Neuro Next: Innovation in neuroscience and iPSC-based research
Event Description
Join us for Neuro Next, an evening gathering of innovators, scientists, and investors advancing the future of neuroscience and iPSC-based research.
Hosted during SfN 2025 in downtown San Diego, this event will highlight breakthrough tools, technologies, and research driving the next generation of neuro-focused discoveries.
Enjoy short lightning talks from leading scientists, followed by networking, drinks, and appetizers overlooking the San Diego skyline.
Agenda:
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Registration & Networking
5:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Welcome & Introductions
Speaker: Jose Morachis, PhD – Co-founder & Managing Partner, Phase Two Ventures
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Lightning Talks
Emcee: Elena Rubio de la Torre, PhD – Founder & Consultant, bioCustomer Support Solutions
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM
Advancing iPSC Reagents for Neuro Research
Jerome Karpiak, PhD – VP of Research, Defined Bioscience
5:40 PM – 5:50 PM
NMJ Dysfunction in Neuromuscular Diseases: Mechanistic Insights from iPSC Models
Helen Cristina Miranda, PhD – Associate Professor of Genetics & Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
5:50 PM – 6:00 PM
Epigenetic Convergence of Intellectual Disabilities
Hiruy Meharena, PhD – Assistant Professor, University of California San Diego
6:00 PM – 6:10 PM
Using hiPSC-derived Neurons to Model the Transsynaptic Spread of Prion-like Proteins
Leah Boyer, PhD – Program Lead, Novoron Bioscience
6:10 PM – 6:20 PM
High-Performance Antibody Discovery to Power Neuroscience Research
April Livengood, PhD – Director, Strategic Business Development, Aviva Systems Biology
6:20 PM – 6:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Speaker: Steve Rees, PhD – Founder & CEO, Defined Bioscience
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Networking, Food & Drinks
Hosts
Defined Bioscience – Defined media and reagents enabling iPSC-based neuroscience research
Aviva Systems Biology – High-performance antibodies and protein tools powering discovery
Phase Two Ventures – Seed-stage venture fund backing life science tools
Novoron Bioscience – Developing neuroregenerative therapies
Registration
Space is limited — RSVP to join us for an inspiring evening connecting the neuroscience and iPSC innovation communities during SfN San Diego.