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.

    A panel discussion and reception will take place at the Rudy North Lecture Theatre, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver) the evening of May 26, while the remainder of the program will be hosted in the Gage Isabel MacInnes at the Walter Gage Residence (5959 Student Union Blvd., Vancouver).

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

  • Thank you for supporting VAST’s efforts to save paper by accessing the digital version of the conference program (links will open a new tab).

    The 2026 VAST Conference program can be viewed at the links below. A shorter printed version will be available at the conference.

    Short Version: VAST 2026 Conference Program

    Long Version: VAST 2026 Conference Program (Includes abstracts)

    Please be advised that longer version takes time to load as it is 53 pages long.

  • We are no longer accepting abstract submissions for the 2026 VAST conference. Trainees have been notified with decisions about oral and poster presentations, along with info about travel funding, registration, and accommodations.

    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.

  • 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.