UCSC Presents: Planetary Health & Innovation Panel

On April 30th, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz plays host to the UCSC Planetary Health & Innovation Panel — an evening designed to bring together visionary entrepreneurs, impact investors, and sustainability ecosystem experts for a conversation about the most pressing challenges and promising solutions at the intersection of environmental and human health.

Running from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, the event opens with an interactive panel discussion before transitioning to a networking reception. Attendees are encouraged to stay for the reception, which offers a rare opportunity to forge relationships and exchange ideas with leaders actively shaping the planetary health space. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option is available. The online panel kicks off at 4:45 PM, with Q&A concluding at 6:00 PM.

"A premier opportunity to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships within the planetary health space."

The event is organized with support from UC Santa Cruz's Innovation & Business Engagement Hub, a campus initiative dedicated to strengthening the connection between university research and the broader innovation ecosystem. Central to the Hub's work is its Advisory Council — an external consultative group comprising industry leaders and investors who provide strategic guidance on university collaborations and partnerships.

Advisory Council members contribute market intelligence, insights on industry needs, and perspectives on how research institutions can best serve external stakeholders. Beyond advising, Council members serve as champions for UCSC within business networks and innovation communities — helping translate world-class research into real-world impact. The Planetary Health Panel reflects exactly this mission: convening the right voices to accelerate meaningful change.

Date: Thursday, April 30th

Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA