The Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference originated 32 years ago (1992). It has since been a space for academics, researchers, and students alike to be able to meet and collaborate on sharing information regarding the fascinating scientific field of neuroscience. Every year, the Neuroscience Conference invites four distinguished speakers to give plenary talks regarding their research and any accumulated data. This is a student focused event that encourages future neuroscientists to share their personal research projects and provide updates. More than 80 posters are presented each year with the majority given by graduate and undergraduate students from different academic institutions.
Each year, the event is hosted in rotation by four institutions: Universidad Central del Caribe, Ponce Health Sciences University, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus (which includes the Institute of Neurobiology).
The logo for this year’s PR Neuroscience conference was inspired by the Passiflora edulis flavicarpa or more commonly known as passion flower. This flower, although native to Central and South America, can be found in tropical climates such as Puerto Rico. Just as the neurons with its dendrites are fundamental units of the brain, the passion flowers has its corona filaments and petals. This beautiful logo, which seamlessly unites neuroscience and Puerto Rican nature, was designed by Anatomiko.
Artist Bio - Anatomiko
Ivana Tarraza (n. 1995) es una artista multidisciplinaria de San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ivana se graduó Magna Cum Laude de la Universidad Internacional de Arte y Diseño de Miami en 2018 con un Bachillerato en Bellas Artes con concentración en Diseño de Moda.
Desde el 2015, Ivana comenzó a crear ilustraciones que estudian la anatomía humana, las cuales más tarde incorporaron la flora y fauna. Con este concepto, creó “Anatomiko” y lanzó formalmente el proyecto en 2018. Durante su tiempo en Miami trabajó como asistente del artista puertorriqueño Alexis Diaz, ayudándolo en comisiones privadas, murales y piezas para exhibiciones. Ha tenido la oportunidad de exhibir en Puerto Rico, Nueva York, y Barcelona y ha hecho residencias de artista en Finlandia y Barcelona. Su meta a través del arte es reinventar la anatomía humana con una nueva perspectiva. Puede conseguir su trabajo en su página web ivanatarraza.com y en su tienda online shopanatomiko.com, y seguirla en las redes: @ivanatarraza y @anatomiko.design.
Organizing Committee
Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Ponce Health Sciences University
Institute of Neurobiology
President’s Message for the 32nd Puerto Rico Neuroscience Annual Conference
Dear Colleagues, Researchers, and Students,
Welcome to the 32nd Puerto Rico Neuroscience Annual Conference! It is both an honor and a privilege to gather with so many distinguished minds, united by a shared commitment to advancing our understanding of the brain and nervous system. Neuroscience is more than a scientific field—it is a profound journey into the depths of human experience, health, and resilience. This conference is an opportunity for us to explore these frontiers together, fostering collaboration and innovation that will shape the future of our discipline.
This year’s program is an exciting blend of keynotes, panels, and poster presentations covering the latest research across a spectrum of topics, from molecular neuroscience and neurogenetics to cognitive neuroscience and behavior. Our agenda reflects the diversity and dynamism of our field, and we are thrilled to host a distinguished lineup of speakers, whose pioneering work promises to inspire and challenge us.
As the neuroscience community, we bear the responsibility not only to push scientific boundaries but also to ensure that our discoveries translate into tangible benefits for society. The impact of our work—on healthcare, technology, education, and beyond—underscores the importance of both rigorous research and societal impact. Together, we continue to strive for insights that will alleviate neurological disease, enhance mental health, and improve the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.
I encourage each of you to take full advantage of this gathering: engage with colleagues and students, exchange ideas, and find inspiration in both the familiar and the unfamiliar. It is through these shared experiences that we cultivate the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and mentorship essential to our field’s growth.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the organizing committee and our sponsoring institutions for their support and commitment for making this event a successful one. Special thanks go to TEAM NeuroID/NeuroGRAD for their amazing work in tackling all the logistics, behind the scene preparations and last-minute details of this Conference. Marimar y Natalia you are one of a kind!
Thank you for being part of this conference and for your dedication to the advancement of neuroscience in Puerto Rico. I am confident that this event will be a rich and rewarding experience for all, sparking ideas and connections that will shape our work for years to come.
Cordially,
Carmen S. Maldonado-Vlaar, PhD
President