We hosted an event that underscored efforts to spearhead the brain economy transition — a turn toward examining the human brain as a network of neurological, economic, and social aspects — to promote U.S. economic prosperity and national security. This dialogue navigated the intersections of markets, minds, and the military, highlighting the transformative impact of neuroscience on economic development and national defense.
Experts illuminated the critical role of brain capital in fostering economic innovation and shaping robust defense strategies. A diverse lineup of speakers and panelists underscored the imperative for America to spearhead the transition into the brain economy, catalyzing U.S.-led global advancements in technology and health care, ultimately benefiting economic prosperity and national security.
Participants
Featured Speakers
The Honorable Morgan Luttrell
U.S. Representative, Texas’ 8th District; Co-Chair, Congressional Neuroscience Caucus (CNC)
Lawrence E. Jones, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, International Programs
Eric Mullins
Chairman, Greater Houston Partnership; Chief Executive Officer, Lime Rock Resources
John Ngai, Ph.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health’s Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative
Col. Geoffrey Ling
Founding Director, Biological Technologies Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
The Honorable Greg Bonnen, M.D.
Texas State Representative, 24th District; Chairman, Texas House Committee on Appropriations
Sameer Sheth, M.D., Ph.D.
Cullen Foundation Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine
Kelly O’Brien
Vice President, Prevention, USAgainstAlzheimer's Brain Health Partnership
Amy Dittmar
Howard R. Hughes Provost, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor, Rice University
Simon Fischer-Baum
Associate Professor, Psychological Sciences, Rice University
Leanne Young
Vice President, Applied Research Associates
Greg Witkop
Program Manager, Defense Advanced Research Project Agency
Harris Eyre, Ph.D.
Fellow in Brain Health, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Executive Director, Brain Capital Alliance; Senior Fellow, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Vinod Veedu
Executive Director, Rice University National Security Research Accelerator