Neuroscientists from around the world pitch bold ideas on consciousness—where science meets discovery for humanity’s future.
Agenda
6:00 PM Champagne Welcome for MSF's new CEO Marissa Rodriguez
6:30 PM Panel Discussion Featuring our Award-Winning Neuroscientists
7:15 PM Explore Art & Science: Savor Food, Drink & Private Access to the McNay's
Enchanting Nature Exhibit by Sandy Skoglund
About this event
Join us to meet this year's finalists, listen to their creative pitches, and be inspired by a dynamic panel discussion. Hosted by MSF Emeritus Trustees: Catherine Atherton, Sandy McNab, Pat Smothers, and Dr. Alice Viroslav, M.D., FACR.
Cast your vote!
Each BrainStorm finalist will be awarded $30,000 in research funding. The finalist who earns the most votes for best pitch will also receive a $10,000 Audience Choice Award—for a total of $40,000.
Lineup
Panel Host: Ben Rein, PhD, Chief Science Officer, Mind Science Foundation
Dr. Ben Rein is a Stanford-trained neuroscientist and 2021 BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition winner. His research on social behavior has been recognized by the NIH, Society for Neuroscience, and Sigma Xi.
In addition, to his work with the Mind Science Foundation, he lectures at Stanford and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo. As a social media science communicator, he has 1M+ followers and 70 M video views.
His debut book, Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection, will be published by Penguin Random House in October 2025. All guests will receive a free hardcover copy, signed upon request.
Finalist: Agustina Aragon-Daud, PhD student at the University of Liege
Project Title: Mind Blanking: Looking at the Brain When Thoughts Disappear
Finalist: Eti Ben-Simon, Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley
Project Title: Too Tired to Think Straight: The Role of Sleep Loss in Spreading Misinformation
Finalist: Iris Garcia-Pak, MD-PhD student at UC San Diego
Project Title: BBBursting with Excitement: Potential Pathways in Blood-Brain-Barrier-Controlled Brain Excitability and Alzheimer's Disease
Frequently asked questions
Are there discounted tickets available?
Yes! Discounted tickets are available for college students and San Antonio Startup Week attendees. Please contact Rose De Leon at [email protected] for more details.
What does my ticket include?
Tickets include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, private access to the McNay’s Enchanting Nature exhibit, and a hardcover copy of Dr. Ben Rein’s new book, Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection.
What is the dress code for BrainStorm?
Business casual attire is recommended. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably yet polished for an evening of art, science, and networking.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
McNay Art Museum, 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States
