About the 2026 VAST Conference

Join us in Vancouver from May 26–28, 2026, for the annual VAScular Training (VAST) Conference—a three-day gathering of researchers, clinicians, trainees, and people with lived experience, all working to advance the field of vascular cognitive impairment. The program includes cutting-edge research presentations, workshops, a panel discussion, networking opportunities, and an Interest Holder Showcase. Whether you're attending to learn, present, or collaborate, the VAST Conference is an opportunity to help shape the future of brain health research.

Planning to attend the conference in 2026? Head over to our Eventbrite page to learn more and register.

Conference Information

  • We’re pleased to share that our next conference will be hosted at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. UBC offers a beautiful, accessible campus with modern facilities and views of the Pacific coastline, providing an inspiring setting for learning, collaboration, and community-building throughout the event.

    There’s plenty to do at UBC and we invite prospective conference attendees to review all of UBC’s offerings.

  • Trainees conducting research in the field of vascular cognitive impairment are invite to submit abstracts for presentation at the 2026 VAST Conference. Trainees may be selected for oral or presentation awards, and may be eligible for travel funding.

    To learn more, download the abstract submission form here.

  • Most trainees have a 5-minute presentation slot available to them. Some trainees may be invited to give 15-minute presentations. To ensure that we stay on time, our session co-chairs will cut you off at the end of your allocated time.

    All talks must include a lay background and a lay summary slide (this will likely end up being most of your presentation) - this is to help our people with lived experience (as well as those in different fields) understand the impact and importance of your research.

    After you and your colleagues have presented in your assigned session, you are encouraged to join us at the front of the room for Q&A and discussion.

    Presentations are eligible for both the top presentation award and people with lived experience choice award, and will be scored using this rubric.

  • Posters are eligible for the top poster award, and will be scored using this rubric.

  • Information about allowable expenses for the 2026 VAST Conference can be found here.

    Please download and complete this form and then submit it and accompanying info through Qualtrics. If you have any questions, please reach out to Liam Harrison.