Popular speaker series to address Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s, autism research and more

The UC Davis MIND Institute’s Distinguished Lecturer Series will feature four exciting talks about neurodevelopmental disabilities over the next few months. Topics will include the latest in autism research, the link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, and targeted interventions.

The popular series, which has been running for more than 20 years, is free and open to the public. All lectures take place at the UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento from 4:30-6 p.m.

“We have fantastic speakers lined up for the next four months,” explained the MIND Institute’s David Hessl, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and director of the Distinguished Lecturer Series. “I am looking forward to learning from our presenters and connecting with the community members, health care providers and other researchers.”

Here is the 2025 lineup:

• Feb. 12: Benjamin L. Handen, professor of psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology and instruction and learning at the University of Pittsburgh, presents “The Search for Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome.”
• March 12: Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, pediatric neurologist at Rush University and world-renowned fragile X expert, presents “Translation of Disease – Targeted Treatments in Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Efforts to Cross the Chasm.”
• April 9: Matthew Lerner, associate professor and director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab and leader of the Life Course Outcomes Program at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, presents “Rethinking Social Outcomes Across the Spectrum.”
• May 14: Kelsey Martin, executive vice president of autism and neuroscience at the Simons Foundation, presents “The Evolving Landscape of Autism Research.” 

  

We hope that the opportunity to learn from researchers who are leaders in their fields will encourage discussion and innovation.—David Hessl, professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

In October, the MIND Institute kicked off its 2024-2025 Distinguished Lecturer Series with a symposium on autism early diagnosis and intervention. It featured developmental pediatrician Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, director of the Autism Research Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Alberta, Canada as the keynote speaker. The well-attended event also included a panel of MIND Institute autism experts and an autistic self-advocate.

The full symposium is available on YouTube.

“After such a successful symposium, we are eager to continue sharing ideas and leading-edge research in our next four lectures,” Hessl said. “We hope that the opportunity to learn from researchers who are leaders in their fields will encourage discussion and innovation.”

MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series Symposium

• Lectures are 4:30-6 p.m. Refreshments served at 4 p.m.
• UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50^th, Sacramento.
• No registration required.
• Seating is first come, first served.
• Parking is available in Parking Structure 2, adjacent to the Ambulatory Care Center. Note: The MIND Institute parking lot is mostly closed for construction.