About
Vitalist Bay is an 8-week longevity zone in Berkeley, California bringing the world’s best minds together to extend human healthspan & solve aging.
200+
Speakers
70
On campus residents
Experience the most ambitious longevity event series in the world.
Learn from the best—attend expert-led conversations, explore cutting edge treatments, enjoy an epic spa, and move your body with yoga, HIIT, and more.
Get your biomarkers measured on site.
Experience top health & performance tools.
Meet other like-minded people in a one-of-a-kind venue designed for real conversations. Expand your network.
May 17-18
Biostasis Conference (May 17 - 18)
Biostasis Conference (May 17 - 18)
Karl Pfleger is a prominent angel investor and advocate for longevity research, known for his significant contributions to the biotech industry. He is an investor in Repair Biotechnologies, focusing on gene therapy for age-related diseases, and runs Aging Biotech Info, a valuable resource for the longevity community. Karl's background in machine learning and his dedication to supporting groundbreaking research make him a key figure in the fight against aging.
Max More is a philosopher and futurist known for his work on transhumanism and the philosophy of extropy. He is the founder of the Extropy Institute and has served as President and CEO of the Alcor Life Extension Foundation. Max holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Southern California. His writings and ideas have significantly influenced the transhumanist movement, focusing on the potential of emerging technologies to enhance human capabilities and extend life.
Ralf Spindler is a leading scientist and innovator with extensive expertise in neural systems cryopreservation. As the Head of Neural Systems Cryopreservation at 21st Century Medicine, he plays a pivotal role in advancing preservation techniques critical to the field of cryobiology. With a background in electrical and biomedical engineering, Ralf's research focuses on improving methods to preserve the human brain and other neural structures at ultra-low temperatures, with the goal of ensuring their integrity for future revival. His work is at the forefront of bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and long-term human preservation.
Dr. Emil Kendziorra is the Founder and CEO of Tomorrow.Bio, a startup dedicated to advancing biostasis (cryonics) research and providing human cryopreservation services. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Göttingen and has extensive experience in cancer research and entrepreneurship. Dr. Kendziorra has founded and led multiple tech and medical startups, including MedLanes and onFeedback. His vision is to build an organization that significantly contributes to the field of cryonics and promotes public awareness about its potential.
Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston is a neuroscientist at Monash University, Australia, where he investigates methods for characterising the nature of conscious experiences. Ariel is also the author of "The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death", and has been featured in major publications like The Guardian and the BBC. His research interests range from the decline, preservation and rescue of cognitive function at different stages of the lifespan, through to comparing different people’s conscious experience of colour. By contributing to research that clarifies the neurobiological, cognitive, and philosophical basis of what it is to be a person, he hopes to accelerate the development of medical infrastructure that will help prevent him and everyone else from dying.
Throughout his career, Andrew McKenzie has contributed to the understanding of brain cell type-specific gene expression and co-expression network architectures. His work aims to advance the field of neuroscience through innovative research and collaboration. Dr. McKenzie's research focuses on brain banking, ischemic alterations in the brain, and long-term preservation methods. His scholarly work emphasizes structural brain preservation, guiding the research directions at Oregon Brain Preservation, a non-profit organization.
Kai Micah Mills is the CEO of Cryopets, a startup specializing in cryopreservation for pets, and a co-founder of CryoDAO, a decentralized organization funding cryonics research. With a background as a tech entrepreneur and Thiel Fellow, Kai is dedicated to advancing cryopreservation technologies and making significant contributions to the field of life extension.
Alice Gilman is a global leader in longevity innovation and strategic operations, with experience organizing over 80 events across 40+ countries. She is using her expertise to solve the global organ shortage crisis and develop deep tech anti-aging technologies. As a consultant and researcher in longevity labs and startups, she brings deep expertise in investor relations, brand strategy, and operational leadership. Alice co-founded Homespace, securing $500K in funding, and has driven impactful initiatives in AI, biotech, and healthspan-focused ventures. With roles spanning COO, business consulting, and founder residencies, Alice combines entrepreneurial vision and operational excellence to pioneer solutions for living longer, healthier lives. Alice is an advocate for deregulating stem cell research.
James Arrowood is an entrepreneur, legal expert, and executive with extensive experience in the life extension and biotechnology sectors. He is the CEO of the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, where he has been instrumental in guiding the organization since 2015. James initially joined Alcor as outside General Counsel, helping navigate complex legal and business challenges. He has also served on the board of directors for a major local non-profit and as its public relations chair, contributing to his long-standing expertise in media and public relations. His work focuses on advancing Alcor’s mission and engaging with the wider conversation on cutting-edge technologies aimed at extending human lifespan.
Ralph C. Merkle is a computer scientist and cryptographer with over 40 years of experience in academic research and technological innovation. He is a board member at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, an organization focused on cryonics and life extension. Ralph's scientific background encompasses public key cryptography, cryptographic hashing, and nanotechnology. His work aims to advance secure communication systems and explore technologies to extend human life.
Aschwin de Wolf is a Dutch-born American cryobiologist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in cryonics research and writing. He is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Neural Biosciences (ANB), a biomedical research company established in 2008. ANB focuses on developing low-temperature technologies to preserve central nervous tissue and whole brains, aiming to advance brain banking, pharmacological drug discovery, and the study of neurodegenerative diseases. He co-authored the first comprehensive human cryopreservation procedures manual and authored the first medical biostasis protocol. Aschwin's involvement in cryonics extends to founding the Depressed Metabolism blog in 2007, which later evolved into Biostasis.com. He also co-founded and served as president of the Institute for Evidence-Based Cryonics. Through his work, Aschwin aims to advance the science and application of cryopreservation techniques, contributing to the potential for future medical applications and the extension of human life.
Borys Wróbel is a biologist and computer scientist with extensive experience in academic research and leadership. He serves as the Scientific Director of the European Institute for Brain Research (EIBR), where he is pioneering the development of a brain bank utilizing innovative methods to preserve neural tissue at the nanoscale level. Dr. Wróbel's interdisciplinary research spans brain banking, computational neuroscience, computational biology, and molecular biology. In his role at EIBR, Dr. Wróbel is dedicated to advancing the preservation of neural structures, aiming to enhance our understanding of the brain and its complexities.
Brian G. Wowk is a medical physicist and cryobiologist with over 20 years of experience in cryobiological research and technology development. He serves as the Chief Technology Officer at 21st Century Medicine, where he has been instrumental in advancing cryopreservation techniques. In his role at 21st Century Medicine, Dr. Wowk continues to lead efforts in developing advanced cryobiological technologies, aiming to improve the preservation and longevity of biological tissues and organs. Dr. Wowk's notable contributions include the discovery and development of synthetic molecules that mimic natural antifreeze proteins, commonly referred to as "ice blockers." These innovations have been pivotal in enabling the vitrification and successful transplantation of complex mammalian organs, such as kidneys. He is presently refining electromagnetic warming methods for vitrified whole organs.
Rebecca Ziegler is a cryonics specialist with a focus on advancing human cryopreservation technologies. She helped organize the 2024 Global Cryonics Summit, which brought together cryonics experts to develop a cohesive cryonics community and spark new ideas. She served as a Product Manager at Tomorrow Bio, a company dedicated to making cryonics more accessible and reliable through state-of-the-art preservation techniques and emergency standby services. Now she serves as a Director at the Cryosphere Foundation, with the goal to bring together experts and foster a cohesive cryonics community. Her work aims to refine cryonics processes and make human cryopreservation more accessible and effective.
Eric Magro is an entrepreneur and advocate for life extension, dedicated to advancing the fields of cryonics and longevity policy. He is the Co-Founder of Cryosphere, a platform focused on fostering community and innovation in cryonics. As Director of Operations at LongeviPAC, Eric works to shape policies that support life extension technologies and research. He helped organize the 2024 Global Cryonics Summit, which brought together experts to provide the space and resources to push projects forward. His efforts bring together scientific progress and public policy, ensuring that advancements in longevity science receive the attention and support they deserve. Through his work, Eric aims to accelerate the development of life-preserving technologies and expand access to cutting-edge longevity solutions.
Max Marty is a serial entrepreneur and active member of the cryonics community. In 2011, Max co-founded Blueseed, a project aimed at creating a floating startup incubator off the coast of California. The initiative sought to provide a visa-free environment for international entrepreneurs to collaborate and innovate near Silicon Valley. He is the creator of The Cryosphere, an online cryonics-focused community, fostering discussions among enthusiasts and professionals. He helped organize the 2024 Global Cryonics Summit, which connected experts from the industry and community. Max also co-hosts The Cryosphere Podcast, where he engages with key figures in the field to explore the scientific, social, and philosophical aspects of cryonics. Through his initiatives, Max aims to advance public understanding and acceptance of cryonics as a viable option for life extension. Max's diverse entrepreneurial ventures reflect his commitment to pioneering unconventional solutions and fostering global collaboration in technology and life extension.
Daniel Walters is a prominent advocate for cryonics and life extension, with extensive experience in community engagement and digital outreach. He is the co-host of the Cryosphere Podcast, where he explores the latest advancements, challenges, and philosophies surrounding cryopreservation. He helped organize the 2024 Global Cryonics Summit, which brought together experts to foster a cohesive cryonics community. With deep roots in the cryonics community, Daniel has played a key role in fostering discussion and awareness. As Community Outreach Coordinator at Alcor Life Extension Foundation, Daniel is focused on transforming Alcor’s digital presence by enhancing member communications, expanding social media engagement, and modernizing its online platforms. His work bridges the gap between scientific progress and public awareness, ensuring that cryonics continues to gain traction as a viable approach to life extension.
May 24-25.
Robin Hanson is an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University. He is known for his pioneering work on prediction markets, also known as idea futures, and has been a key figure in developing these markets for various applications. Robin has authored several influential books, including "The Age of Em: Work, Love and Life When Robots Rule the Earth" and "The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life." His research spans a wide range of topics, from spatial product competition to the bioethics of healthcare, and he is a prominent advocate for futarchy, a form of governance based on prediction markets.
Jason Sorens is an American political scientist and conservative libertarian activist, best known for founding the Free State Project in 2001. He holds a PhD in political science from Yale University and a BA in economics and philosophy from Washington and Lee University. Jason has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Yale, Dartmouth, and the University at Buffalo. His research focuses on fiscal federalism, public policy in federal systems, secessionism, and ethnic politics. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) and president of the Ethics and Economics Education of New England (E3NE).
Breanna Deutsch is a policy expert and author, known for her work in political communications and advocacy for life extension technologies. She is the Secretary of the Board at A4LI and the author of "Finding the Fountain: Why Government Must Unlock Biotech's Potential to Maximize Longevity." Breanna's efforts focus on encouraging policymakers to support aging research and promote healthier lifespans through government initiatives.
Arkadi Mazin is a seasoned journalist and op-ed author with a passion for learning and exploration. His interests span from politics to science and philosophy. Having studied economics and international relations, he is particularly interested in the social aspects of longevity and life extension. Arkadi is dedicated to promoting the idea that life extension is an achievable and noble goal that deserves greater attention and action from society.
Alberto Aparicio is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioethics and Health Humanities. He completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Global Observatory for Genome Editing at Harvard University and the Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute in Colombia. Dr. Aparicio holds a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from University College London and an MPhil in Technology Policy from Cambridge University. With experience in policy, academia, consultancy, and government, his research focuses on the governance of emerging biotechnology and the societal implications of bioscience, including evolving attitudes toward life and technoscience.
Kamen Shoylev is a dual-qualified lawyer, practicing at both the Bulgarian and English Bars. As co-managing partner at New Balkans Law Office, he provides expert advice on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and IP law, focusing on cross-border issues between Bulgaria, the EU, and the UK. Kamen’s legal expertise spans corporate disputes, EU law, and intellectual property. With a keen interest in innovation and longevity, he integrates his knowledge of science, technology, and investment ethics into his work. Kamen holds a B.A. in Law from Cambridge University and is committed to advancing entrepreneurial and legal solutions globally.
Dr. Hisham Badaruddin is a medical doctor and public health specialist with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare system. He is the founder and CEO of Bartley Clinic, a general practice in Singapore that integrates primary care with longevity medicine to make advanced healthcare more accessible. At Bartley Clinic, Dr. Hisham focuses on preventive medicine, health screening, lifestyle medicine, and modern longevity science, aiming to optimize health and extend disease-free years for his patients. Throughout his career, Dr. Hisham has held leadership roles in biopharma, healthcare insurance, and telehealth companies.
Dylan Livingston is the Founder and President of the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives (A4LI), a non-profit organization focused on advocating for policies that promote healthy human lifespan. He has a background in grassroots political organizing and has worked with various political campaigns, including the Biden campaign in Pennsylvania. Dylan is passionate about increasing equitable access to next-generation therapies and has been involved in the longevity community since childhood, influenced by his father's early-stage investments in futuristic technologies.
John Davis is a philosopher and author, best known for his work "New Methuselahs: The Ethics of Life Extension." In this book, Davis explores the ethical implications of extending human life, addressing issues such as desirability, unequal access, and potential overpopulation. His philosophical discussions provide a comprehensive guide to the ethical considerations of life extension, making a compelling case for funding research in this field.
Patrick Linden is a philosopher and author, known for his work on the ethics of life extension and the philosophy of death. He has taught at various prestigious institutions, including Lund University, UCL, and NYU. His book, "The Case Against Death," argues that death is an evil that should be combated through anti-aging science and radical life extension. Linden's work challenges traditional views on mortality and advocates for a future where humans can live significantly longer, healthier lives.
Gennady Stolyarov II is a Belarusian-American libertarian and transhumanist writer, actuary, and civil servant. He is best known for his book "Death is Wrong," which argues that death is an enemy to be overcome through technology. Gennady is also the Chairman of the Transhumanist Party, advocating for life extension and the use of science and technology to enhance human capabilities.
Felix Werth is a biochemist and political advocate, best known for founding the Party for Rejuvenation Research in Germany. The party focuses on accelerating the development of regenerative medicine to extend healthy human lifespans. As the party's leader, Felix is dedicated to raising public awareness and support for rejuvenation research, aiming to prevent age-related diseases and promote longer, healthier lives.
John Martin Fischer is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, and a leading contributor to the philosophy of free will and moral responsibility. He is known for his theory of semi-compatibilism, which explores the relationship between free will and moral responsibility. Fischer has also made significant contributions to the metaphysics of death and the philosophy of religion. He has served as President of the American Philosophical Association, Pacific Division, and was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2024.
Melissa King is a strategic management and communications executive with extensive experience in global healthcare and research policy. She is the Chief Operating Officer and a Founding Board Member of the Healthspan Action Coalition, an organization dedicated to promoting healthy aging and advancing medical research to reduce the burden of chronic diseases. Throughout her career, Melissa has been a passionate advocate for patients suffering from chronic illnesses, focusing on accelerating medical advancements and ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments. She has played a pivotal role in engaging multiple stakeholders and effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
Niklas Anzinger is an entrepreneur and investor with a focus on innovative urban development and regulatory frameworks. He is the founder and CEO of Infinita City, an organization dedicated to leveraging special regulatory zones to accelerate biomedical progress. Niklas is also the founder and general partner of Infinita VC, a venture capital firm based in the charter city of Próspera in Honduras, focusing on charter cities and alternative jurisdictions. His work creates scalable regulatory solutions that can be applied across multiple jurisdictions, fostering environments conducive to innovation and progress.
Andrés Gómez Emilsson is a consciousness researcher and transdisciplinary scientist exploring the nature of subjective experience. He is the Director of Research at the Qualia Research Institute, an organization dedicated to developing a precise scientific understanding of qualia and its implications for well-being. His work integrates insights from neuroscience, computational modeling, and philosophy to advance the study of consciousness. Andrés is particularly interested in the structure of phenomenology, the neurotechnology of altered states, and the ethical implications of enhancing subjective experience. Through his research, he aims to uncover fundamental principles of consciousness and develop frameworks for its rigorous quantification and optimization.
Eric Magro is an entrepreneur and advocate for life extension, dedicated to advancing the fields of cryonics and longevity policy. He is the Co-Founder of Cryosphere, a platform focused on fostering community and innovation in cryonics. As Director of Operations at LongeviPAC, Eric works to shape policies that support life extension technologies and research. He helped organize the 2024 Global Cryonics Summit, which brought together experts to provide the space and resources to push projects forward. His efforts bring together scientific progress and public policy, ensuring that advancements in longevity science receive the attention and support they deserve. Through his work, Eric aims to accelerate the development of life-preserving technologies and expand access to cutting-edge longevity solutions.
Nico Arcino is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in both dynamic startups and large foundational institutions. He currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Primasun, a company dedicated to advancing sleep health through innovative technological solutions. Prior to joining Primasun, Nico held the position of Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kaiser Permanente, where he played a pivotal role in forging collaborations that enhanced healthcare delivery and technological integration. Throughout his career, Nico has been recognized as a health and tech innovator, consistently contributing to advancements at the intersection of healthcare and technology. His diverse background and strategic insights continue to drive Primasun's mission to revolutionize sleep health.
Mikhail Batin is a Russian entrepreneur and activist dedicated to combating aging and extending human lifespan. He is the co-founder and CEO of Open Longevity, a nonprofit organization that promotes open research and grassroots activism in the field of longevity science. Through initiatives like Open Genes—a database of longevity-related genes—and Aging Nets, which applies network science to aging, Batin aims to democratize aging research and involve the public in scientific endeavors. In 2008, Batin founded the Science for Life Extension Foundation, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing longevity research. His advocacy extends to organizing events such as the "Say Forever Day," a monthly campaign where volunteers engage the public in conversations about life extension, raising awareness and fostering community involvement. Batin's career also includes political engagement; he served as a deputy in the Kostroma Oblast Duma and chaired the Federation of Trade Unions of the Kostroma region. His multifaceted approach combines scientific initiatives, public activism, and policy involvement to address the challenges of aging and promote the development of life-extension technologies.
Meliza Mokrani is a wellness entrepreneur and certified health coach with over a decade of experience helping individuals cultivate stress resilience and long-term well-being. Her work focuses on nervous system regulation through a blend of science-backed, somatic practices designed to down-regulate stress and support mind-body healing. She is the founder of WORTHY Self-Care Studio, a transformative wellness space in Berkeley, California, and WORTHY Breath & Body, a nervous system-friendly movement and breathwork studio offering trauma-informed workouts for recovery and regulation. Meliza draws on her expertise as a master breathwork facilitator, health coach, and Trauma Specialist—as well as her lived experience as a trauma survivor—to guide people toward real, lasting change. She is also the creator of Regulate & Rise, an eight-week neuroscience-based coaching program that helps participants rewire stress patterns and build emotional resilience. Her work is rooted in a heart-led, human-first approach that makes healing accessible through her studios and the nonprofit WORTHY Wellness Initiative.
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Join us at Vitalist Bay Apr 4 - May 29
room + co-working + conf/events
conferences + events
Apr 5-7
Apr 12-13
Apr 19-20
Apr 25-27
May 3-4
May 9-10
Experience
Conferences & Events
CONNECT with others
Weekly thematic focus -- from Longevity Clinics and Doctors, to Biostasis and Biomarkers.
Top experts converge on our campus for conferences, workshops, and meetups.
Residents and co-working space members can self-organize community events.
Health Optimization
ELEVATE your health.
EAT healthy.
GET fit.
We're making it easy to be healthy.
Get your data with onsite biomarker diagnostics (Dexa Scan, VO2 max, biobanking).
Effortlessly eat healthy with our meal plan providers.
Stay committed with exercises and activities led by best-in-class instructors.
Free your body with dance and movement.
Co-working
WORK on aging together
Supercharge your productivity and collaboration in an energetic environment, with ambitious Vitalists fighting aging & death on all fronts.
Included in Vitalist Bay Passport.
Open to non-residents.
Co-living Residences
LIVE together
Vitalist Bay will take place at Lighthaven, a vibrant private campus in Berkeley, California -- just across the bridge from San Francisco.
The campus includes:
Lighthaven Campus, Berkeley California.
A beautifully designed environment for discussion, collaboration, and learning.