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Brookstone Conference

The Brookstone Conference is an annual forum advancing dialogue at the intersection of neuroscience, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, emphasizing the translation of evidence into real-world care. Each year, we convene researchers, clinicians, and community partners to address timely challenges and accelerate solutions that improve mental health outcomes.

The Brookstone Conference features invited talks from leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience and behavioral health, followed by moderated discussions. This format strikes a balance between intellectual rigor and accessibility, making the event valuable to academics, clinicians, students and community stakeholders alike.

Conference Themes

Each year, the Brookstone Conference selects a theme of pressing importance to the field of mental health. Past conferences have explored topics such as the impact of cannabis on the brain, the influence of technology on cognition, and novel approaches to treatment and prevention. More broadly, the conference provides a platform for addressing timely challenges in mental health while maintaining flexibility to respond to new developments in science, policy and clinical practice.

 

2026 Conference

8th Annual Brookstone Conference

Rethinking Bipolar Disorder: Brain Circuits, Neural Trajectories, and Emerging Treatments

 

Location

Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
Hughes Auditorium
303 E. Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Date

Thursday, October 15th, 2026
12:00–6:00 PM CT

Registration

Registration is open for the eighth annual Brookstone Conference, hosted by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science & Northwestern Medicine Dauten Behavioral Health Institute. Complete this form by Tuesday, Sept. 30, to receive a printed name badge at check-in. Registrations after this date are still welcome.

Register Here


Conference Details

Bipolar disorder remains one of the most disabling psychiatric conditions across the lifespan.

Advances in neuroscience, imaging, cognition, and precision therapeutics are creating new opportunities for earlier identification and intervention. The 2026 Brookstone Conference will bring together leaders in the field to explore the future of bipolar disorder research and treatment.

Hosted by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
Northwestern Medicine Dauten Behavioral Health Institute

2026 Speakers
Keynote Speakers

Katherine Burdick, PhD
Vice Chair of Research,
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
New York State Psychiatric Institute

Keri Martinowich, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer,
Lieber Institute for Brain Development
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Mary L. Phillips, MD (CANTAB)
Distinguished Professor in Psychiatry
University of Pittsburgh

Speakers Representing Northwestern 

Evan Goulding, MD, PhD
Clinical Director,
Bipolar Center of Excellence
Northwestern Medicine Dauten Behavioral Health Institute

Shan Siddiqi, MD
Scientific Director,
Bipolar Center of Excellence
Northwestern Medicine Dauten Behavioral Health Institute

Robin Nusslock, PhD
Director of Clinical Psychology & Training
Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences

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