“Sensation-Motivation and AI”
Building on the ongoing partnership between the Chen Institute and USC, the 4th Annual Symposium on Sensation, Motivation, and AI in 2026 will retain its primary focus on how brain circuits integrate external and internal sensory information to drive motivated behaviors. The symposium will also place expanded emphasis on the rapidly evolving interface between neuroscience and artificial intelligence, highlighting the bidirectional integration of AI concepts and methodologies with neuroscience research on brain function and behavior. By bringing together esteemed researchers from diverse disciplines, the symposium aims to address the general question on how brain circuits produce sensation and motivation. This event will serve as a hub for sharing cutting-edge research, identifying salient open questions and guiding principles, and fostering new interdisciplinary collaborations.
Organizers:
Dr. Li Zhang, Center for Neural Circuits & Sensory Processing Disorders
Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, USC
Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute (cheninstitute.org)
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 Symposium (open to public)
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Private Speakers Workshop (invite only)
Speakers
Program Schedule: April 23, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
Start time | End time | Activity |
9:00AM | 9:30AM | Registration, Check-in, & Breakfast |
9:30AM | 9:40AM | Opening Remarks |
Session 1 | ||
9:40AM | 10:10AM | Dr. Michael Halassa |
10:10AM | 10:40AM | Dr. Laura Busse |
10:40AM | 10:50AM | Coffee Break |
10:50AM | 11:20AM | Dr. Brice Bathellier |
11:20AM | 11:50AM | Dr. Guangwei Zhang |
11:50AM | 12:20PM | Dr. Zheng Wu |
12:20PM | 1:40PM | Lunch |
Session 2 | ||
1:40PM | 2:10PM | Dr. Bing Wen Brunton |
2:10PM | 2:40PM | Dr. Brian Lee |
2:40PM | 3:10PM | Dr. Daniel L.K. Yamins |
3:10PM | 3:20PM | Coffee Break |
3:20PM | 3:50PM | Dr. Samuel Nastase |
3:50PM | 4:20PM | Dr. Talmo Pereira |
4:20PM | 5:00PM | Reception |
How to Get Here
Address: Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute of USC ZNI 112 @ 1501 San Pablo St., Los Angeles CA 90033
Parking: Biggy Parking Lot