Program 2026

At The Future of Life Science, which takes place on May 7-8, 2026, we will focus on The Human Brain. We will explore current knowledge about brain function and brain-related diseases, delve into cognition and learning, and also highlight the mysteries that remain unsolved.
Collage of several photos of people

At the symposium, discussions will focus on groundbreaking scientific advancements that are profoundly increasing our understanding of the brain’s function, its diseases, and providing new tools for treatments.  

We will further delve into what is known about cognition and learning and examine the intersections between human and artificial intelligence – how they differ and overlap and how AI can support human capabilities. The symposium will address critical questions at the intersection of science, technology development and clinical practice: 

  • Which tasks were human brains originally shaped by evolution to solve, and what new challenges do we face today? 
  • What recent breakthroughs have advanced our understanding and treatment of brain disorders, and what possibilities lie ahead? 
  • How does artificial intelligence compare with human intelligence and cognition? 
  • What new opportunities are emerging through Brain Computer Interfaces and the use of neuronal stem cells? 

Throughout the symposium, the discussions will highlight major scientific advances and explore their broader implications for society, healthcare systems and individuals. Leading experts will introduce the key topics, and all participants are encouraged to take an active role in the dialogue. While we cannot guarantee that every question will be answered, we are confident you will gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of where the field is heading in the future.  

Preliminary program 

Thursday May 7

9:30 Bus from central Stockholm to Engelsberg Ironworks

12:00 Lunch at Engelsberg Ironworks

13:00 Welcome

  • Ylva Williams, CEO, Stockholm Science City Foundation
  • Stefan Stern,  Advisor, Nordstjernan

Introducing the moderator: Anya Sitaram, Founding Director at Rockhopper Media. Former BBC World News anchor.

13:15 Session 1. Setting the stage. What do we know about the human brain, behaviour and neuropsychiatry today?

  • Sophie Scott, Professor & Director of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, UK.
  • Christian Broberger, Professor of Neurochemistry at Stockholm University and affiliated to research at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
  • Ole Andreasen, Professor at the Centre for Precision Psychiatry at University of Oslo, Norway.

Presentations and a moderator-led panel discussion

14:45 Coffee

15:15 Session 2. Artificial intelligence and human cognition 

  • Peter Gärdenfors, Professor of Cognitive Science, Department of Cognitive Science at Lund University., Sweden.
  • Kristina Höök, Professor in Interaction Design at KTH - Royal institute of Technology. Sweden.
  • Torkel Klingberg, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.

Presentations and a moderator-led panel discussion

16:45 Closing remarks, day one

19:00 – Dinner

 

Friday May 8  

8:30-10:00 Session 3. Cutting edge technologies and future applications. 

  • Sten Linnarsson, Professor of Molecular System Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Karolinska Institutet. Sweden.
  • Anna Falk, Professor and team manager, Neural stem cells at Lund University. Manager at Lund University ATMP Center. Sweden.

Presentations and a moderator-led panel discussion

Additional speakers will be announced

10:30-12:00 Session 4. Neurotechnology and Brain Computer Interfaces. New possibilities and ethical considerations. 

  • Richard A. Andersen, James G. Boswell Professor of Neuroscience at Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Brain-Machine Interface Center. Leadership Chair at Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology. US.
  • Maria Asplund, Professor, Electronics Material and Systems Laboratory, Microtechnology and Nanoscience group at Chalmers University of Technology. Sweden.
  • Sean Pauzauskie, MD, Neurologist at UCHealth. Medical Director at The Neurorights Foundation. US.

Presentations and a moderator-led panel discussion

12:00-12:15 Reflections and closing remarks

  • Sten Grillner, Professor at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. Sweden.
  • Johan Christenson, Partner at HealthCap and Chairman of the Board at Stockholm Science City Foundation. Sweden.

12:15 Lunch                           

13:15 Bus to Stockholm                       

 

Stockholm Science City Foundation organises the symposium in collaboration with Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation.