Conference held September 18-20, 2025

2025 ANFA Conference: Neuroscience for Architecture - Research in Motion

The seventh biennial ANFA Conference took 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. Under the theme Neuroscience for Architecture: Research in Motion, the conference brought together architects, neuroscientists, researchers, educators, and design leaders to explore how the built environment can respond to urgent global challenges. The program highlighted key themes including Climate Change and Sustainable Design, Inclusive Design and Neurodivergence, Health and Well-being, Technology, and Education, through keynote dialogues, expert panels, research presentations, poster sessions, and community discussions.
2025 conference day 1
2025 conference day 2
2025 conference day 3

Conference Themes

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)

Across three dynamic days, the 2025 ANFA Conference brought together architects, neuroscientists, researchers, and thought leaders to explore how design can support healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable environments. The conference featured keynote dialogues, expert panels, poster sessions, research talks, and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange. Thank you to all speakers, participants, partners, and volunteers who contributed to this year’s gathering.

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

whova qr code
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

The 2025 ANFA Conference Has Concluded

Registration for the 2025 ANFA Conference is now closed. Thank you to everyone who joined us in La Jolla and online. Please check back for post-conference updates, resources, and future ANFA events.

Hotel and Travel Suggestions

Landing View

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.

Explore La jolla - San Diego View Hotel List