2025 Symposium - Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Innovations in Medical Research Home 2025 Symposium Recap of the September 19, 2025 extraordinary event "Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Innovations in Medical Research." This one-day symposium spotlighted the latest advances in medical research, celebrating groundbreaking discoveries that are revolutionizing healthcare and transforming lives. Our symposium brought together an exceptional group of scientists, visionary researchers, and thought leaders from across the globe to share their insights on cutting-edge developments in medical science. Breaking Barriers 2025: Symposium Highlights Relive the inspiring moments from Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Innovations in Medical Research, held on September 19, 2025. This one-day symposium brought together world-renowned scientists and visionaries to share groundbreaking discoveries shaping the future of medicine. Watch the highlights to experience the energy, innovation, and collaboration that defined this extraordinary event. Speaker Presentations This year's event featured an unparalleled lineup of world-renowned experts, including Nobel laureates, distinguished professors, and pioneering researchers who have made significant contributions to their fields: Geoffrey W. Abbott Professor of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine In Search of New Medicines from Plants Watch Here Wah Chiu Wallenberg-Bienenstock Professor, Stanford University Cryo-Electron Tomography of Eye Tissue and Cells Viviana Gradinaru Troendle Professor of Neuroscience, Caltech Crossing Blood-Brain Barriers with Experimental and Computational Protein Engineering Watch Here Stefan W. Hell Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2014), Max Planck Institute Molecule-scale Resolution and Dynamics in Fluorescence Microscopy Watch Here Carol Robinson Professor of Chemistry, University of Oxford From Recombinant Complex to Brain Region: A Journey in Curiosity Watch Here Gregg L. Semenza Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2019) Development of HIF Inhibitors to Treat Cancer and Ocular Neovascularization Thomas C. Südhof Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2013) The Molecular Logic of Synapse Assembly Watch Here Hongkui Zeng Executive Vice President, Allen Institute for Brain Science Dynamic Changes of Brain Cell Types in Development, Aging and Disease Watch Here A Day of Discovery and Connection The 2025 Breaking Barriers Symposium came alive with the energy of discovery and collaboration. Throughout the day, the halls were filled with conversation, curiosity, and connection. Scientists, clinicians, and students from around the world gathered to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships—turning shared vision into collective momentum for the future of translational research. Highlights from the Lectures The morning and afternoon lectures showcased pioneering discoveries that bridged molecular science and clinical innovation. From molecule-scale imaging and cryo-electron tomography to gene-based therapies and natural compound discovery, each speaker offered a unique perspective on how modern technology is reshaping our understanding of biology and disease. These talks not only illuminated the mechanisms of life at unprecedented resolution but also emphasized the collaborative spirit driving today’s scientific breakthroughs—where chemistry, physics, and medicine intersect to accelerate progress toward real-world cures. Interview with the Speakers Our distinguished speakers offer a deeper look into their groundbreaking research, personal journeys, and visionary perspectives. Through candid conversations, they share the motivations behind their work, the challenges they've overcome, and the insights shaping the future of their fields. Brian Hofland President, Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Watch Here Wah Chiu Wallenberg-Bienenstock Professor, Stanford University Watch Here Michael Chiang Director of the National Eye Institute (NEI) Watch Here Baruch D. Kuppermann Chair & Roger F. Steinert Professor, University of California, Irvine Watch Here Carol Robinson Professor of Chemistry, University of Oxford Watch Here Gregg L. Semenza Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2019) Watch Here Thomas C. Südhof Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2013) Watch Here Hongkui Zeng Executive Vice President, Allen Institute for Brain Science Watch Here Collaboration in Action Beyond the podium, the symposium fostered collaboration at every level. Between sessions, investigators exchanged ideas, shared resources, and envisioned new interdisciplinary studies. Informal moments over lunch and coffee breaks often sparked the beginnings of future partnerships—embodying the spirit of teamwork that drives the Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research. Honoring an Inspiring Day Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 Slide 6 Slide 7 Slide 8 Slide 9 As the day concluded, attendees gathered for closing remarks and a celebratory reception. The atmosphere reflected gratitude, inspiration, and shared purpose—hallmarks of BCTVR’s mission to accelerate sight-saving discoveries. -Thank you to all speakers, guests, and volunteers who made the 2025 Breaking Barriers Symposium an extraordinary success. Symposium Program September 19, 2025 Moderator: Krzysztof Palczewski, Director, University of California, Brunson Center for Translation Vision Research 7:30-8:00am: Coffee & Light Breakfast 8:00-8:25am: Opening Remarks Howard Gillman, Chancellor, University of California, Irvine Krzysztof Palczewski, Director, University of California, Brunson Center for Translation Vision Research 8:30 am: Scientific Lectures 8:30-9:25 am - Keynote, Stefan Hell, Nobel Prize, Chemistry 2014, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen and Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, HeidelbergMolecule-scale Resolution and Dynamics in Fluorescence Microscopy 9:25-10:20 am - Carol Robinson, University of OxfordFrom Recombinant Complex to Brain Region: A Journey in Curiosity 10:20 - 10:35 am: Coffee break 10:35-11:30 - Wah Chiu, Stanford UniversityCryo-Electron Tomography of Eye Tissue and Cells 11:30 - 12:25 pm - Geoffrey W. Abbott, University of California, IrvineIn Search of New Medicines from Plants 12:30 - 1:15 pm: Lunch 1:30 - 1:35 pm - Symposium Afternoon Opening Michael F. Chiang, MD, Director, National Eye Institute 1:35 - 2:30 pm: Keynote, Thomas C. Südhof, Nobel Prize, Physiology or Medicine 2013, Stanford UniversityThe Molecular Logic of Synapse Assembly 2:30 - 3:25 pm: Hongkui Zeng, Allen Institute for Brain ScienceDynamic Changes of Brain Cell Types in Development, Aging and Disease 3:25 - 3:40 pm: Coffee break 3:40 - 4:35 pm - Viviana Gradinaru, CaltechCrossing Blood-Brain Barriers with Experimental and Computational Protein Engineering 4:35 - 5:30 pm - Keynote, Gregg L. Semenza, Nobel Prize, Physiology or Medicine 2019, Johns Hopkins UniversityDevelopment of HIF Inhibitors to Treat Cancer and Ocular Neovascularization 5:30 - 5:35 pm - Closing Remarks Krzysztof Palczewski, Director, University of California, Brunson Center for Translation Vision Research 5:35 pm Reception and Dinner