A First for FraXI!

From left to right: FraXI Board of Advisors Member Prof Frank Kooy (Professor of Cognitive Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp Belgium), FraXI President Dr Kirsten Johnson, FraXI Board of Advisors Member Prof Claudia Bagni (Prof. and Vice-Dean Research & Innovation, University of Lausanne, and Prof. University of Rome Tor Vergata Switzerland and Italy) and FraXI Board of Advisors Member Prof Peng Jin (Geneticist, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Human Genetics, Chair, Department of Human Genetics, Director, Emory Stephen T. Warren National Fragile X Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia United States)

The Fragile X and Autism Gordon Research Conference (GRC), successfully wrapped up in Maine this Friday, after five days of discussion on cutting-edge research (June 14-19, 2026). This year marked a special milestone for FraXI, as we participated for the first time, gaining a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the state-of-the-art science shaping the future of Fragile X research and therapeutic development.

Prof Claudia Bagni, who is on FraXI’s Board of Advisors and also serves as Vice-Chair for the GRC, shares: 

“What an inspiring and exciting week at the Fragile X and Autism-Related Disorders Gordon Research Conference! We officially launched this conference 14 years ago and since then it has brought together more than 150 world-leading experts to share cutting-edge discoveries and shape the future of FXS and autism research. There was so much knowledge exchanged- from fundamental disease mechanisms to the latest therapeutic advances. We are especially grateful to the conference organizers, Chairs Sébastien Jacquemont and David Nelson, and my co-Vice Chair Peng Jin, for creating such an outstanding forum for scientific exchange, collaboration, and innovation. We left energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to advancing research and improving the lives of individuals and families affected by FXS.” 

FraXI’s president Dr Kirsten Johnson said: “This environment led to many fruitful conversations on integrating the voice of lived experience into research design and development. We thank the organisers for including the global voice of fragile x advocacy, Fragile X International, at this conference. And a huge thanks to all of the researchers and clinicians who have devoted  their careers to fragile x research. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying fragile x syndrome is key, and we look forward to future collaborations.”