The World Brain Mapping Foundation Rises from the Ashes of the Pacific Palisades Fires to Host the Prestigious Gala and Convention in Los Angeles on the Eve of the Oscars

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Brain Mapping Foundation (WBMF) is set to make a powerful comeback. On March 1st, it will host its 22nd Annual Gathering for the Cure (GFC) award gala at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The red carpet will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by the award banquet from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.

This marks a triumphant return for the foundation, which saw its headquarters destroyed in the devastating Pacific Palisades fire. Despite this setback, the WBMF rises like a phoenix, continuing its mission to drive innovation in brain mapping, neurotechnology, and therapeutics.

The prestigious gala will bring together pioneering scientists, technologists, surgeons, industry leaders, philanthropists, musicians, actors, and models. Award recipients this year include Hon. Congresswoman Dr. Judy Chu(Pioneer in Healthcare Policy), pop star Kiesza (Beacon of Courage and Dedication in Brain Advocacy), MEGIN Chairman and CEO Craig Shapero, President Gordon Baltzer (Pioneer in Technology Development), and Dr. Abilash Haridas, Dr. Qifa Zhou, Dr. Marcos Wagner de Sousa Porto, Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel (Golden Axon Leadership Award), and Dr. Shiva Rampersad, Dr. Mariia Bilorosiuk, Ms. Antonina Wiewior & Ms. Jasmine Ramezanzadeh (Student Service and Leadership Award-Kateb Scholars).

The evening's entertainment will include performances by pop star Kiesza, Grammy Award-winning music producer and songwriter Toby Gad, Grammy-nominated actress and singer Antonique Smith, country music singer Laura Bryna, Brazilian samba dancers from Raiz, Brazil, and model Sara Croce.

The event will be co-hosted by Dr. Babak Kateb, President of WBMF, and Dr. Harry Kloor, scientist, entrepreneur, producer, director, and writer. The dual scientists will preside over the award ceremony, which is considered to resemble the "Oscars" for neuroscience. The evening will offer a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with the leaders in the field and public figures while celebrating groundbreaking achievements in science, medicine, technology, and healthcare policy. Guests will enjoy an elegant atmosphere, complete with fine dining and entertainment, as they connect with some of the brightest minds that fuel Pharmatech, CellTech, Biotech, and MedTech. This prestigious event will not only honor scientific excellence but also inspire future collaborations and initiatives that will shape the next frontier of medical advancements. 

In parallel to this remarkable award event, the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) will be hosting its 22nd Annual Neurotech Convention, which includes discussions on Pharmatech, CellTech, Biotech, and MedTech, at the LA Convention Center (West Concourse Hall). This convention will cover recent advances in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, Neurotrauma, PTSD, Autism, psychiatry, Neuro-Oncology, brain cancer, Spinal disorders, ophthalmology, optometry, dementia, neurotech, brain-computer interface, nanoneurosurgery, AI, Robotics, neurophotonics, predictive modeling, quantum computing, Neuromodulation, Immuno-cellular-therapeutics and stem cell, and NanobioElectronics as well as cerebrovascular and skull base surgeries including bioskills lab.

Aramis Therapeutics, California Regenerative Medicine Institute, World Brain Mapping Foundation, Synaptive Medical, Fulgent Genetics, Connectoma Neurotech, Brain Master Technologies, Raumedic, Neuro20, Neuracle-Neuro, Centinel Spine, Curewave Laser, Aegis Spine, Globus Medical, Stryker, ATEC Spine, Induce Biologics, Astra Neurosurgical Institute, Loma Linda University (LLU), Bill and Steinwood Foundation, OrthoFix, Medtronic, USC Biomedical Engineering are amongst the sponsors.

"Emerging stronger from the challenges of recent years, including the devastating Pacific Palisades fire, the WBMF is making a powerful comeback with renewed purpose, driving groundbreaking advancements in neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, neuroradiology, neuroscience, and neurotechnology," said Dr. Babak Kateb, President of WBMF.

For more information please visit: www.BrainMappingFoundation.Org.

And www.BrainMappingFoundation.Org.

Contact:

Dr. Kevin Morris, VP of Education at SBMT, (951) 441-4331

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SOURCE World Brain Mapping Foundation