An Evening
Reserved for
Those Who
Shape the Future

The 23rd Gathering for the Cure Awards Gala brings together science, influence, and philanthropy for a night that accelerates breakthroughs in brain mapping and therapeutics.

Gala Program

Co-hosts

Dr. Babak Kateb
Co-host
Dr. Stefano Sinicropi
Co-host

Entertainment

Whole Soul Quartet – Live Violin Performance
Toby Gad – Award-Winning Songwriter & Performer

Award Categories

Pioneering Medicine
Pioneering Technology
Beacon of Courage and Dedication
Policy

About the 23rd Gathering for the Cure Awards Gala

Each year, the World Brain Mapping Foundation brings together pioneers in medicine, technology, and philanthropy for one unforgettable evening. This gala is not only a celebration of innovation but a lifeline for patients.


Your presence helps fund cutting-edge neurotech research, life-saving clinical programs, and support for patients battling brain disorders.

WHERE

Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

WHEN

April 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM

A Night to Remember

🥂 Red carpet arrivals & networking with global leaders.

🎶 Live performances & immersive art inspired by neuroscience.

🍽️ Fine dining curated by award-winning chefs.

🏆 Honoring pioneers with the Cure Awards.

Your Donation in Action

Every ticket, every bid, every gift changes lives.

  • 90% of funds raised go directly to patient-centered programs and research.

  • Lives saved and hope restored for patients facing the toughest brain challenges.

The fastest way to register for The Gala

Most attendees choose this option. Select your table, secure your seat, and be part of the WBMF Gala.

SBMT Gala Highlights

Celebrated Moments from Past Galas

Renown singer Antonique Smith — 22nd Annual Gathering for the Cure Gala, LA 2025
Rock star singer Kiesza — Gathering for the Cure Gala, 2024
Legendary songwriter Toby Gad — Gathering for the Cure Awards, 2025
Gathering for the Cure Gala — InterContinental Hotel, Los Angeles, 2023
23th Gathering for the Cure Awards Gala · April 17, 2026 · 6:00 PM

2026 Award Honorees

Recognizing transformative leadership, scientific discovery, humanitarian service, and breakthrough innovation across the global neuroscience ecosystem.

Pioneer in Medicine Award

Groundbreaking scientific and clinical contributions transforming modern medicine

Dr. Thomas C. Südhof
TS
Honoree

Thomas C. Südhof, MD

Avram Goldstein Professor · Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine

Stanford University School of Medicine, USA

Dr. Denis Fedorenko
DF
Honoree

Denis Fedorenko, MD, PhD

Stem Cell Scientist and Regenerative Medicine Specialist

Russia

Dr. Richard K. Burt
RB
Honoree

Richard K. Burt, MD

Professor of Medicine (Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases)

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA

Pioneer in Technology Development Award

Breakthrough innovation in neurotechnology and translational engineering

Marcus Gerhardt
MG
Honoree

Marcus Gerhardt

Chief Executive Officer

Blackrock Neurotech, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Florian Solzbacher
FS
Honoree

Florian Solzbacher, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

Blackrock Neurotech, USA

Golden Axon Leadership Award

Sustained leadership and exceptional service advancing SBMT's mission

Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti
GP
Honoree

Giulio Maria Pasinetti, MD, PhD

Saunders Family Chair and Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Geriatrics

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA

Dr. Namath Hussain
NH
Honoree

Namath Hussain, MD, MBA

23rd President of SBMT

Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, USA

Dr. Shiva Rampersad
SR
Honoree

Shiva Rampersad, MBBS, MSc, MRCS

Chief Operating Officer · VP, Membership and Partnership

Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, LA, USA

Stephan Themis
ST
Honoree

Stephan Themis

Chair, IT Subcommittee · Chief Data Officer

Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, LA, USA

Humanitarian Award

Extraordinary medical service in conflict and crisis environments

Dr. Adam Hamawy
AH
Honoree

Adam Hamawy, MD, FACS

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon · U.S. Army Veteran

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA

Pioneer in Healthcare Policy Award

Impactful leadership shaping health systems and public health access

The Honorable Eric Swalwell
ES
Nominee

The Honorable Eric Swalwell

United States Representative (CA-14)

U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
GN
Nominee

The Honorable Gavin Newsom (TBD)

Governor of California

State of California, Sacramento, USA

Beacon of Courage and Dedication Award

Extraordinary courage in the pursuit of medical advancement

Scott Imbrie
SI
Honoree

Scott Imbrie

Brain–Computer Interface Research Participant

University of Chicago Medicine / BlackRock Neurotech, Chicago, USA

Adriana Mocan
AM
Nominee

Adriana Mocan

Patient Advocate and Regenerative Medicine Participant

Stem Cell Therapy Program, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Student Outstanding Leadership and Service Award

Emerging leaders enhancing SBMT's mission and community impact

Yushun Zeng
YZ
Honoree

Yushun Zeng

Program Coordinator

Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, LA, USA

Hurry Up!

Last year our tickets sold fast so don’t miss. WBMF Gala will start in

Honorees & Awards

Each year, WBMF recognizes visionary leaders in medicine, technology, policy, and philanthropy.
From Nobel laureates to frontline clinicians, these awards honor those shaping the future of brain health.

See Past Honorees

Ready to join WBMF Gala 2026? Secure your ticket here.

Most attendees choose this option. Select your table, secure your seat, and be part of the WBMF Gala.

When Brains Unite, Lives Awaken.

One night. One cause. Infinite lives touched.

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