Thu, Sep 18 -Sat, Sep 20, 2025
Save the Date: 2025 ANFA Conference is Coming this September!
We are excited to share that the seventh biennial ANFA Conference will take place September 18–20, 2025, in La Jolla, California — with events hosted at both the University of California, San Diego and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Neuroscience for Architecture: Research in Motion reflects ANFA’s commitment to advancing a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that is constantly evolving in response to urgent global challenges.
This year’s conference will spotlight timely themes—Climate Change and Sustainable Design, Inclusive Design and Neurodivergence, Health and Well-being, Technology, and Education—through keynote dialogues between leading architects and neuroscientists.
These conversations, followed by expert panels, are designed to spark provocative insights, inspire new research directions, and shape the future of design practice.
What to Expect
Day 1: Thursday, September 18
Designing for Every Brain(Focus: Neurodiversity, Inclusion, and the Future of Learning Environments)
Day 2: Friday, September 19
Designing for Human Flourishing(Focus; Brain Health, Well-being, Collaborative Innovation)
Day 3: Saturday, September 20
Designing for a Changing World(Focus: Climate, Cognition, Future of Cities)
Over three full dynamic days, the 2025 ANFA Conference will bring together architects, neuroscientists, and thought leaders to explore how the built environment can respond to the most pressing challenges of our time. From climate-responsive environments to inclusive design and the future of learning spaces, this year’s program reflects the depth and diversity of our growing field. Each day offers a rich blend of dialogue, discovery, and inspiration. Engaging poster sessions and research talks will spotlight emerging ideas and innovative projects. Whether you are seeking bold ideas, practical tools, or meaningful connections, this gathering is designed to ignite new thinking and launch transformative action.
Location
Joining In-Person
Conference Hall
Mosaic Building Auditorium #113, UCSD, La Jolla
9605 Scholars Dr N, La Jolla, CA 92093
Note: Entrance is located in the courtyard. Mosaic can be found within 6th College, directly below the Craft Center, and next to The Jeannie Hall. Find More Information Here
Dinner
Salk Institute for Biological Studies (Red Brick Courtyard)
10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Joining Remotely
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Registration
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Opening Ceremony
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote
Keynote Dialogue 1: Neurodiversity & Inclusive
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel 1: Neurodiversity & Inclusive Environments
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
Poster Session 1
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Keynote
Keynote Dialogue 2: Education and Learning Environments
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Panel 2: Education and Learning Environments
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Refresh & Reflect
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Research Talks 1
Research Talks 2
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Break
6:00 PM
Optional
Dinner Dialogues
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Morning Movement
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Day 2's Provocation (summary of Day 1 and Day 2 agenda)
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Pedersen Foundation Collaborative
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
Poster Session 2
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Keynote
Keynote Dialogue 3: Health and Well-being
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Panel 3: Health and Well-being
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Refresh & Reflect
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Research Talks 3
Research Talks 4
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
President-elect Address
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Break
6:00 PM
Add-On
Sunset reception at the Salk Institute in the red brick courtyard followed by dinner featuring a keynote dialogue on the future of neuroscience and architecture
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Morning Movement
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Day 3's Provocation (summary of Day 2 and Day 3 agenda)
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote
Keynote Dialogue 4: Technology
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel 4: Technology
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
Poster Session 3
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Keynote
Keynote Dialogue 5: Climate Change and Sustainable Design
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Panel 5: Climate Change and Sustainable Design
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Refresh & Reflect
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Breakout Hands On Labs
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Closing Session: Where Do We Go From Here?
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Break
6:00 PM
Informal Closing Event
| In-Person Registration | Online Registration |
|---|---|
|
|
In-PersonEarly Bird Ends Aug 15
| Membership | Early Bird Price | Regular Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $500 | $600 | You save $100 |
| Non-Member | $700 | $800 | You save $100 |
| Student Member | $100 | $150 | You save $50 |
| Student | $200 | $250 | You save $50 |
| LDC Member | $225 | $325 | You save $100 |
| LDC Non-Member | $325 | $425 | You save $100 |
| LDC Student Member | $50 | $75 | You save $25 |
| LDC Student | $100 | $125 | You save $25 |
Online AccessEarly Bird Ends Aug 15
| Membership | Early Bird Price | Regular Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $125 | $225 | You save $100 |
| Non-Member | $265 | $400 | You save $135 |
| Student Member | $50 | $75 | You save $25 |
| Student | $100 | $175 | You save $75 |
| LDC Member | $55 | $105 | You save $50 |
| LDC Non-Member | $135 | $185 | You save $50 |
| LDC Student Member | $25 | $50 | You save $25 |
| LDC Student | $75 | $100 | You save $25 |
Note:
- LDC = Low and Middle Income Countries. Reduced rates are available to residents of countries ANFA classifies as LDC. Residents of developed/high-income countries are not eligible. Eligibility is determined automatically at registration and may be verified.
- Student discounts require verification via uploading a valid student ID or enrollment confirmation document. Please submit your student verification form here.
Reception and Dinner
- Optional
Friday, September 19, 2025
The Salk Institute
Early Bird $150 (Reg. $200)
Join us for a special evening at the Salk Institute—an iconic setting where architecture and neuroscience converge—featuring a courtyard reception and dinner that promises inspiration, connection, and intellectual delight.
Hotel and Travel Suggestions
Discover “the Jewel” of San Diego - La Jolla! With its breathtaking ocean views, upscale shopping and dining, art galleries, and prestigious institutions, La Jolla is the perfect destination to connect with nature and culture.