Perth’s Research Legacy
Western Australia’s neuromuscular research legacy began with an unexpected discovery. In the 1960s, Professor Byron Kakulas was studying Rottnest Island quokkas when he observed something remarkable: their degenerated muscle could regenerate. This breakthrough observation at the University of Western Australia laid the groundwork for decades of research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy and paved the way for the genetic and molecular therapies being developed today.
That pioneering work established Western Australia as a serious player in neuromuscular research. Today, the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science is Western Australia’s longest-established medical research institute, specialising in the study of neuromuscular disorders.
These disorders affect the communication between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness, atrophy, and mobility challenges. Its team of more than 250 clinicians, researchers, and medical professionals work collaboratively across multiple disciplines to advance understanding and treatment. The Institute’s partnerships with over 450 research organisations in 44 countries reflect how far Perth’s influence has spread.
Researchers from the Perron Institute, the University of Western Australia, and Murdoch University have built on this foundation, with breakthrough discoveries spanning FDA-approved therapies, molecular genetics, and innovative treatment approaches.
The Western Australian Government has strategically backed this research strength, investing $8.65 million from 2021 to 2025 to support innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure. The combination of six decades of research excellence, world-class facilities, and sustained government support gave Perth what it needed to compete for one of the world’s premier neuromuscular congresses.
Perron Institute’s Breakthrough Discoveries
First FDA-approved targeted therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, developed by Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher. These splice-modifying therapeutics are currently in clinical trials.
Molecular identification of congenital myopathies, led by Professor Nigel Laing’s group, including breakthrough work on nemaline myopathy and congenital fibre type disproportion.
Sodium valproate treatment for McArdle’s disease, discovered through Professor John Howell’s work at Murdoch University on animal models of muscle glycogenosis, restoring myophosphorylase expression in skeletal muscles.
Anti-cytokine therapies for muscular dystrophy, pioneered by Professor Miranda Grounds, demonstrating reduced muscle injury severity in animal models of DMD.
Australia’s first AI-powered national Myositis Registry and the International Multicentre Rapamycin Trial for inclusion body myositis, led by the Myositis Discovery Program at the Perron Institute.
Winning the Bid
Securing ICNMD 2024 required more than credentials. The bid was highly competitive. Business Events Perth needed to prove that Perth could deliver at the same level as any major global city. They assembled a committee of leading Western Australian researchers, including Professors Sulev Koks, Steve Wilton, Byron Kakulas and Sue Fletcher, to demonstrate the state’s depth of neuromuscular expertise.
And when COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented in-person attendance at the final presentations, the team adapted quickly. They delivered a hybrid presentation that maintained a high-quality, interactive experience for the judging panel. This pivot showed Perth’s digital capabilities and reinforced the city’s ability to deliver under pressure.
In the end, the strategy centred on relationship-building. After securing the bid, representatives from Business Events Perth and the organising committee travelled to Brussels for the 2022 edition of ICNMD to connect directly with delegates – a proactive effort to strengthen engagement and boost attendance for the Perth congress.
The Congress Delivers
Finally, in October 2024, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre brought together 720 researchers and clinicians from 45 countries. More than 120 industry leaders presented, sharing the latest advancements in the treatment of conditions such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Inclusion Body Myositis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS.
Delegates participated in a series of interactive workshops, hands-on courses, and specialised scientific sessions exploring areas including muscle biology, motor neuron disorders, nerve function, and neuromuscular junction research.
The congress created a forum for collaboration between Perth’s local expertise and the international neuromuscular community, strengthening connections that will drive future research partnerships.
“It was also a great opportunity for leaders in their fields to network and share the latest knowledge, and we were delighted to provide a hospitable welcome and host delegates in sunny Perth,” said Professor Sulev Koks.
Successfully bringing ICNMD back to Perth after 53 years validated Western Australia’s research investment and strengthened Perth’s position in the global neuromuscular research community. The congress demonstrated that authentic scientific credentials, combined with strategic relationship-building, can compete at the highest level.
Perth continues to build on this success, offering associations world-class research infrastructure, modern facilities, and a collaborative environment that makes major international medical events possible.
Discover how Perth can support your next international medical or scientific event at www.businesseventsperth.com.