2025 CHOP-Penn Autism Research Symposium: The Future of Autism Research at Penn and CHOP

On May 9^th, the ASPE team had the privilege of participating in the CHOP-Penn Autism Research Symposium, a gathering of forward-thinking minds driving progress in autism research. Hosted in the HUB for Clinical Collaboration at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the event served as a catalyst for connection, insight, and strategic alignment across disciplines.

 ASPE was proud to contribute to the conversation through multiple touchpoints:

• Erica Korb, PhD (ASPE PI) was an exceptional Co-Chair alongside Eric Marsh, MD, PhD, leading insightful sessions on the latest advancements in autism research.
• Daniel Rader, MD (ASPE Director) introduced Keynote Speaker Joseph Buxbaum, PhD
• Michael Hart, PhD (ASPE PI) delivered a comprehensive presentation on “Collaborative Pipeline for Identifying Autism Gene Phenotypes and Therapeutic Targets”
• Maria Fasolino, PhD (ASPE Program Director) chaired a highly engaging Flash Talks Session, showcasing a range of innovative research across Penn/CHOP
• Alekh Paranjapye, PhD (ASPE Postdoc) presented a compelling Flash Talk on “Epigenetic underpinnings of gene x gene and gene x environment interactions”
• Michael Gandal, MD, PhD (ASPE PI) offered a presentation titled “Finding Common Ground: Mapping the Polygenic Complexity of ASD”
• Michael Granato, PhD, (ASPE PI) chaired Session Three: Biology/Physiology of autism: shared circuits and molecular basis of autism and brain development
• Maria N. Geffen, PhD (ASPE PI) presented “Neuronal Circuits for Auditory Processing Disruption in ASD”, examining the neurological mechanisms underlying sensory processing challenges in autism.
• ASPE Co-Directors Maja Bucan, PhD and Ted Brodkin, MD participated in a high-level panel discussion on Clinical Trial Design, exploring future directions for clinical trials in autism research.
• Marc Fuccillo, MD, PhD, (ASPE PI) and ASPE Advisory Board Member Eric Morrow, MD, PhD, engaged in panel on Paths to Therapeutics: How can we use our understanding of physiology to lead to better treatments and therapies

In addition to these presentations, ASPE trainees contributed several research posters, reflecting the breadth of innovative work being conducted across ASPE laboratories, including those from the Brodkin, Bucan, Hart, Jongens, Zhou, and Korb Labs.

Beyond the sessions, ASPE engaged with an incredible network of researchers, clinicians, and innovators. The quality of conversations, idea exchanges, and potential collaborations reinforced the power of a shared purpose and a united drive for impact.

ASPE returns from the symposium energized by new knowledge, inspired by our peers, and committed to turning ideas into action.

A heartfelt thank-you to the organizers and all who joined us in these important conversations. A special thanks to our Advisory Board Members Eric Morrow, MD, PhD, Marissa Mitchel, M.S., CCC-SLP, Pamela Feliciano, PhD, and Anthony Green for their invaluable participation in the event.

We look forward to building on this momentum—and exploring what’s next for autism research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.