The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences celebrated its scientists and their discoveries, while exploring some of the most pressing questions in their fields at the biennial Brains on Brains symposium April 29.

More than 130 friends and alumni of the department gathered in Building 46 for a full day of lively presentations and engaging panel discussions with leading researchers from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research.

"Our community works together in pursuit of a deeper understanding of all aspects of the brain and mind, from the building blocks of neurons, to the algorithms and neural circuits that drive everything from rote behaviors to the representations of reality that we hold in our minds, to the nature of how human knowledge is used, processed, and acquired," Interim Department Head for Brain and Cognitive Sciences Josh McDermott said in opening remarks. "You are joining us today for one of our signature events. The Brains on Brains symposium is held every two years to celebrate the accomplishments of our researchers and explore—together—some of the most profound questions in our fields."

The morning session began with the panel discussion "Biological and Artificial Intelligence," featuring Sherman Fairchild Professor of Neuroscience Matt Wilson, Associate Professor of Neuroscience Ev Fedorenko, and Professor of Brain and Cognitive Josh Tenenbaum Sciences. It was followed by a series of lightning talks by graduate students Eric Martínez and Talya Kramer, and postdoctoral fellow Sharmelee Selvaraji.

The morning concluded with two faculty talks: "Mindfulness, Brain, Education, & Mental Health" by Grover Hermann Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Cognitive Neuroscience John Gabrieli; and a presentation by Professor of Cognitive Science Laura Schultz that highlighted research that included significant contributions by participants in BCS's post-baccalaureate Research Scholars Program, which is designed to provide additional research and training to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and veterans preparing to apply to PhD programs.

The afternoon session began with the faculty panel "Clinical Partnerships and Drug Development," featuring Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology Ed Boyden, James W. (1963) and Patricia T. Poitras Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Guoping Feng, and Picower Professor of Neuroscience and Director of The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory Li-Huei Tsai. It was moderated by Edward Hood Taplin Professor of Medical Engineering Emery Brown.

The panel was followed by "Determinants of Neuronal Vulnerability in Neurodegenerative Disease: Insights from Molecular Profiling and Genetic Screening in the CNS," a talk by Associate Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Picower Institute Investigator Myriam Heiman.

The afternoon session concluded with "Metaplasticity to the Rescue," a talk by Picower Professor of Neuroscience Mark Bear, after which attendees and symposium participants were invited to the Building 46 Atrium for food, drinks and mingling.

The next Brains on Brains symposium is expected to be held in Spring 2026.