The Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute (GCNI) successfully hosted its first Rising Stars Symposium on June 5-6, 2025, bringing together brilliant minds in neuroscience for a day of groundbreaking research presentations, dynamic discussions, and fruitful networking. The event featured talented speakers from overseas institutions, local universities, and our own research community, covering a wide range of cutting-edge topics in neuroscience.

The symposium showcased cutting-edge neuroscience advances, featuring a novel red-shifted dopamine sensor, TRP channel drug delivery systems, and mechanistic insights into Fragile X syndrome and autistic spectrum disorders through NMDA receptor and noradrenaline research. The event highlighted computational models of spatial cognition, sensory processing in thalamocortical circuits, sleep-memory connections, and anti-aging effects of GLP-1R agonists, demonstrating the breadth of current neuroscience innovation from molecular tools to systems-level understanding.

Participants appreciated the symposium for its engaging and collaborative environment, providing a platform for early-career researchers and established scientists to exchange ideas. Many highlighted the high quality of talks and the opportunity to explore potential collaborations.

The event also served as an excellent opportunity for invited speakers to learn more about GCNI’s research environment, fostering discussions on future partnerships, job opportunities, and joint projects. Several speakers expressed strong interest in potential collaborations, underscoring the symposium’s role in strengthening the neuroscience research network.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the symposium as "inspirational," "well-organized," and "a fantastic networking opportunity." Given its success, GCNI plans to make the Rising Stars Symposium an annual event, further promoting excellence in neuroscience research and innovation.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and collaborations!