UC Berkeley Brain Capital Summit
Join UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons and leaders from science, education, business, philanthropy and government to explore how California can lead at a moment of profound change in brain science and the future of work.
WHY NOW
With a new governor taking office in early 2027, California has a unique opportunity to shape its future in brain science, education and the workforce. The UC Berkeley Brain Capital Summit will convene world-class faculty, business leaders, funders, innovators and policymakers to explore two critical questions:
The Summit will focus on two big questions:
How can California lead in brain science and innovation at a time of significant federal funding cuts?
How should we rethink education and talent development to prepare young people to thrive in a rapidly changing, AI-enabled workforce?
Breakthroughs in brain science, coupled with new approaches to education and career pathways, offer an opportunity to strengthen human potential, fuel economic growth and build a more prosperous California. Our goal is to move beyond ideas to identify concrete investments, innovations and policies that can help shape California's future.
A DAY OF STRATEGIC DIALOGUE CONVENED BY UC BERKELEY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Opening Remarks and Fireside Chat — What is the brain capital opportunity for California?
Rich Lyons, UC Berkeley Chancellor
Lenny Mendonca, former California Chief Economic and Business Advisor
Laura Tyson, Berkeley Distinguished Professor and former Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers
Michael Lu, Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Public Health
Conversations exploring breakthroughs in neuroscience, opportunities for investment and policy, and new approaches to education and career pathways in the AI era — confirmed speakers include:
Tom Kalil (Renaissance Philanthropy) and other public-private partnership and financing leaders
Leading neuroscientists Ehud Isacoff (UC Berkeley) and Mary Helen Immordino-Yang (USC)
Kana Enomoto, Director of Brain Health at McKinsey Health Institute and Harris Eyre, Executive Director of the Global Brain Economy Initiative
Dame Henrietta Moore, Founder and Director of the Institute for Global Prosperity
Executive leaders from SF Giants, Deloitte, California Community Colleges and Bank of America
Networking Lunch with leaders across the health sciences, education, technology, business, philanthropy and government
Closing Policy Conversation — What’s next for California? State and national policymakers explore the investments, policies and guardrails needed to advance California's leadership in brain capital.
Logistics & Location
Date & Time: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM PST
Location: Jarvis Auditorium in Grimes Hall, UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
Parking: Limited public parking in Lower Hearst Structure. Parking is also available nearby in the Stadium Parking Garage.
Lodging: Nearby hotels include Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Residence Inn Berkeley and the Claremont Resort and Club
Because space is limited at the event, we are currently extending the invitation only to those we've directly invited. If you would like to suggest additional invitees, please email BPHsocialimpact@berkeley.edu
Hosted By
UC Berkeley School of Public Health
Michael Lu, Dean
Rebecca Messing Haigler, Impact Fellow and SVP, Healthsperien
Claudia Williams, Chief Social Impact Officer
If you require accommodation for a disability for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Liam Chavez at lmchavez4@berkeley.edu or 510-823-6755 with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.