HDF Workshops

Traditional research can be restrictive. Scientists often work in isolation, pursuing complicated outcomes. Since our inception in 1968, the HDF has challenged this traditional research model by creating HDF workshops. HDF understands that complex problems and cures are discovered when there are shared learnings between scientists.

This unique research model was proven in 1983 when the HDF brought together a multi-disciplinary group of about 100 international scientists, known now as “The Gene Hunters,” to discover the Huntington’s disease gene.

Our workshops are designed around a scientific topic. We bring together a small, interdisciplinary group of early career scientists to senior researchers, including those in academia and industry, which allow for cross-pollination of ideas. We encourage brainstorming and exploration of new directions for research.

Proven to Work

The Gene Hunters were successful in their pursuit. This single discovery of the Huntington’s gene demonstrated that gene identification in human disease was possible for the first time in history. This breakthrough is quoted as the launch of the Human Genome Project, which identified all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA. All participants were equally credited for the discovery and were listed in the published paper as one author, “The Huntington’s Disease Collaborative Research Group.”

Recent Workshop Reports

January 2024 Workshop

Cell-Type Specific Biology in Huntington’s Disease
Santa Monica, CA

October 2023 Workshop

Therapeutically Targeting DNA Repair and Somatic Expansion
New York, NY