Event archive
BBS Foundation Conference 2026
Knowledge Is HopeA gathering of families, researchers, and specialists united by a shared mission. Explore recordings and stories shared through the 2026 gathering dedicated to Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.

At a glance
- Hosted by
- The BBS FoundationWashington DC, 2026. A Race Against Blindness attended as a sponsor and media partner.
- Recordings
- 15 talks and 12 podcastsExpert presentations, Hall of Fame inductions, family stories and the conversations Dr. Steve Johnston recorded on site.
- Our part
- Sponsorship, media coverage and travel helpAttendance reimbursements reduced the cost for patients and families who came.
- Learn more
- bbsfoundation.org (opens in a new tab)Upcoming events, Centers of Excellence and resources for families, on the Foundation's own site.
A shared journey
For families affected by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS), coming together is profound. The 2026 BBS Foundation Conference provided a space to connect, learn from leading researchers, and find strength in a community that truly understands.
As a BBS-affected family, A Race Against Blindness was honored to attend and proud to support this vital event. In addition to serving as a sponsor and providing media coverage to share these moments with the wider community, we provided attendance reimbursements that reduced the financial burden for participating patients and families.

Connecting families worldwide
The conference recap.
This conference recap highlights families, clinicians, researchers, and Hall of Fame inductees from the 2026 gathering. Viewers will learn about recent BBS research developments and the educational content released from the event.
Expert presentations and community voices
Watch 15 conference recordings featuring clinicians, researchers, family perspectives, and people sharing lived experiences with BBS.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026 Opening Welcome | "Monumental Moments" in Washington DC
SpeakerTim Ogden
The opening welcome frames the conference as a growing BBS community gathering. Viewers will hear how the event is focused on mutual support, accessibility, and shared progress.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Linda Rickard Inducted as First Hall of Fame Honoree
SpeakersDr. Steve Johnston, Linda Rickard
Linda Rickard is inducted as the first BBS Hall of Fame honoree. Listeners will hear her reflect on early efforts to connect and support families affected by BBS.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Val Sheffield's Hall of Fame Induction
SpeakersDr. Erica Davis and Dr. Val Sheffield
Dr. Val Sheffield is honored for foundational BBS genetics research. Viewers will learn about his early locus mapping and collaboration with affected families and researchers.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Bob Haws Hall of Fame Induction
SpeakersDavid Pothier, Shawnie Pothier, Dr. Bob Haws
Dr. Bob Haws is honored for helping develop specialized BBS care. Viewers will hear about his role in establishing the Center of Excellence and the CRIBBS registry.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Ronald Roepman on the Science of Cilia and BBS Research
SpeakerDr. Ronald Roepman
Dr. Ronald Roepman explains how cilia function in cells. Viewers will learn why molecular research on ciliopathies, including SCAPER, may inform diagnosis and potential treatments.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Stavros Garantziotis on Cilia, Lung Function, and BBS
SpeakerDr. Stavros Garantziotis
Dr. Stavros Garantziotis discusses research suggesting that impaired primary cilia may affect lung development and repair. Viewers will learn about the need to study lung function in BBS.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Inside the AXIS Trial — BBS1 Gene Therapy for Retinal Degeneration
SpeakerDr. Victor Hernandez
Dr. Victor Hernandez describes the AXIS Phase 1/2A study of subretinal BBS1 gene therapy for retinal degeneration. Listeners will hear details about its safety-focused dose-escalation design.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: BBS10 Gene Therapy Breakthroughs in Vision and Behavior Research
SpeakerDr. Ying Hsu
Researchers present preclinical AAV8 BBS10 gene-augmentation findings in mice. Viewers will learn about behavior research intended to improve the study of developmental and behavioral differences in BBS.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Jeremy Pomeroy on CRIBBS Registry Research
SpeakerDr. Jeremy Pomeroy
Dr. Jeremy Pomeroy explains how long-term CRIBBS registry data supports research. Viewers will learn about the diverse and interconnected clinical impacts of BBS and rare-disease trials.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: A Researcher's Personal Journey From RP Diagnosis to BBS5 Discovery
SpeakerRuya Dogru
Ruya Dogru shares her journey from childhood retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis to BBS5 identification. Listeners will hear about her retinal-degeneration research on Müller cells.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Nathanael Ogden on Vision Loss, Advocacy, and Thriving with BBS
SpeakerNathanael Ogden
Nathanael Ogden describes adapting to BBS-related vision loss and preparing for college. Viewers will hear about self-advocacy, independent-living skills, and early coordination with support services.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Katherine Blalock's Story — Living Boldly with BBS, Blindness, and OCD
SpeakerKatherine Blalock
Katherine Blalock shares how she navigates BBS-related blindness, anxiety, and OCD. Listeners will learn about her use of accessibility tools and how she pursues her interests and work.
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: Tiffany’s Late Diagnosis Story
SpeakerTiffany Manosh
Tiffany Manosh discusses receiving a late BBS diagnosis. Viewers will hear about gaining blindness skills and community support, and building an active independent life.
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Therapies, Optogenetics, Metformin, & the Future of Vision Treatment
SpeakersDr. Katie Cording and Dr. John Ash
Dr. Katie Cording and Dr. John Ash discuss gene-agnostic approaches to retinal degeneration in BBS. Listeners will learn about optogenetics and neuroprotective strategies.
Tim Ogden: Recapping the Science & Rallying the BBS Community | BBS Conference 2026
SpeakerTim Ogden
Tim Ogden recaps scientific gaps and priorities in BBS research. Listeners will hear about community fundraising, advocacy, and support for people affected by BBS.
Deep dive conversations
12 educational podcasts hosted by Dr. Steve Johnston (co-founder, A Race Against Blindness), offer perspectives on genetics, coordinated care, research priorities, diagnosis, and family experiences.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: A Conversation with Tim Ogden on the BBS Foundation
GuestTim Ogden
Tim Ogden discusses the BBS Foundation's growth and Centers of Excellence. Listeners will learn about genetic diagnosis, community outreach, and research priorities.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Erica Davis on Genetic Testing & Why Every Patient Is Different
GuestDr. Erica Davis
Dr. Erica Davis explains BBS features and genetic-test interpretation. Viewers will hear about the Lurie Children's BBS Center of Excellence and research on BBS gene variants.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Bob Haws on Kidney Health, Transplants, and Nephrology
GuestDr. Bob Haws
Dr. Bob Haws discusses kidney involvement in BBS and recommended monitoring. Listeners will learn about transplant outcomes, coordinated nephrology care, and remaining research needs.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Seema Kumar on Hyperphagia, Weight Management, & More!
GuestDr. Seema Kumar
Dr. Seema Kumar discusses coordinated BBS care, hyperphagia, and weight management. Viewers will hear about related endocrine monitoring and treatment options families may discuss with their medical team.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: A Father's Story - Diagnosis & the Fight for Vision Research Funding
GuestKyle
Kyle shares his family’s path to his son Camden’s BBS10 diagnosis. Listeners will learn about their specialist care, community connection, and support for vision research funding.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Two Dads on Diagnosis, Fear, and Finding Hope with BBS
GuestsSteve Johnston, Jason Fenol
Steve Johnston and Jason Fenol discuss Ronan’s BBS1 diagnosis and the uncertainty families face. Viewers will hear about the roles of support, awareness, and retinal-disease research.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Reiter Explains the BBSome - The Molecular Machine Behind BBS
GuestDr. Reiter
Dr. Reiter explains the BBSome’s role in cilia. Viewers will learn how ciliary dysfunction may relate to variable BBS features, including retinal and kidney disease.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Arlene Drack on BBS10 Gene Therapy & What's Next for BBS
GuestDr. Arlene Drack
Dr. Arlene Drack reviews early BBS10 subretinal gene-therapy experience and pediatric vision-testing research. Viewers will also hear about preclinical work for additional BBS treatments.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Hernandez on the BBS1 AXIS Trial & Gene Therapy for Obesity
GuestDr. Victor Hernandez
Dr. Victor Hernandez discusses the enrolling AXIS trial for BBS1 retinal degeneration. Viewers will also learn about preclinical BBS1 gene-therapy research targeting obesity.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Kelsie Offenwanger on Behavioral Health, Autism Screening,+ More
GuestDr. Kelsie Offenwanger
Kelsie Offenwanger discusses tailored behavioral-health evaluations, autism screening, and telehealth. Viewers will also hear about support resources for people with BBS and their families.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Pomeroy - New BBS Diagnostic Criteria & Centers of Excellence
GuestDr. Jeremy Pomeroy
Jeremy Pomeroy explains updated BBS diagnostic criteria and the role of genetic testing. Viewers will learn about collaboration among BBS Centers of Excellence.
- Podcast
BBS Foundation Conference 2026: Dr. Ying Hsu Explains How Gene Therapy Works for BBS10 Vision Loss
GuestDr. Ying Hsu
Ying Hsu explains how AAV-based BBS10 gene therapy is designed to deliver genetic material to retinal cells. Viewers will learn how the treatment is administered through subretinal injection.
Moments from the weekend
Glimpses of connection, recognition, and shared purpose.
Your feedback
Tell us what worked, what should change, and what you hope to see in 2028. Every question is optional, and you may respond anonymously.
Please do not include diagnoses, medical histories, or other private health information. We use these answers only to improve future conferences and will not add you to a mailing list.
Thank you, BBS Foundation
We are deeply grateful to the BBS Foundation for hosting this incredible event. To learn more about their work, upcoming events, and resources for families, please visit their website.














































