HMS Neurobiology

DEPARTMENT RETREAT 2026

Enter the access code from your invitation email.

HMS NEUROBIOLOGY DEPARTMENT RETREAT 2026 Friday, May 8th · 9 AM – 6 PM David Rubenstein Treehouse · Allston, MA Registration open

PROGRAM MATERIALS

Download the schedule, reception details, and venue logistics.

Awardees
PC
Paolo Capelli, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Sabatini Lab, HMS
Systems neuroscientist studying motor circuits and reinforcement learning. Leads the HMS Neurobiology Systems Club.
Community Award
LK
Luke Kaplan, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher, HMS Neurobiology
Presenting Postdoc Talk 1 during Plenary Session I.
Torsten Wiesel Outstanding Postdoc Awardee
JSA
Jonna Singh Alvarado, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher, HMS Neurobiology
Presenting Postdoc Talk 2 during Plenary Session II.
David Hubel Outstanding Postdoc Awardee
Session Chairs
JP
Janki Patel
Ph.D. Candidate, Wilson Lab, HMS Neurobiology
PiN graduate student studying molecular underpinnings of behavior. Previously at the Salk Institute working on sonogenetics.
Session Chair · Plenary I
SK
Shon Koren
Ph.D. Candidate, Greenberg Lab, HMS Neurobiology
PiN graduate student investigating how metabolic changes govern neurophysiology, developing optogenetic tools.
Session Chair · Plenary II
Speakers
DG
David Ginty, Ph.D.
Lefler Professor of Neurobiology · Department Chair, HMS
2026 Brain Prize laureate and HHMI Investigator. Studies neural circuits underlying the sense of touch in health and disease.
Closing Remarks & Awards
CP
Carlos Ponce, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Studies visual recognition in the primate brain, combining electrophysiology with computational modeling and deep neural networks.
Opening Remarks
SA
Soha Ashrafi, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Research, HMS Neurobiology
Oversees the department's research and training mission. Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Weill Cornell; postdoc at NYU.
Opening Remarks
ML
Marge Livingstone, Ph.D.
Takeda Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Pioneer in visual neuroscience studying object-recognition circuitry. NAS member. Author of Vision and Art.
Faculty Talk 1
CW
Chuck Weitz, M.D., Ph.D.
Robert Henry Pfeiffer Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Investigates the mammalian circadian clock using biochemistry, genetics, and cryo-EM structural biology.
Faculty Talk 2
LG
Lisa Goodrich, Ph.D.
Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Studies assembly and function of auditory circuitry — how the neural wiring between the ear and brain develops and matures.
Faculty Talk 3 · Faculty Talk 4 (w/ Tari Tan)
BB
Bruce Bean, Ph.D.
Robert Winthrop Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Studies how ion channels control neuronal firing patterns, with applications to epilepsy, pain, and Parkinson's disease. NAS member.
Faculty Talk 5
BD
Bob Datta, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Studies how the brain composes natural behaviors using computational tools and neural recordings in freely moving animals.
Community Talk
TT
Tari Tan, Ph.D.
Lecturer on Neurobiology · Director of Education, PiN & HMS Neurobiology
Neuroscience educator. Co-directs PiNBAC and MAHPING outreach programs for diversity in STEM. PiN alumna (2016).
Faculty Talk 4 (w/ Lisa Goodrich)

POSTER SESSION

1:00 – 2:00 PM · Browse research posters from across the department.

About the poster session
All registered attendees are welcome to present a poster. Posters will be displayed in the main hall during the 1:00 – 2:00 PM session, with prizes awarded during the closing ceremony at 4:00 PM. Easels and mounting materials will be provided.
Format guidelines
Maximum poster size is 48" × 36" (landscape preferred). Include your name, lab affiliation, and a brief abstract. Digital submissions are not required but encouraged for the online gallery.
Poster prizes
Prizes will be awarded for best poster in three categories: graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, and staff scientist. Winners will be announced during the closing remarks & awards at 4:00 PM.
Questions about the poster session? Contact neuro_events@hms.harvard.edu
Register
Manage
Annual Retreat
HMS NEUROBIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT RETREAT 2026
Friday, May 8th · 9 AM – 6 PM
David Rubenstein Treehouse · Allston, MA
1
Contact information
2
Preferences
3
Confirmation
Registration closes
April 25, 2026
Contact information
Enter your details and an emergency contact.
Attendee
Emergency contact
Preferences
Help us make this retreat comfortable for everyone.
Allergy:
You're registered!
A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox.
We look forward to seeing you at the retreat.
Name—
Lab / Department—
EventHMS Neuro Retreat 2026
DateFriday, May 8th, 2026
StatusConfirmed
MANAGE REGISTRATION
Enter the email you registered with to receive a secure management link.

LOOK UP YOUR REGISTRATION

We'll send a magic link to verify your identity.

YOUR REGISTRATION
Edit your details below. Changes are saved immediately.