2027 Annual Symposium Details

21st Annual Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium & 50th National Sickle Cell Disease Scientific Meeting

Wednesday to Sunday, June 10-14, 2027 | Hybrid Event – Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Join leading researchers, physicians, clinicians, healthcare professionals, community partners, industry leaders, caregivers, and Sickle Cell Warriors in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 21st Annual Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium & 50th National Sickle Cell Disease Scientific Meeting.

For more than two decades, the FSCDR Symposium has served as a premier forum for scientific exchange, workforce education, community engagement, and collaboration in sickle cell disease. As we mark the 50th National Scientific Meeting, we invite you to join us for another landmark gathering as we continue reshaping the future of sickle cell disease care.

Recap and Highlights

2027 Scientific Chair

Charity I. Oyedeji, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Hematology, Duke University

Dr. Charity Oyedeji is a hematologist and researcher whose work explores the intersection of sickle cell disease and aging. Supported by grants and awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and leading aging research organizations, she is helping advance a new frontier in sickle cell disease care focused on long-term function, quality of life, and healthy aging.

2027 Scientific Co-Chair

Announcement Coming Soon

Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2027 Scientific Co-Chair. Sign up for updates below to be among the first to receive Symposium news, speaker announcements, and program updates.

Why We Host the Symposium

Changing the Conversation, Reshaping the Future

Every symposium we host, whether our annual flagship event or targeted virtual gatherings, is designed to do more than share information. We’re changing the conversation around sickle cell disease. We’re showcasing innovative research and treatments that are transforming what’s possible. We’re elevating voices that have been ignored for too long.

Every June, the Annual Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium and National Sickle Cell Disease Scientific Meeting brings the global sickle cell community together for our most comprehensive gathering of the year. This annual tradition draws leading researchers, physicians, clinicians, stakeholders, supporters, and social workers from around the world to share breakthrough research, learn from one another, and forge collaborations.

Whether you attend in person in Fort Lauderdale or participate virtually from anywhere in the world, you’ll be part of conversations that are actively reshaping the future of sickle cell care. Key presentations are live-streamed, and comprehensive recordings remain available after the event concludes, ensuring that groundbreaking knowledge reaches every corner of the global sickle cell community.

Continuing the Conversation Year-Round

We host focused virtual symposia throughout the year, each diving deep into specific topics critical to sickle cell care and research. These targeted events use the convenience and accessibility of virtual formats to keep our community connected, informed, and advancing.

These symposia ensure that healthcare providers stay current with best practices, researchers remain connected to their peers, and Sickle Cell Warriors have ongoing access to the latest information affecting their care.

Together, we’re reshaping the future.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Sickle Cell Researchers

Present your research findings and learn from others working in the field.

Healthcare Professionals

Explore the latest best practices for treatment while listening to patients.

Sickle Cell Warriors

Connect with others in the community and share your experiences. Be heard.

Pharmaceutical Reps

Share directly with the physicians and patients grappling with the disease.

Community Supporters

Learn how to fight for loved ones by arming yourself with education.

Policy Makers

Understand the unique challenges facing the Sickle Cell Warriors you serve.

The Grant Writing Institute

Transform Your Vision Into Funded Reality

Wednesday, June 10, 2027

Who Should Attend?

The Grant Writing Institute gives you the tools, knowledge, and ongoing support to secure the funding your vision deserves.

The program combines live lessons, interactive workshops, and expert guidance. After the intensive training, you’ll have access to one full year of mentoring to help achieve your fundraising goals.

This intensive one-day training is specifically designed for leaders of community-based organizations, grassroots initiatives, patient groups, and local programs dedicated to improving the lives of those living with sickle cell disease. If you’re passionate about making a difference but struggle to secure the funding your mission deserves, this institute is for you.

Apply Now for The Grant Writing Institute

Betty S. Pace, MD

Founding Board Member

Wally R. Smith, MD

Founding Board Member

Dr. Mary LaMar

2026 FSCDR Annual Symposium Highlights