Genomics Rooftop Mixer: Where Innovation Meets Discovery
On October 28, the rooftop will come alive with the energy of science, entrepreneurship, and community as the Genomics Rooftop Mixer brings together leaders from genomics and biotechnology to shape the future of health, science, and technology. Hosted in collaboration with UC Santa Cruz researchers, this event is a rare opportunity to experience the cutting edge of discovery in one of the fastest-moving fields in the world.
The evening is designed as more than just another networking reception. Guests will hear lightning talks that distill complex science into compelling insights, while table demonstrations will provide the chance to ask questions directly to the researchers breaking new ground. For entrepreneurs, investors, and city leaders, this is a chance to glimpse the innovations that could become tomorrow’s breakthrough companies or public health solutions. For community members, it’s a moment to see how science being developed locally is poised to transform lives globally.
Research at the Frontiers of Health
The lineup of projects highlights the diversity and ambition of genomics today:
New clinical test for pediatric cancer – Led by Olena Vaske, this work focuses on bringing cutting-edge diagnostics to the youngest and most vulnerable patients.
RNA targets for cancer and genetic disease – Jeremy Sanford and Angela Brooks are advancing new therapeutic strategies by decoding RNA’s role in disease.
Predicting and preventing cancer and its spread – Melissa Cline, Shaheen Sikandar, and David Boyd are tackling one of medicine’s toughest challenges: stopping cancer before it grows. Measuring telomeres for cancer and aging – Nobel Laureate Carol Greider explores how the length of our telomeres holds clues to both cancer risk and longevity.
New sequencing center for rare disease – Karen Miga unveils a major effort to harness sequencing for patients and families who have long sought answers.
Rare disease and pangenomes – Benedict Paten continues his leadership in mapping the full diversity of human genomes to ensure precision medicine works for all.
Braingeneers: the genomics of neurological disorders – Sofie Salama and David Haussler are decoding the genetic roots of brain diseases, with Mircea Teodorescu demonstrating parallel advances at a second table.
Pathogen tracing for public health – Russ Corbett-Detig shows how genomics is the key to preparing for and responding to global health threats.
Kelp genomics for conservation – Malin Pinsky’s team uses genomic “time travel” to understand how kelp adapts to warming seas, ensuring California’s ocean ecosystems thrive.
AI-driven precision health platforms – Alex Ioannidis presents the integration of artificial intelligence with genomics to personalize healthcare like never before.
Mapping Gene Isoforms - UCSC’s Brooks Lab is using its pioneering FLAIR tool to map gene isoforms in cancer.
A Mixer with Impact
While the science itself is groundbreaking, the spirit of the evening is equally focused on connection and possibility. The mixer provides fertile ground for new partnerships: startups meeting potential backers, researchers finding collaborators, and civic leaders discovering ways to support local innovation.
Genomics is no longer confined to labs—it is becoming a central driver of health, environment, and the economy. The Genomics Rooftop Mixer is where those worlds meet. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking the next big idea, an investor scanning for opportunities, or a community member curious about the future of medicine, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening at the intersection of science and society.
See photos from our recent rooftop mixer event HERE.
Huge Thanks to Kristian Picardi with Bozzuto Anton Pacific Apartments. If anyone would like a tour of the venue and pricing for apartments, we will happily connect you!
