Bethany Brand, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at Towson University and an internationally recognized expert in trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dissociative disorders. She is the Principal Investigator of the landmark TOP DD (Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders) studies, the largest prospective treatment outcome studies on dissociative disorders to date. Her pioneering research has advanced evidence-based treatments for complex trauma and dissociation, and she has played a leading role in developing international clinical guidelines for trauma-related disorders.

Peter Lovatt is a British psychologist and former professional dancer, often known as “Dr Dance.” He is a professor at University of Hertfordshire, where he studies the psychology of movement, rhythm, and social bonding. His research explores how dance influences cognition, emotion, and human connection.

Sloka Iyengar is a neuroscientist, Bharatanatyam dancer, and science educator at the American Museum of Natural History. Her research spans epilepsy, synaptic plasticity, mental health, palliative care, and misophonia. She is dedicated to integrating neuroscience, dance, and public engagement, using Bharatanatyam to promote healthy aging and support individuals with dementia through innovative art-based programs.

Lijun Sun is a contemporary interdisciplinary artist and President of the AI Future Film Institute. He serves as Dean of the China Animation Institute at Beijing Film Academy, where he previously served as Vice President. He is also a Council Member of the China Film Association, Vice Chairman of the Beijing Film Association, and President of the Beijing Film & Animation Association. His work bridges film, animation, emerging technologies, and artistic innovation, making him a leading figure in the integration of art and technology in China.

Xixi (YUSIE) is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and one of HelloDance’s most popular instructors. She is a two-time World of Dance (WOD) China Champion and a two-time ARENA Asia Champion. She gained national recognition as a popular contestant on Hunan TV’s Street Dance of China: Dance Smash (Season 2) and has performed, choreographed, and served as a guest artist for numerous major dance competitions and television productions. Her choreography credits include performances for artists such as Yibo Wang, Ziqi Deng (G.E.M.), and Yuan Zhang, as well as appearances in productions including Street Dance of China and New Ethnic Dance Congress.

Qing Song is a versatile dancer specializing in jazz, contemporary, and Chinese dance. She was the Runner-up at the 2025 World of Dance (WOD) Hong Kong Regional Competition, earning a place in the World Finals. Her notable works include Unasked, The Musician, and Season of Orioles.

John Bohannon is a scientist, science journalist, and science communicator, best known as the founder of Science magazine’s “Dance Your Ph.D.” competition and the creator of the “Gonzo Scientist” column. His work spans biology, data science, investigative journalism, and science communication, exploring innovative ways to make scientific research more accessible to the public. He is also known for his pioneering studies in open science, research integrity, and science storytelling.

Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, Director of the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, and Co-Director of the CIFAR Program on Brain, Mind and Consciousness. Widely recognized as one of the world’s leading researchers in consciousness science, his work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of consciousness, perception, and the embodied self. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed bestseller Being You: A New Science of Consciousness, and his TED Talk on consciousness has been viewed by more than 15 million people worldwide.

Kunlin Wei is Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Peking University and Scientific Advisor to the television program The Brain (Super Brain). His research focuses on sensorimotor control, motor learning, human cognition, and computational neuroscience, combining behavioral experiments, computational modeling, and brain imaging to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying human perception and action. He is widely recognized for advancing public understanding of cognitive neuroscience through both scientific research and science communication.

Michael Greicius, M.D., M.P.H. is the Iqbal Farrukh and Asad Jamal Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. An internationally recognized leader in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, he combines neuroimaging, human genetics, and computational approaches to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and identify new therapeutic targets. He is the Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Memory Disorders and has made pioneering contributions to understanding the genetic basis and brain network dysfunction of Alzheimer’s disease.

Melissa Rowland-Goldsmith, is Professor of Biological Sciences at Chapman University and a biochemist specializing in molecular and cellular biology. She serves on the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Science Outreach and Communication Committee and chairs its Science Communication Subcommittee. Passionate about integrating science with the arts, she has pioneered collaborations between biology and dance to promote science communication and interdisciplinary education.

Jacob Jonas is an award-winning choreographer, director, and founder of Jacob Jonas The Company (JJTC). Internationally recognized for his innovative approach to contemporary dance, he creates works that bridge dance, film, technology, and public spaces, expanding the reach of dance beyond traditional theaters. His collaborations span leading artists, filmmakers, musicians, and global brands, and his work has been presented at major international festivals and venues worldwide. Through JJTC, he is committed to fostering artistic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement.

Thomas C. Südhof is the Avram Goldstein Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and a 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine. His pioneering research has transformed our understanding of synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter release, and the molecular mechanisms of brain function, laying the foundation for modern neuroscience and advancing the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

David Baker is the 2024 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington, as well as an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). A pioneer in computational protein design, his groundbreaking work has revolutionized the creation of novel proteins for applications in medicine, biotechnology, and sustainability, transforming the fields of protein engineering and AI-driven molecular design.

Karl Deisseroth is the D. H. Chen Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. A pioneer in optogenetics and hydrogel-tissue chemistry (CLARITY), his groundbreaking work has revolutionized neuroscience by enabling precise control and visualization of neural circuits, transforming the study of brain function, behavior, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Xiaowei Zhuang is the David B. Arnold Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. A pioneer in super-resolution microscopy and spatial genomics, she developed groundbreaking technologies including STORM microscopy and MERFISH, transforming the visualization of biological systems from single molecules to intact tissues and advancing our understanding of the brain, development, and human disease.