Join us
Thursday, May 5, 2022, 12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow
Friday, May 6, 2022, 8:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Participate in immersive experiences, illuminating sessions, a dialogue with Nobel laureates on the future of health innovation, and a signature evening featuring dinners and conversation in some of San Francisco’s most notable private homes.
Explore the program below and learn more about our extraordinary lineup of speakers here.
If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Marschak at [email protected].
Moderated by:
- Olga Khazan, Staff Writer, The Atlantic
- Liz Neeley, Founder and CEO, Liminal
- Alice Park, Senior Correspondent, TIME
- Jonathan Wosen, West Coast biotech & life sciences reporter, STAT News
Event Co-Hosts:
- Dagmar Dolby
- Susan & Bill Oberndorf
- Mo & John Pritzker
- Joan & Sandy Weill
- Jane & Sam Hawgood
| 12:00 p.m. | Opening Luncheon |
| 1:30 p.m. | Welcome Life-changing innovations in neuroscience are happening at a rapid pace. UCSF sits at the epicenter of this moment. Chancellor Sam Hawgood shares his perspective on the future of brain care, highlighting UCSF’s world-class neurosciences community and the groundbreaking work of the physicians, scientists, and researchers leading the field. Introduction by: Bill Oberndorf, Event Co-Host Speaker: Sam Hawgood, MBBS, Chancellor |
| 1:45 p.m. | My Story: Restoring the Freedom to Move with Deep Brain Stimulation Neuromodulation treatments can be life-changing. In this session, we will hear from some of the leading experts about how this surgery works. Then a physician and her patient will discuss the power of deep brain stimulation. Be prepared to learn – and see – the ability of this technology to help and heal patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Speakers: Part 1: Philip Starr, MD, PhD, Neurological Surgery Moderator: Edward Chang, MD, Neurological Surgery Part 2: Jill Ostrem, MD, Neurology Patient: Dave Brown |
| 2:10 p.m. | My Story: Forecasting Seizures in the Brain A deeper dive into how brain electrical recordings and implanted devices can treat patients with epilepsy and help eliminate the unpredictability of the disorder. We’ll hear about how, by constantly monitoring brain signals and creating warning signals, patients can get advance warning before they have a seizure. Could the future of this technology prevent seizures altogether? Speaker: Vikram Rao, MD, PhD, Neurology Patient: Kimberly Bari |
| 2:25 p.m. | Relieving Human Suffering: Precision Modulation of Brain-Circuits for Mood Now that we’ve had a firsthand look at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat movement disorders, we’re turning the spotlight on new uses and newer technologies. Call it “precision medicine meets mental health.” We’ll be joined by UCSF scientists who have successfully treated a patient with severe depression by identifying the personal pattern of brain activity leading to their suffering and using DBS to restore it to its natural rhythm. We’ll explore this landmark success when it comes to treating psychiatric disorders with deep brain stimulation. What does the future hold when it comes to neuromodulation and psychiatry? Speaker: Katherine Scangos, MD, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Olga Khazan, Staff Writer, The Atlantic |
| 2:35 p.m. | Reimagining Psychiatric Care: Precision Medicine for Brain Circuit Modulation We’ve had an extraordinary firsthand look at where the technology of deep brain stimulation stands today and the range of neurological diseases it can treat. What’s next? In this session, we’ll hear about a less-invasive future for circuit modulation and how it can be applied to psychiatric care. We'll explore future solutions, including focused ultrasound, that are less invasive and scalable. Speakers: Andrew Krystal, MD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Andrew Moses Lee, MD, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Liz Neeley, Founder and CEO, Liminal |
| 2:50 p.m. | Searching for Words: A Brain Implant for Restoring Speech In a stunning scientific milestone, UCSF scientists identified a way to help restore language to a patient who had lost the ability to talk. We’ll hear the behind-the-scenes details about how the team tapped into the speech areas of the brain and give the patient the ability to communicate words and thoughts by simply trying to say them. We’ll also learn about the remarkable journey of the patient and how his efforts are paving the way for future assistive technology to help others with debilitating disabilities. An inspirational endeavor encompassing artificial intelligence, electrodes, and determination. Introduction by: David Moses, PhD, Bioengineering Speakers: Edward Chang, MD, Neurological Surgery Moderator: Jonathan Wosen, West Coast biotech & life sciences reporter, STAT News |
| 3:05 p.m. | Why I moved from Big Tech to UCSF Speaker: Peng Cong, PhD, Neurological Surgery Moderator: Edward Chang, MD, Neurological Surgery |
| 3:10 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30 p.m. | Reconvene |
| 3:35 p.m. | The Future of Immunology and the Brain Dr. Stephen Hauser, one of the leaders in the decades-long fight to treat and better understand multiple sclerosis, sets the stage when it comes to biologic therapies and how we are modulating to treat a variety of disorders of the brain. Speaker: Stephen Hauser, MD, Neurology |
| 3:45 p.m. | Brain on Fire: Unique Discoveries and Treatments An in-depth conversation highlighting traditional and emerging autoimmune neurological and psychiatric diseases, emphasizing their profound clinical impact and cutting-edge methods for diagnosis. Speakers: Megan Richie, MD, Neurology Michael Wilson, MD, MAS, Neurology Moderator: Alice Park, Senior Correspondent, TIME |
| 4:05 p.m. | Engineering Immune Cells to Fight Neurological Diseases Many experts believe immunotherapy hold tremendous promise for treating patients with brain cancer. One of the most exciting developments: CAR T-cell therapy, in which a patient's own immune cells are reengineered to fight their cancer. An exploration with top UCSF researchers about how this treatment, which has been successfully fighting other cancers for years, might apply to neuro-oncology, autoimmune diseases of the brain, and beyond. Speakers: John de Groot, MD, Neurological Surgery Josiah Gerdts, MD, PhD, Neurology Sasha Gupta, MD, Neurology Moderator: Jonathan Wosen, West Coast biotech & life sciences reporter, STAT News |
| 4:25 p.m. | Expanding the Use of Gene Therapy: CRISPR’s Revolutionary Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases There’s currently no cure for the millions of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but there is promise in using the cutting-edge gene editing technology CRISPR. We will hear from the experts on how gene therapy might be able to help patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s. Speaker: Claire Clelland, MD, PhD, MPhil, Neurology Moderator: Alice Park, Senior Correspondent, TIME |
| 4:40 p.m. | Rethinking Psychedelics: The Next Generation of Treatment? Have psychedelics gone mainstream? It’s debatable, but there’s no question that a growing number of scientists and investors are advocating for the use of drugs like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine and MDMA to treat a host of mental health disorders from depression and anxiety to PTSD. As more institutions study the use of these drugs under the watchful eye of doctors, and as more states and cities move to decriminalize some psychedelics, what does it all mean? Do psychedelics represent the next generation of treatment? What are the potentials for abuse? Experts take on this hot national debate. Speakers: Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD, Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Liz Neeley, Founder and CEO, Liminal |
| 4:55 p.m. | “Unraveling Bolero”: Music and the Brain Join us on a memorable journey to the intersection of health and the arts – reflecting an innovative collaboration between UCSF and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. We'll hear the story of how a degenerative neurological disorder afflicting two people – French composer Maurice Ravel and Canadian scientist Anne Adams – sparked an explosion of creative output in both. UCSF doctors who treated Adams will join us to share her experience. Also, how Ravel’s mesmerizing Bolero surprisingly connects these two artists separated by an ocean and half a century. The session will conclude with a special performance of “Bolero." Speakers: Maria Luisa Gorno Tempini, MD, PhD, Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Bruce Miller,MD, Neurology William Seeley, MD, Neurology and Pathology David Stull, President, San Francisco Conservatory of Music Performance by: SFCM Chamber Orchestra with Music Director Edwin Outwater |
| 5:30 p.m. | Day One Closing Remarks |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinners to follow |
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome Back |
| 9:05 a.m. | Future of the Brain: Neurology Advances in understanding the brain have led to powerful new approaches for managing neurological disorders over the past decade. Hear from Dr. S. Andrew Josephson, chair of UCSF's Department of Neurology, about how the next decade will be even more exciting. Dr. S. Andrew Josephson will dicuss how new treatments will emerge for a diverse set of neurological problems that affect patients of all ages, including stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Speaker: S. Andrew Josephson, MD, Neurology |
| 9:15 a.m. | Building a Resilient Brain The science of resilience is here. How does early life experience influence our physiology? Could a single protein called klotho block dementia and insulate our brains against diseases of aging? How does chronic stress affect the brain, heart, and immune health? Experts share what’s behind chronic stress, how to build stress resilience, and how both are connected to healthy development and aging. Speakers: Nicki Bush, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Dena Dubal, MD, PhD, Neurology Elissa Epel, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Alice Park, Senior Correspondent, TIME |
| 9:35 a.m. | Understanding Sleep: Benefiting Brain Health and Beyond Consider this: The human body can actually survive longer without food than it can without sleep. Leading experts will share new research on just how essential sleep is for our survival and for our brains. We’ll learn how sleep interacts with mood and how it regulates the immune system and our ability to fight infections. We’ll also explore how sleep impacts and modulates neurologic conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. Could sleep hold the key to preventing, treating, or decreasing the risk for Alzheimer’s and Parksinon’s? A deep dive into the benefits of better sleep for your brain. Speakers: Liza Ashbrook, MD, Neurology Ying-Hui Fu, PhD, Neurology Aric Prather, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Liz Neeley, Founder and CEO, Liminal |
| 9:55 a.m. | Discovering Causes, Developing Cures and Focusing on Prevention: The Future of Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Disorders It’s been called a dementia epidemic: More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today, with that number expected to reach 13 million by 2050. While there is still not a single medicine that halts or slows any neurodegenerative diseases, there is hope. Leading researchers from UCSF share the latest science, diagnostics, and strategies that might prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and other devastating neurodegenerative diseases. Speakers: Bruce Miller, MD, Neurology Lennart Mucke, MD, Neurology and Gladstone Institute of Neurologic Disease Kristine Yaffe, MD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: S. Andrew Josephson, MD, Neurology |
| 10:15 a.m. | Unconventional Treatment: Using Technology to Improve Brain Health Social media, video games, apps. They’re a daily and constant concern plaguing millions of parents. But what if some of these technologies could actually be used to advance brain health equity for children? We’ll hear from faculty who are developing to use technology for good, including through the creation of the first FDA-approved video game to treat ADHD, the first school-based video-delivered ADHD treatment in Latin America and the first mental health treatment app designed by and for foster care youth. A fresh look at technology and our children. Speakers: Adam Gazzaley, MD, PhD, Neurology Lauren Haack, PhD, MS, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Marina Tolou-Shams, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Olga Khazan, Staff Writer, The Atlantic |
| 10:35 a.m. | Break |
| 10:55 a.m. | Precision Medicine for Brain Injury: How Big Data Can Enhance Recovery Traumatic brain injuries – stemming from falls, sports injuries, car accidents and combat-related injuries – are a major cause of death and disability in the US and can affect people of all ages. Consequences of traumatic brain injury are unique from one patient to the next. Some injuries, like concussions, are paradoxically classified as “mild” despite debilitating symptoms when brain scans and other tests have normal results. A UCSF trauma neurosurgeon joins us to share the latest information about precision medicine for brain injury. How are leading scientists at UCSF using big data to enhance recovery? We’ll also learn about the potential for a new blood test for concussions, along with the future of diagnosing and treating head injuries from all causes. Speaker: Geoffrey Manley, MD, PhD, Neurological Surgery Moderator: Cathra Halabi, MD, Neurology |
| 11:05 a.m. | Recreating Brain Circuits For many patients suffering from a traumatic brain injury, too much damage to brain circuits exists for any chance of recovery. But hope is on the horizon thanks to the pioneering work of UCSF scientists who are aiming to recreate brain circuits and then integrate them into the injured brain. We’ll hear from one leader in the field about how this new method might even augment brain capacity in normal brains. A revealing look at the next generation of brain circuitry. Speaker: Karunesh Ganguly, MD, PhD, Neurology |
| 11:10 a.m. | The Future of the Neurosurgery Operating Room The future is here. UCSF is already using state-of-the-art tools that eventually will be commonplace in neurosurgery operating rooms everywhere. Technologies currently at the fingertips of UCSF neurosurgeons include everything from robots that assist doctors in performing brain surgery to laser sensors that create 3-D maps of the brain. In the near future, new surgeries will not involve even a single incision. Take a fron- row seat and learn from UCSF neurosurgeons about the promise of these technologies and how they can improve patient outcomes after surgery in an extraordinarily complex environment: the human brain. Ezequiel "Eze" Goldschmidt, MD, PhD, Neurological Surgery Doris Wang, MD, PhD, Neurological Surgery Moderator: Edward Chang, MD, Neurological Surgery |
| 11:25 a.m. | Future of the Brain: Psychiatry Historically , psychiatry has remained on the sidelines while technological and scientific advances transformed the fields of neurology and neurosurgery. UCSF’s Dr. Matthew State, an internationally-renowned molecular geneticist and child psychiatrist, will describe how emerging biological therapies are now taking on these most mysterious and complex brain disorders. From gene-focused therapies and mapping the cellular proteome in autism to harnessing molecular mechanisms of drug action in depression and PTSD, psychiatry is emerging as a full partner in the biological revolution. Speaker: Matthew State, MD, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences |
| 11:35 a.m. | Decoding Autism: The Search for Novel Treatments There’s no single cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but researchers have pinpointed more than 100 genes underlying the condition. The key question: Where do we go from here? What comes next in ASD therapeutics development? Join us for an exceptional conversation with some of the pioneers in the field. Speaker: Stephan Sanders, MBBS, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Jonathan Wosen, West Coast biotech & life sciences reporter, STAT News |
| 11:50 p.m. | Community Psychiatry: Moving Mental Health from the Margins to the Center The homeless crisis in the Bay Area is intertwined with a mental health crisis. Consider this: Approximately 30,000 unhoused persons in nine Bay Area counties, a number that continues to skyrocket during the pandemic. In addition, while nearly half of homeless individuals reported psychiatric or emotional problems, only a fraction of them receive mental health services. Leaders from UCSF are on the front lines of these twin epidemics of suffering on society's margins. How do public psychiatrists engage with communities on the margins to promote brain health equity? We will hear how experts are using technological innovation and science to support and collaboratively create solutions with our most vulnerable neighbors. Speakers: Lisa Fortuna, MD, MPH, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Fumi Mitsuishi, MD, MS, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Moderator: Olga Khazan, Staff Writer, The Atlantic |
| 12:05 p.m. | Day 2 Closing Remarks |
| 12:10 p.m. | Transfer to Lunch |
| 12:30 p.m. | Closing Luncheon |
| 1:05 p.m. | Nobel Dialogue: Driving Innovation With six Nobel laureates, it’s no secret why UCSF is regarded as one of the world’s leading medical and life science universities. We’ll take this rare opportunity to sit down with a panel of Nobel Prize winners for a conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. What drives innovation? What is the future of neuroscience? And, at a time when science in general is being challenged, where do the brightest minds see cause for hope? Speakers: Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, FRS, AC, Biochemistry and BiophysicsJennifer Doudna, PhD, Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry, University of California, BerkeleyDavid Julius, PhD, Physiology |
| 1:45 p.m. | Program Concludes |
| 2:15 p.m. | Summit Concludes |
Event Planning and COVID-19
UCSF requires that all guests attending in-person events verify that they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations,
including boosters for those who are eligible, upon arrival on-site.