NASA JPL Chief Scientist Dr. Jonathan I. Lunine Named Keynote Speaker for SBMT 2026 in Los Angeles
The Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics (SBMT) announced today that Dr. Jonathan I. Lunine, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will serve as a keynote speaker at SBMT 2026 / the 23rd Annual Neurotech Conference, taking place April 16–19, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Dr. Lunine will join Dr. Thomas C. Südhof, Nobel Laureate (Physiology or Medicine, 2013) and SBMT board member, as the conference’s second keynote speaker.
“SBMT has always been about connecting breakthrough science with real-world medical impact,” said Babak Kateb, MD, PhD (h.c.), SBMT Founder, Chairman of the Board, and CEO. “Dr. Lunine’s career—at the intersection of cutting-edge exploration, instrumentation, and scientific leadership—reflects the kind of frontier thinking that accelerates innovation. We are honored to welcome him to SBMT 2026 alongside Dr. Südhof, as we convene the world’s leading experts shaping the future of brain mapping and neurotechnology.”
A world-class scientific leader bridging discovery, technology, and mission impact
Dr. Lunine joined JPL as Chief Scientist in August 2024, after serving as the David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences and Chair of Astronomy at Cornell University. A Caltech alumnus, he is widely recognized for pioneering research on the formation and evolution of planetary systems, planetary interiors and atmospheres, and the search for environments suited for life in our solar system and beyond.
His work spans theoretical modeling and major mission participation, including Cassini/Huygens (Saturn), Juno (Jupiter), and Europa Clipper, as well as involvement with ESA’s JUICE mission and the James Webb Space Telescope scientific community. Dr. Lunine is also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and has chaired or co-chaired numerous high-impact advisory and strategic planning efforts for the Academy and NASA.
SBMT 2026: Where brain mapping meets next-generation neurotech
SBMT 2026 will convene leaders across neuroscience, clinical innovation, imaging, devices, and translational technology—advancing SBMT’s mission to accelerate safe, meaningful progress in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for neurological disorders.
Tickets now available here
SBMT 2026 is expected to draw global attendance from researchers, clinicians, innovators, and industry leaders. Secure your tickets and be part of the conversations—and demonstrations—showcasing the latest advances in neurotechnology from many of the world’s top experts in brain mapping and therapeutics.
About SBMT
The Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics (SBMT) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across brain mapping, engineering, imaging, devices, and related fields to improve outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.