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Marseille, France - ISMRM Workshop on White Matter: MR Imaging and Beyond
Marseille, France - ISMRM Workshop on White Matter: MR Imaging and Beyond
Program & Schedule
14 - 16 October 2026
Aix-Marseille Université - Campus Pharo, Marseille, France
Note: Full program details will be published on 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Log in as a registered attendee to view full details now.

Workshop Overview

This in-person workshop from the White Matter Study Group will start by reviewing the importance and major implications of characterizing white matter with MRI, the methods for validating MRI findings, and how preclinical models of white matter pathologies can be translated to routine. The program will then focus on methodological aspects related to white matter models (including in silico microstructure substrates and cutting-edge models such as organoids), the challenges and biases associated with relaxometry and susceptibility-based white matter imaging, and solutions for white matter analyses including (open-source) toolboxes and AI-based approaches. A session that ventures off the beaten path will move beyond the purely microstructural aspects of white matter to explore its links with vascular and metabolic processes, as well as white matter activity through functional connectivity and conductivity, and the relationship between perivascular spaces and surrounding structures. Last but not least, the program will be devoted to clinical aspects, covering white matter neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders, neuromodulation, to finish with a special focus and a panel discussion on the added value of quantitative MRI in clinical practice.

This workshop is carefully structured to be interdisciplinary and bring together brain and spinal cord researchers and clinicians and provides opportunities for one-on-one discussions, informal networking, and interaction between trainees and established researchers, M.D.s, and Ph.D.'s. It will offer CME credits.


Target Audience

This workshop designed for researchers (including Ph.D. students and postdocs); clinicians (e.g., neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons); trainees; MR technologists; government regulatory experts; nonprofit and academic groups interested in quantitative MRI methods of white matter; and members of the White Matter Study Group.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Review the scientific and clinical implications of white matter characterization using MRI;
  • Examine current methodological developments, challenges, and biases in white matter imaging;
  • Identify available analytical tools and emerging AI-based approaches for white matter MRI; and
  • Discuss the contribution of quantitative MRI to advanced white matter investigation and clinical practice.



Pre-Workshop Bootcamp

On 13 October, one day prior to the workshop, the Trainee Bootcamp on MRI Methods for White Matter Imaging will be held at the AMU La Timone campus.

This intensive bootcamp will cover advanced MRI techniques for white matter, featuring interactive lectures on T2 relaxometry, diffusion, susceptibility, and magnetization transfer, along with two hands-on sessions for attendees to gain practical experience in data analysis and simulations.

Designed for students and early-career researchers but open to everyone, this bootcamp offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills, enhance technical expertise, and deepen understanding of white matter microstructural imaging, while connecting with peers and experts in the field.

Registration is free but separate from the workshop registration. Detailed program information, along with the registration link and practical details, will be available soon. Stay tuned! (Limited spots available.)


Jump to:
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Registration
Speaker Upload Available
07:45 - 08:45
Welcome
Event
08:45 - 09:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
3 presentations
Invited Talk White Matter: What Are We Talking About?
09:00 - 09:30
Imke Metz - (UMG) University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Methods for Validating MRI Findings in White Matter
09:30 - 10:00
Amy Howard - Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Preclinical Models of White Matter Pathologies and Translation to Routine
10:00 - 10:30
Mallar Chakravarty - McGill University, Montreal, Canada
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Break
Speaker Upload Available
10:30 - 11:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
2 presentations
Invited Talk Realistic White Matter Microstructure Substrates
11:00 - 11:30
Jonathan Patino Lopez - Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Cutting-Edge Model Systems and Combinatorial Science
11:30 - 12:00
Chantal Tax - University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Proffered Papers
Oral
12:00 - 12:30
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Lunch Break
Speaker Upload Available
12:30 - 14:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
3 presentations
Invited Talk Biases and Challenges in Relaxometry-Based White Matter Imaging
14:00 - 14:30
Jakob Assländer - New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States of America
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Biases and Challenges in Susceptibility-Based White Matter Imaging
14:30 - 15:00
Jongho Lee - Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk White Matter Contrasts Initiative
15:00 - 15:30
José Marques - Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Proffered Papers
Oral
15:30 - 16:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Break
Speaker Upload Available
16:00 - 16:30
Power Pitch Session I
Power Pitch
16:30 - 17:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Poster Session I
Traditional Poster
17:00 - 18:00
Salle des voutes
Adjournment
18:00
Networking Reception
Event
18:15 - 19:15
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Registration
Speaker Upload Available
07:45 - 08:45
Session 4: White Matter MRI As Seen by the Sponsors/Vendors
Oral
08:45 - 09:30
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
4 presentations
Invited Talk Chi-Separation Toolbox
09:30 - 09:45
Taechang Kim - Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Spinal Cord Toolbox
09:45 - 10:00
Jan Valosek - Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk hMRI Toolbox
10:00 - 10:15
Luke Edwards - Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Designer Toolbox
10:15 - 10:30
Els Fieremans - New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States of America
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Break
Speaker Upload Available
10:30 - 11:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
1 presentations
Invited Talk AI for White Matter
11:00 - 11:30
Gary Zhang - University College London, London, United Kingdom
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Proffered Papers
Oral
11:30 - 12:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Lunch Break
Speaker Upload Available
12:00 - 13:30
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
3 presentations
Invited Talk Relationship Between White Matter Structure, Brain Vascular, and Metabolic Health
13:30 - 14:00
Claudine Gauthier - Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk White Matter Activity: From Functional Connectivity to Functional Conductivity
14:00 - 14:30
Ileana Jelescu - CHUV | Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Relationship of Perivascular Spaces to Other CSF Relevant Structures
14:30 - 15:00
Colin McKnight - Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Break
Speaker Upload Available
15:00 - 15:30
Proffered Papers
Oral
15:30 - 16:00
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Power Pitch Session II
Power Pitch
16:00 - 16:30
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Poster Session II
Traditional Poster
16:30 - 17:35
Salle des voutes
Adjournment
17:35
Friday, 16 October 2026
Registration
Speaker Upload Available
08:15 - 08:45
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
2 presentations
Invited Talk Beyond White Matter Anatomy: Added Values of qMRI in Clinical Applications
08:45 - 09:15
Cristina Granziera - Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland., Switzerland
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Round Table Discussion
09:15 - 09:45
Speaker TBA
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Proffered Papers
Oral
09:45 - 10:15
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Break
Speaker Upload Available
10:15 - 10:45
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
2 presentations
Invited Talk White Matter Disorders: Neurodevelopment, Genetic, and Injury
10:45 - 11:15
Roberta La Piana - Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Canada
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Invited Talk Neuromodulation and Stimulation in White Matter with MRI
11:15 - 11:45
Speaker TBA
No syllabus uploaded No recording
Proffered Papers
Oral
11:45 - 12:15
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Summary and Closing Remarks
Event
12:15 - 12:30
Amphithéâtre Gastaud
Adjournment
12:30
Boxed Lunch
Event
12:30 - 13:30
Opens: 29 Mar 2026 23:59 UTC Deadline: 19 Jun 2026 23:59 UTC

Start your abstract submission by selecting the type and entering a title. You'll then be able to add all the details.

Workshop Abstract: Abstract submission for this workshop.
0 / 125 characters
Maximum 125 characters - you may change this any time before submission
What happens next?
  1. After entering your title, you'll be directed to the full submission form
  2. You can add co-authors, affiliations, and abstract content
  3. You can save your progress and return later to complete the submission
  4. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email

Organizing Committee

co-chair
Virginie Callot, PhD
Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM
Marseille, France
co-chair
Guillaume Duhamel, PhD
Aix Marseille Univ
Marseille, France

Committee Members

Kristin O'Grady, PhD
1. Organizing Committee
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States of America
Christine Tardif, PhD
1. Organizing Committee
McGill University
Montreal, Canada
Gopal Varma
1. Organizing Committee
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States of America
Matthew Budde, PhD
1. Organizing Committee
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Jongho Lee, PhD
1. Organizing Committee
Seoul National University
Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Daniel Reich, MD_PhD
2. Consultant to the Organizing Committee
National Institute of Neurological Disoders and Stroke
Bethesda, United States of America
Andreea Hertanu, PhD
3. Trainee Observer
Aix-Marseille Université
Marseille, France

Supporters

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) acknowledges and thanks its Corporate Members for their continued support of the Society:

Bronze Corporate Members

For Presenters & Attendees

Presentation Submission Guidelines

We strongly recommend uploading your presentation before the workshop (instructions will be emailed to all presenters). If you cannot upload before the deadline, then you must bring your presentation directly to the workshop meeting room on a USB storage device.


On-Site Presentation Computers & Software Provided

  • Internet access is NOT available on presentation computers.
  • The Windows computer will have the latest versions of the following software:
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • The Apple computer will have the latest versions of the following software:
  • MacOS
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Apple Keynote
  • Installation of any additional software will not be permitted.


Loading Your Presentation On-Site

  • It is not possible to load your presentation once your session has begun. Please pre-load your presentation as early as possible.
  • You must use the provided computer at the presenter podium or table. There will be no connection to use your own laptop at the lectern.
  • Power Pitch slides CANNOT be submitted on-site. They must be submitted to the Workshop Manager before the event.
  • There is no speaker ready room.
  • The pre-loaded version does not need to be your final version, as long as you load your final version before your session begins. Draft versions can be loaded and later updated. You can do this simply to test the fonts, animations, and videos, and then bring your final version in before your scheduled time. By loading a draft version, any potential issues can be discovered and corrected prior to presentation.
  • Since editing time will be limited, please ensure that all fonts appear as expected and all sound/video clips are functioning properly. PowerPoint users can EMBED FONT to ensure your text appears as intended. Commercial fonts and Apple system fonts cannot be embedded. It is recommend to avoid these types of fonts.


Slide Presentation Guidelines

Showing Your Presentation

  • The A/V staff will start each presentation.
  • Once the presentation is launched, you will control the presentation from the lectern using a standard computer mouse.
  • The left button will advance to the next slide and start movies.
  • The right button will reverse to the previous slide. (Mac PowerPoint users will bring up a menu when the right mouse button is pressed.)
  • The mouse will also function as a pointer. No laser pointers are provided.
  • The sessions are digitally captured and a laser pointer cannot be recorded.
  • There will not be a keyboard. If you do not want the mouse pointer to disappear during the presentation, please consult the A/V staff when loading.


Preferred Presentation Formatting

  • This workshop will use a high-definition 16:9 format screen (see illustration), which can support a wide screen format.
  • To use the widescreen format, check your PAGE SETUP setting before creating your presentation.
  • Older versions of PowerPoint may have 4:3 as the default setting. Make sure to change this to ON-SCREEN SHOW (16:9) in order to make full use of the presentation screen.
  • Changing this setting after the presentation has been created can cause format issues on slides.
  • A presentation in the 4:3 format can be shown, but there will be black bars on both sides of the image (see example).
  • Video files should be embedded into the presentation. Do not use linked video files.
  • If using a video file for your presentation, it is imperative that it is tested on-site as early as possible to ensure it will play on the provided computers.
  • If a video does not play on the provided computers, it may take hours to fix, if it can be fixed at all.
  • Please note, just changing the file extension does not convert the file. Both free and commercial software is available for that purpose.
  • Set your presentation to Loop Continuously to prevent an accidental ending of recording during capture. This option is found under the SLIDE SHOW -> SETUP SLIDE SHOW menu in PowerPoint.
  • Please REMOVE ALL HYPERLINKS from any web address or e-mail addresses in your presentation. Simply highlight the text and select REMOVE HYPERLINK. An accidental click on a link will interrupt your presentation.


ISMRM Policy Regarding Presentation Slides

Content of CME activities will be restricted to pure science, industry issues, and operation of devices, and should not include any advertising, corporate logos, trade names or a product group message of an ACCME-defined ineligible company.

Presentations must give a balanced view of therapeutic options and use of generic names will contribute to this impartiality. Trade names or company names should only be used if essential. If included, where available trade names from several companies should be used, not just trade names from a single company.

How to Make a Video from Your Slideshow

Presenters can produce videos from their PowerPoint or Keynote slideshows. There are three main requirements for all videos submitted for inclusion in this conference:

Video Resolution: 1280x720 (720p)Video File Format: .MP4 (H.264 codec)Maximum video file size: 325 MB

Tips for Audio Recording:

  • Find a small, quiet space to record in.
  • Turn off loud machines and fans, especially air conditioners and heaters.
  • Avoid spaces with echo. Rooms with bare walls, such as bathrooms and kitchens, often produce noticeable echo.
  • Sound dampening (echo reduction) is easy and can be done with blankets, carpeting, curtains, furniture, and clothing. Soft items hung on a wall are great sound dampeners.
  • A closet full of clothes is a great space for recording.
  • Record yourself with a good headset or external microphone. Position the microphone just to the side of your mouth to reduce "pops" (bursts of air hitting the microphone, such as those produced by the letters p and b).
  • Avoid using a built-in microphone, such as on a laptop computer or webcam.
  • Speak loudly, clearly, and forcefully, as if you were outdoors and speaking to a group. The audience will not want to have to interpret mumbling or quiet speaking, and will lose interest or move on to the next video.
  • Make a brief test recording and review both the sound and picture quality. You may also want to double-check the MP4 format and bit rate before recording the entire presentation. Make adjustments if needed.


Making a Video in Microsoft PowerPoint

How to record narration and timings in PowerPoint: Microsoft Support Article

  • In the menu bar, click File
  • Click Export
  • Click Create a Video
  • In the Presentation Quality drop-down, select Internet Quality (1280 x 720)
  • Click Create Video
  • In the Save As dialog, go to the Save as type box and select "MPEG-4 Video (*.mp4)".
  • Enter a name in the File name box. Be sure to name your file according to the instructions on this website, under the appropriate tab for your presentation type.

For more detailed instructions, please visit Microsoft's website.

Be sure to select your version of PowerPoint from the options above "Save as a video file" to ensure the instructions cover your version of the software.

Making a Video in Apple Keynote

How to record narration and timings in Keynote: Apple Support Article

  • Click on the service menu on top of your screen File → Export To → Movie
  • If you recorded a narration, you can click the Playback pop-up menu, then choose Slideshow Recording. If you want the slides to advance by themselves, you can leave the option Self-Playing.
  • If you choose Self-Playing you can enter the time you want the next slide or build to advance. These timings apply only to click events.
  • On the Resolution drop-down menu, click Custom and enter 1280px x 720px. Be sure to select the H.246 option. This is .mp4 and it is going to work on any device and software.
  • Click Next…
  • Enter a name in the Save As field. Be sure to name your file according to the instructions on this website, under the appropriate tab for your presentation type.
  • To choose where to save the presentation, click the arrow next to the Where pop-up menu, then choose a location in the dialog. For example, it can be on the desktop. The default location Keynote chooses is the Keynote folder on your iCloud.
  • Finally, Click Export.

For more detailed instructions, please visit Apple's website.

Other software that can produce .MP4 files such as Camtasia or Zoom are also acceptable as long as the above file requirements are met.


Traditional Poster Guidelines

A traditional poster presentation combines a visual display on a poster board of the highlights of research with a question-and-answer opportunity. You will be assigned a time period during which you should be present at your poster for discussion and questions. In addition, the poster will be available for viewing by attendees during all hours the workshop is open.

Note: You must print your own poster, and it should be done before you leave for the workshop. Do not expect printing services on-site.

Measurements

Each presenter is assigned a square space with maximum dimensions of 36 inches wide by 36 inches high (approx. 91.44 cm x 91.44 cm). Posters exceeding these measurements (i.e., extending into areas reserved for other posters) may be removed.

Posters will be attached to their spaces with either tape or push-pins, which will be provided at the workshop.

Suggestions for Preparing Scientific Posters

Content
  • The poster should show the full title of your submission.
  • Text should be brief and well organized, presenting only enough data to support your conclusions.
  • The text should make clear the significance of your research.
  • The text should include (most likely as separate elements of the poster) your hypothesis, methods, results, and conclusions.


Design
  • A clear, simple, uncluttered arrangement is the most attractive and the easiest to read.
  • For best legibility, it is suggested that the title lettering be at least 2 inches (5cm) high, with authors' names and affiliations smaller.
  • All lettering should be legible from a distance of approximately 5 feet (1.5m). It is suggested that font size should be at least 24 point, in bold style. The typeface chosen should be a simple and clear one (e.g., Helvetica). Titles should be in all upper case letters. The remainder of the text should be in a combination of upper and lower case letters.
  • Color should be used sparingly, to provide contrast. The featured parts of the poster can be highlighted with warm colors, and the less important parts can be done in cool colors. Some suggestions for color combinations are as follows: Green on white, red on white, black on white, blue on white, white on blue, and white on black.
  • Illustrations should be simple and eye-catching, with unnecessary detail left out. If possible, convert tables to graphic displays. Pie graphs can be used to show parts of a whole, line graphs can be used to show trends or changing relationships, and bar graphs can be used to show volumes.
  • Photos should be enlarged enough to show relevant detail.
  • Standard computer printouts usually are not effective on posters, because the type is too small and the lines are too thin to be seen from a distance.
  • Patient confidentiality must be protected. No names should appear in illustrations.


Travel & Hotel Information

Welcome to the

Campus Pharo

Aix-Marseille Université, 58 Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille, France

Airport

Marseille Provence Airport (Aéroport Marseille Provence) (MRS) is the closest airport to Aix-Marseille University and it is approximately 25km away, about a 22-minute car ride.

Car Rental

Several car rental companies are conveniently located at the airport. Car rental reception desks are located in the car parks in front of terminal 1. Commercial reception from 07:00 (08:00 on Sunday) to 23:30 approximately. For more information, please visit: https://www.marseille-airport.com/access-car-parks/access/car-rental

Shuttle Service

The airport has a shuttle station with a direct line to the city centre. The bus station is in front of Terminal 2 (Gare Routière Aéroport).

Taxis

The taxis at the airport run in front of Terminal 1. For more information about booking a taxi, visit here.

Rideshare

Both Uber and Bolt have services in Marseille.

Public Transportation

Line A1 takes you to Gare Saint-Charles (bus, train and subway station) in ~20 minutes. The ride costs 16€ round-trip ticket + Marseille public transport or 40€ for a 3-day pass.

 

For timetable information please visit: https://www.marseille-airport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Bus/FH_2025_A1_UK_-_WEB.pdf


Once at the Gare St Charles station, walk about ten minutes to the Bourdet Nèdelec metro stop and get on the M1A Métro La Timone (blue line). After 2 stops, get off at Vieux-Port stop and get on the 83 Métro Rond Point du Prado bus. After 4 stops, get off at the Le Pharo stop. The Aix-Marseille Université is one-minute walk away.


View on Google Maps here.

Parking

To find a parking spot around Aix-Marseille University, please visit: https://www.parking.ai/en/marseille/

Accommodations

Hotel accommodations are NOT included with registration fees of the White Matter MR Imaging workshop; attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations.

Nearby Accommodations:

New Hotel Of Marseille

38m away – 4-minute walk

71 Bd Charles Livon

13007 Marseille

France

+33491315315

Novotel Marseille Vieux-Port

120m away – 5-minute walk

36 Bd Charles Livon

13007 Marseille

France

+33496114211

Hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port

120m away – 5-minute walk

36 Bd Charles Livon

13007 Marseille

France

+33491155900

Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port

650m away – 10-minute walk

38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve

13007 Marseille

France

+33488445200

AC Hotel by Marriott Marseille Prado Velodrome

5.3km away – 10-minute drive

4 All. Marcel Leclerc

13008 Marseille

France