Brain, Behavior, & Mind 2026 Spring Conference

This is the19th year of this event, which was formerly known as the Amygdala, Stress, and PTSD Conference

Brain, Behavior, & Mind is a series of global forums featuring distinguished scientists, clinicians, and leaders whose work spans neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, and public health. Each event explores new insights in our understanding of health and illness by integrating knowledge from genes to community and from the research bench to bedside care. Our aim is to advance the science and clinical care needed for the diverse populations of the U.S. Department of War and the Nation who face complex and stressful environments.

Brain, Behavior, & Mind 2026 Spring Conference

(formerly the Amygdala, Stress, and PTSD Conference)

April 21, 2026

9:00 AM – 4:15 PM EDT

This virtual event includes presentations and live, moderated panels with our featured speakers, as well as a poster session. There is no cost to attend, and the event is open to the public.

Brain, Behavior, & Mind events are sponsored by the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) at the Uniformed Services University (USU), in collaboration with USU’s Department of Psychiatry, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Department of Family Medicine, Center for Deployment Psychology, and Brain and Behavior Hub.

SPEAKERS

Husseini K. Manji, MD, FRCPC

Oxford University

PRESENTATION: The Quest to Make a Real Difference in Serious Mental Illness: A Shared Societal Responsibility

Kerry J. Ressler, MD, PhD

McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School

PRESENTATION: The Neuroscience and Genetics of Fear: Towards an Underlying Biology of PTSD

Bridget Callaghan, PhD

University of California, Los Angeles

PRESENTATION: Generational Impacts of Adversity on Mind & Body Health

Sharon Dekel, PhD

Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital

PRESENTATION: The Hidden Face of Trauma: What Childbirth Can Teach Us About Stress, Recovery, and Resilience

Bruce Perry, MD, PhD

La Trobe University

PRESENTATION: Application of a Neurodevelopmental Framework in Clinical Practice: The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

AGENDA

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM EDT

Welcome and Conference Announcements

James A. Naifeh, PhD

COL Vincent F. Capaldi, II, ScM, MD, DFAPA, FACP, FAASM

Stephen J. Cozza, MD

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM EDT

The Quest to Make a Real Difference in Serious Mental Illness: A Shared Societal Responsibility

Husseini K. Manji, MD, FRCPC

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM EDT

The Neuroscience and Genetics of Fear: Towards an Underlying Biology of PTSD

Kerry J. Ressler, MD, PhD

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM EDT

Break and Poster Review

11:15 AM – 11:45 AM EDT

Discussion Panel 1

Husseini K. Manji, MD, FRCPC

Kerry J. Ressler, MD, PhD

MODERATOR: TBD

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM EDT

Lunch

12:45 PM – 13:30 PM EDT

Generational Impacts of Adversity on Mind & Body Health

Bridget Callaghan, PhD

13:30 PM – 14:15 PM EDT

The Hidden Face of Trauma: What Childbirth Can Teach Us About Stress, Recovery, and Resilience

Sharon Dekel, PhD

14:15 PM – 14:45 PM EDT

Break and Poster Review

14:45 PM – 15:30 PM EDT

Application of a Neurodevelopmental Framework in Clinical Practice: The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

Bruce Perry, MD, PhD

15:30 PM – 16:00 PM EDT

Discussion Panel 2

Bridget Callaghan, PhD

Sharon Dekel, PhD

Bruce Perry, MD, PhD

MODERATOR: TBD

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM EDT

Closing Remarks

Steven J. Cozza, MD

James A. Naifeh, PhD

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Continuing Education credits are available for Physicians, Psychologists, and Social Workers.

Accreditation and Designation Statement

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The following CME/CE Credit types have been approved:
- Physician CME Credit(s)
- Psychology CE Credit(s)
- Social Work CE Credit(s)

POSTER SUBMISSIONS

The Brain, Behavior, & Mind Spring Conference is an excellent opportunity to present the results of your work to a unique, interested, and experienced audience. The organizers encourage you to submit abstracts of your research for presentation as a poster on the conference website. There is no registration fee associated with poster submission. Recognition for top posters will be provided.

Questions may be submitted to the Brain, Behavior, & Mind website.