Popular MIND Institute lecture series will address ADHD, autism subtypes, disparities in care and more

(SACRAMENTO)

The UC Davis MIND Institute will welcome nationally recognized experts in psychiatry, neuroscience and autism research as part of its Distinguished Lecturer Series this year.

For more than two decades, the popular speaker series has offered free presentations on research and clinical care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

"It's hard to pick a talk that I'm most excited about this year," said the MIND Institute's David Hessl, who directs the series and is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. "What I enjoy most is the opportunity to step outside the intense focus on my own research and to stay connected with where our field is moving."

It's also a great occasion, Hessl noted, to engage with community members, patients and families, as each lecture is followed by a Q&A session with the speaker. "My favorite part of the events is facilitating the discussions after the lectures," he said. "It is often surprising and eye-opening to hear what the audience has to say or ask about - things I would never think to ask!"

Staying connected with others and having the chance to interact directly is so important, and this is a great opportunity for an exchange of ideas between scientists and our community." -David Hessl, professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

The series will include five in-person lectures between January and May. Topics featured will include advances in autism research, brain imaging and racial and ethnic disparities in care.

All lectures will be held at the UC Davis MIND Institute auditorium from 4:30-6 p.m. They are free and open to all. No registration is needed.

Distinguished Lecturer Series Lineup

• Jan. 14: Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, University of Maryland
  Developing, Evaluating, and Implementing Interventions for Families of Youth with ADHD
• Feb. 11: Sandy Magaña, University of Texas at Austin
  Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Care for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• March 11: Matthew Mosconi, University of Kansas
  Identifying Subgroups of Autism Based on Family Traits
• April 8: Damien Fair, University of Minnesota
  Liftoff: Neuropsychiatry with Functional MRI Comes of Age
• May 13: Kelsey Martin, Simons Foundation
  The Evolving Landscape of Autism Research

The 2025-2026 Distinguished Lecturer Series kicked off in October with a symposium focused on the transition to adulthood for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.

A focus on science and community connection

The 2025-2026 season's events kicked off in October 2025 with a symposium on the transition to adulthood for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. It featured two keynote speakers and a panel discussion focused on education and employment.

Watch the symposium presentations here.

"The lecture series showcases strong science," Hessl said. "Our society needs to be aware of this and know that we will continue to advocate and promote the sharing of quality research." He emphasized the importance of public engagement and trust in research.

Professor David Hessl interacts with attendees at a previous Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation. He said facilitating the question and answer session after each lecture is his favorite part of the events.

The series is designed to engage a wide range of audiences including researchers, health care providers, community members, patients and families, among others. That reach, Hessl said, is a unique advantage of the talks - and the in-person format.

"Staying connected with others and having the chance to interact directly is so important, and this is a great opportunity for exchange of ideas between scientists and our community," he added.

Event details

Where: All events are held at the UC Davis MIND Institute auditorium, 2825 50th St., Sacramento, CA

When: All lectures begin at 4:30 and run until 6 p.m. Light refreshments are offered at 4 p.m.

Events are free and open to all. No registration needed. Seating is first come, first served. Parking is available in the MIND Institute lot (Lot 25).