. Any surplus generated from sponsorships will be used to further support family attendance.
Please save the dates in your calendar. We look forward to welcoming you to this historic gathering!
The Organizing Committee
Prof. Daan van Aalten (Aarhus University)
Prof. Katrin Õunap (University of Tartu)
Ass. Prof. Natasha Zachara (Johns Hopkins University)
The CureOGT Foundation
Speakers
We are bringing top researchers in the field to share cutting-edge outcomes and develop a joint plan moving forward.
Daan van Aalten
Professor Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Cellular Health, Intervention, and Nutrition
Lance Wells
Associate Director of the CMM, Distinguished Research Professor, GRA Distinguished Investigator Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia
Natasha Zachara
Associate Professor of Biological Chemistry Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen
Assistant professor in Biochemistry and OBGYN Medical College of Wisconsin
Michael Boyce
Associate Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and of Cell Biology Duke University, Durham, NC
Sam Myers
Global Autoimmune Institute Assistant Professor, La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Lilian Kisiswa
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Olof Lagerlof
Assistant Professor and Resident Doctor in Psychiatry Umeå University and Umeå University Hospital
Katrin Ounap
Professor in Clinical Genetics, Department of Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu
Magdalena Krygier
Assistant Professor and Consultant Physician in the Department of Developmental Neurology at the Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
Benjamin Lauzier
Professor, Thorax Institute and Nantes Université
Florence Authier
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Aarhus University, Denmark
Registration
Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
The time for the conference is Aug 13-14, 2026
Fuglsø Conference Center is a part of Hotel Fuglsøcentret, that provides accommodation options.
For families traveling with OGT-XLID kids – there will not be child care available.
