SBMT is the scientific society. WBMF is the charitable foundation. BTIP is the innovation bridge.
Together, these three pathways form one ecosystem for brain health impact, but each has a distinct role. SBMT advances the science and professional community, WBMF supports charitable and mission-driven programs, and BTIP helps move validated neurotechnology discoveries toward real-world patient solutions.
Who is SBMT?
The Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics is a multidisciplinary and multi-specialty professional association founded in 2004 to fast-track therapeutics for neurological disorders.
SBMT convenes neurosurgeons, physicians, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, venture capitalists, policymakers, patient advocacy groups, journals, conferences, and a global scientific community focused on advancing brain mapping, neurotechnology, and therapeutic innovation.
- Brings together the scientific, clinical, engineering, policy, and industry communities.
- Advances brain mapping, neurotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics for neurological disorders.
- Organizes scientific programs, conferences, policy engagements, publications, and global collaborations.
- Helps translate research knowledge into clinical, educational, and policy action.
Where does BTIP fit?
The Brain Technology and Innovation Park is a joint initiative of WBMF and SBMT focused on innovation, translation, integration, commercialization, and democratization of neurotechnology. BTIP brings together venture capital, private equity, angel funds, impact funds, hedge funds, philanthropic investment, and SBMT’s global network of scientists, engineers, physicians, surgeons, and entrepreneurs to help introduce next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics.
SBMT · WBMF · BTIP
Where breakthroughs come to life through innovation, venture, and philanthropy.
The Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics and the World Brain Mapping Foundation connect science, medicine, policy, philanthropy, and commercialization to detect neurological disorders earlier and create the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics.
SBMT is a 501(c)(6) professional society. WBMF is a 501(c)(3) public charity. BTIP is a joint innovation initiative connecting discovery, venture-philanthropy, commercialization, and patient impact.
The simplest way to understand us
We are not only mapping the brain. We are turning brain mapping into diagnostics, therapeutics, and access.
This ecosystem brings together physicians, neurosurgeons, engineers, researchers, policymakers, venture capitalists, philanthropists, patient advocates, and industry leaders to fast-track therapeutics for neurological disorders.
Discover
SBMT convenes the scientific, clinical, engineering, industry, journal, conference, policy, and global research community.
Fund
WBMF supports mission-driven brain health programs, humanitarian access, education, veterans, women in neurotech, and young investigators.
Build
BTIP helps validated discoveries move toward devices, therapies, companies, venture-philanthropy, and real-world patient impact.
Three engines, one ecosystem
Science through SBMT. Philanthropy through WBMF. Innovation through BTIP.
Each entity has a different legal role, but together they create a coordinated pathway from research discovery to clinical adoption and patient access.
SBMT: Scientific Engine
SBMT is a multidisciplinary and multi-specialty professional society founded in 2004. It convenes surgeons, physicians, scientists, engineers, industry leaders, policymakers, philanthropists, venture leaders, patient advocacy groups, journals, conferences, and a global scientific community to advance brain mapping, neurotechnology, and therapeutics.
DiscoverWBMF: Philanthropic Engine
WBMF funds the discoveries, people, patients, and global access programs that make brain health innovation possible, including veterans, humanitarian missions, fellows, women in neurotech, kids education, and public-benefit initiatives.
FundBTIP: Commercialization Engine
The Brain Technology and Innovation Park focuses on innovation, translation, integration, commercialization, and democratization of neurotechnology through venture-philanthropy, connecting capital partners with SBMT’s global network of engineers, entrepreneurs, surgeons, physicians, and scientists.
BuildYour generous donation supports
Programs that move brain health innovation toward people who need it.
Donations through WBMF support public-benefit initiatives and may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Veterans Neurotech Initiative
Introducing advanced therapeutics and neurotechnology for wounded soldiers and veterans.
Women in Neurotech Group
Training and elevating the next generation of female scientists, clinicians, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
National Center for NanoBioElectronics
Integrating AI Tech, NanoTech, CellTech, PharmaTech, and MedTech to introduce next-generation therapeutics.
BTIP
Accelerating validated neurotechnology discoveries toward devices, companies, commercialization, and patient impact.
Kateb Scholars Program
Training undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and professional leaders to become science organizers, scholars, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Annual Neurotech Convention
Bringing pioneering surgeons, scientists, technologists, industry leaders, government officials, and Nobel laureates together.
Global Physicians and Scientists
Humanitarian medical support for crisis regions, including earthquake response, PPE support, and support for doctors and surgeons in Ukraine.
Kids Corner
Helping K-12 students understand their brain potential, wellness, and future pathways in neuroscience and brain health.
Policy, legislation, and global brain health
SBMT carries brain, spine, mental health, and neurotechnology into policy rooms.
SBMT’s policy engagement connects scientists and clinicians with lawmakers, governments, and global policy platforms so brain health innovation can move beyond the laboratory.
The commercialization bridge
BTIP helps make SBMT one of the world’s largest neurotech ecosystems.
BTIP brings together venture capital, private equity funds, angel funds, impact funds, hedge funds, philanthropic investments, and SBMT’s 100,000+ global network of engineers, entrepreneurs, surgeons, physicians, and scientists to introduce next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics.
Choose your pathway
Join the ecosystem where brain science becomes real-world solutions.
For scientists, physicians, and trainees
Join SBMT to collaborate, publish, present, mentor, and participate in the global brain mapping and therapeutics community.
Become a MemberFor donors and philanthropists
Support WBMF initiatives that fund veterans, humanitarian care, young investigators, women in neurotech, kids education, and global access.
Donate to WBMFFor industry, startups, and investors
Partner with SBMT and BTIP through neurotechnology events, innovation programs, sponsorships, startup pathways, and commercialization opportunities.
Partner with UsTwo global stages for the future of brain health innovation.
The Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics brings together the scientific, clinical, policy, investment, and neurotechnology communities through two major flagship events: Neuroscience20 and the 24th Annual Neurotech Event.
Neuroscience20 and N20 Miami 2026
Neuroscience20 is SBMT’s global policy platform aligned with the G20, advancing brain, spine, and mental health as international scientific, clinical, and economic priorities.
The 2026 N20 Miami event brings together policy leaders, scientists, physicians, innovators, and global stakeholders to accelerate brain health policy, neurotechnology adoption, and patient-centered impact.
24th Annual Neurotech Event 2027
SBMT’s Annual Neurotech Event is the flagship gathering for brain mapping, neurotechnology, therapeutics, AI, imaging, neurosurgery, policy, commercialization, and translational medicine.
The 2027 event brings together pioneering surgeons, scientists, technologists, industry leaders, government officials, investors, patient advocates, and global neuroscience leaders.
From the G20 stage to a global brain health movement.
Neuroscience20 has created a recurring international platform for brain, spine, and mental health policy. The global map highlights where N20 has taken place so far and shows how SBMT continues to connect science, policy, innovation, and patient impact across regions.
Board of Directors
Our board reflects a global, multidisciplinary society built on neuroscience, medicine, engineering, innovation, education, and policy.
Explore the leadership spotlight, Nobel Laureate members, and distinguished directors guiding the organization’s scientific and humanitarian mission.
Guiding Vision. Global Reach. Scientific Excellence.
SBMT brings together physicians, scientists, engineers, innovators, and policy leaders to advance brain, spine, and mental health through collaboration and translation.
Foundational Leadership
A spotlight on the leaders shaping SBMT’s direction, continuity, institutional growth, and global scientific identity.
Babak Kateb
Founding Chairman of the Board and Scientific Director of SBMT • President of Brain Mapping Foundation • Director of Brain Technology and Innovation Park • Director of National Center for Nano-Bio-Electronics • President and CEO of Smart Microscopy Inc.
Babak Kateb is the founding Chairman of SBMT and a driving force behind its scientific and global vision. Through leadership across Brain Mapping Foundation, Brain Technology and Innovation Park, and Nano-Bio-Electronics, he advances translational neuroscience, policy engagement, neurotechnology development, and international collaboration linking science, medicine, imaging, and innovation.
Stefano Sinicropi
President and CEO of Midwest Spine and Brain Institute • Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, Minnesota, USA
Stefano Sinicropi serves as the 24th President of SBMT while leading the Midwest Spine and Brain Institute. He brings a strong clinical, organizational, and strategic perspective to the society, supporting interdisciplinary growth, scientific engagement, and continued expansion across SBMT’s educational, partnership, and global innovation initiatives.
Vicky Yamamoto
Executive Director • 20th President of SBMT • Cancer Scientist, USC Keck School of Medicine • Senior Research Scientist, Brain Mapping Foundation
Vicky Yamamoto combines scientific insight with institutional leadership as SBMT’s Executive Director and 20th President. Her work bridges operations, scientific programming, and research continuity, helping strengthen the society’s mission while connecting cancer science, translational thinking, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration across a growing global neuroscience community.
Nobel Laureate Spotlight
Two extraordinary members whose contributions have shaped modern brain science and elevated the scientific profile of SBMT.
Thomas C. Südhof
Nobel Laureate • Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology • Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
Thomas C. Südhof is a Nobel Laureate and one of the world’s most influential neuroscientists. As Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, he brings deep scientific authority to SBMT. His presence reflects excellence in molecular neuroscience, synaptic biology, education, and the advancement of rigorous translational biomedical discovery.
Eric R. Kandel
Nobel Laureate • Kavli Professor and Director of Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences • Senior Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Columbia University • Member of the USA, Germany, and France National Academies of Science
Eric R. Kandel is a Nobel Laureate whose work transformed understanding of memory and brain function. Through leadership at Columbia University and the Kavli Institute for Brain Sciences, he brings exceptional scientific distinction to SBMT, strengthening the society’s profile across neuroscience, academic excellence, international recognition, and foundational brain research.
Our Distinguished Board of Directors
A multidisciplinary board contributing leadership across neurosurgery, pulmonary medicine, traumatic injury research, neuro-optometry, ethics, and translational science.
Aaron Filler
13th President of SBMT • Medical Director, Institute for Nerve Medicine & Neurography • Professor of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center • EVP and Chair of Legal-Counsel & Ethics Committee
Aaron Filler brings extensive leadership in neurosurgery, nerve medicine, and organizational governance. As a former SBMT President and Chair of its Legal-Counsel and Ethics Committee, he supports the board with clinical expertise, institutional knowledge, and strategic guidance that strengthens scientific integrity, policy awareness, and responsible organizational growth.
Abilash Haridas
22nd President of SBMT • Pediatric Neurosurgeon • Astra Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
Abilash Haridas serves as a pediatric neurosurgeon and former President of SBMT. He contributes a vital child health and surgical perspective to the board, supporting educational development, clinical dialogue, and the advancement of innovative brain and spine care through compassionate leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mission-centered service.
Ashraf Elsayegh
Pulmonologist • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
Ashraf Elsayegh adds broad clinical insight to the Board of Directors through his background in pulmonary medicine at Cedars-Sinai. His multidisciplinary perspective strengthens SBMT’s collaborative approach, helping connect medical specialties while supporting integrated scientific programming, institutional stewardship, and a more unified vision for health innovation.
Christopher Wheeler
Senior Research Scientist • Brain Mapping Foundation, California, USA
Christopher Wheeler contributes strong scientific leadership as a Senior Research Scientist at Brain Mapping Foundation. His work supports SBMT’s mission through research rigor, translational thinking, and program development, helping connect innovation with collaborative scientific initiatives that expand the society’s impact across brain mapping and multidisciplinary discovery.
David Keyser
Deputy Director, Traumatic Injury Research Program • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences • Bethesda, Maryland, USA
David Keyser brings expertise in traumatic injury research, military health, and program leadership. His role at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences strengthens SBMT’s interface with real-world clinical challenges, translational science, and national service, especially in areas where neuroscience and trauma-related innovation intersect.
Deborah Zelinsky
Optometrist • Director, Mind Eye Institute • Chicago, Illinois, USA
Deborah Zelinsky expands the board’s clinical range through leadership in neuro-optometric care and visual processing. As Director of the Mind Eye Institute, she supports SBMT’s patient-centered and interdisciplinary mission by connecting vision science, neurology, rehabilitation, and practical innovation in ways that deepen whole-person approaches to brain health.
Distinguished Members
Additional scientific, clinical, advocacy, and strategic leaders whose expertise enriches SBMT’s ecosystem across academia, entrepreneurship, military medicine, psychiatry, engineering, and translational care.
Robert Hariri
18th President of SBMT • Chairman and CEO of Celularity • Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical School, New York, USA
Robert Hariri combines academic, entrepreneurial, and regenerative medicine leadership. As a former SBMT President, Chairman and CEO of Celularity, and Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery at Weill Cornell, he helps bridge discovery, commercialization, and translational strategy, reinforcing SBMT’s ambition to connect bioscience innovation with real-world clinical and societal impact.
Kasif Nevzat Tarhan
Professor of Psychiatry • President/Rector, Üsküdar University • Istanbul, Turkey
Kasif Nevzat Tarhan brings international academic leadership in psychiatry and university administration. As President and Rector of Üsküdar University, he strengthens SBMT’s global perspective, supporting cross-border dialogue in mental health, education, policy, and neuroscience while expanding the society’s reach through meaningful interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
Katie Roper
Patient Advocacy Committee Co-Chair at SBMT
Katie Roper helps ensure the patient voice remains central within SBMT. As Co-Chair of the Patient Advocacy Committee, she supports more inclusive programming, public engagement, and mission-driven dialogue that connects lived experience with science, innovation, care delivery, and the broader goal of improving outcomes for patients and families.
Lawrence Steinman
Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Pediatrics and Genetics • Stanford University, California, USA
Lawrence Steinman is internationally recognized for his work in neurology and neuroimmunology. At Stanford University, he advances interdisciplinary science across neurology, pediatrics, and genetics. His participation enriches SBMT’s scientific depth and supports sophisticated dialogue on neuroinflammation, translational medicine, and collaborative approaches to brain health and disease.
Lew Lim
Founder and CEO • Vielight Inc. • West Virginia, USA
Lew Lim brings innovation and commercialization expertise through his leadership at Vielight Inc. His entrepreneurial perspective helps SBMT connect emerging neurotechnology with practical application, strategic partnerships, and translational opportunity, supporting the responsible advancement of devices and therapeutic platforms relevant to brain health and neurological recovery.
Marcos Wagner De Souza
Neurosurgeon • SBN, Brazil
Marcos Wagner De Souza contributes neurosurgical leadership and regional visibility for SBMT in Brazil. His work supports scientific exchange, international collaboration, and greater engagement across Latin America, helping the society build durable cross-cultural partnerships while advancing educational outreach, clinical dialogue, and global neuroscience innovation.
Michael J. Roy
7th and 10th President of SBMT • Retired Colonel, Medical Corps, U.S. Army • Director and Professor, Division of Military Internal Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Maryland, USA
Michael J. Roy brings longstanding military and academic leadership to SBMT. A retired Colonel and former two-time SBMT President, he contributes deep experience in medical education, organizational stewardship, and service-oriented research, reinforcing the society’s commitment to innovation that addresses both national needs and broader healthcare priorities.
Mike Y. Chen
9th President of SBMT • Professor of Neurosurgery • Section Head, Malignant Brain Tumor Program, City of Hope National Medical Center, California, USA
Mike Y. Chen contributes expertise in neurosurgery and malignant brain tumor care. As a former SBMT President and academic leader at City of Hope, he supports high-level scientific programming, translational thinking, and focused dialogue on neuro-oncology, precision care, and the integration of innovation into complex clinical practice.
Namath Hussain
Associate Professor of Neurosurgery • Loma Linda University • California, USA
Namath Hussain contributes academic neurosurgery expertise and a strong clinical perspective to SBMT. His work supports the society’s educational and multidisciplinary mission, helping connect research, technology, and practical patient care while strengthening conversations around innovation, training, and the continuous advancement of neurological health outcomes.
Qifa Zhou
Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Ultrasound Imaging Researcher • University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
Qifa Zhou advances biomedical engineering and ultrasound imaging through his work at the University of Southern California. His expertise strengthens SBMT’s technology-forward identity, supporting collaboration at the interface of engineering, imaging, and neuroscience while helping shape next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic tools for clinical and research applications.
Reinhard W. Schulte
Professor of Biomedical Engineering • Loma Linda University School of Medicine • California, USA
Reinhard W. Schulte contributes expertise in biomedical engineering and advanced medical technology. His academic leadership at Loma Linda University School of Medicine supports SBMT’s cross-disciplinary mission, helping translate precision engineering concepts into meaningful clinical and scientific applications that expand the impact of innovation in neuroscience and healthcare.
Denise B. Kandel
Professor and Head, Department of Epidemiology of Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute • Professor of Socio-Medical Science and Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, USA
Denise B. Kandel brings distinguished expertise in psychiatric epidemiology, socio-medical science, and substance abuse research. Her work broadens SBMT’s perspective beyond laboratory and device innovation, helping connect neuroscience with public health, behavioral health, prevention, and the broader social contexts that shape long-term brain and mental health outcomes.
Evan Snyder
Professor and Director Emeritus, Stem Cells and Regeneration Program • Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute • La Jolla, California, USA
Evan Snyder is a leading authority in stem cells and regenerative medicine. As Professor and Director Emeritus at Sanford Burnham Prebys, he deepens SBMT’s strength in forward-looking biological science, supporting conversations around repair, regeneration, translational discovery, and the next generation of therapies for neurological and systemic disease.
Farzad Massoudi
Medical Director, Neuroscience and Spine Institute • Mission Hospital • Orange County, California, USA
Farzad Massoudi brings clinical leadership in neuroscience and spine care through his work at Mission Hospital. His perspective supports SBMT’s emphasis on integrated patient care, operational excellence, and translational relevance, helping link multidisciplinary clinical practice with research, innovation, and meaningful outcomes across complex neurological and spinal conditions.
George Perry
Semmes Foundation Distinguished Chair of Neurobiology • University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA
George Perry is a highly respected neurobiologist whose work has significantly influenced understanding of neurodegeneration. As Semmes Foundation Distinguished Chair, he strengthens SBMT’s academic depth and scientific profile, contributing important expertise across Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, and the advancement of research-driven dialogue in neuroscience.
Giulio Maria Pasinetti
Saunders Family Chair and Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Geriatrics • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai • New York, USA
Giulio Maria Pasinetti brings unusually broad expertise spanning neurology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and geriatrics. His work at Mount Sinai enriches SBMT’s interdisciplinary vision, supporting discussions on aging, neurodegeneration, brain resilience, and therapeutics while helping bridge foundational discovery with patient-centered translational research and clinical relevance.
Houman Badrzadeh
Founder and CEO • COMMITMed Supportive Care Medicine • California, USA
Houman Badrzadeh brings leadership in supportive care medicine and healthcare entrepreneurship. Through COMMITMed, he helps SBMT connect compassionate care models with innovation, commercialization, and multidisciplinary collaboration, strengthening the society’s ability to integrate scientific progress with patient-centered strategies that respond to real needs across clinical ecosystems.