UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health Logo
October 27, 2025

Discovery Forum | Caffeine – Examining its Beneficial and Adverse Health Impacts

This event will be a scientific exploration of the complex bioactivity of coffee and other caffeinated beverages, sharing current research on both beneficial and adverse outcomes. We will discuss the scientific foundations for personalized caffeine approaches, including emerging research on chronobiology, genetic variability, and life-stage factors that influence caffeine metabolism and response, and consider these findings within the evolving field of precision nutrition. Brought to you by the IIFH, Cornucopian Capital, and the UC Davis Coffee Center.

October 27, 2025
8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast and Coffee Service & Registration
9:00 AM
UC Davis Coffee Center Research Symposium

William Ristenpart | Faculty Director, UCDCC

12:00 PM
Lunch and Coffee Center Open House

Walk to the UC Davis Coffee Center for lunch, self-guided tours of the latest research and innovations and enjoy an afternoon affogato.

2:00 PM
Discovery Forum Opening Remarks

Justin Siegel | Faculty Director, IIFH 

2:20 PM
KEYNOTE | Trends in Consumer Preferences for Actively Managing Caffeine Intake

Peter Giuliano

3:05 PM
LIGHTNING TALKS + PANEL | Inside the Buzz: Precision Caffeination and the Future of Coffee

A series of dynamic, short presentations from leading experts, followed by a moderated panel discussion with all presenters. This session explores the science behind caffeine’s physiological effects, how it’s metabolized, and how coffee processing influences caffeine content. We’ll also examine emerging technologies enabling more precise control of caffeine levels—from bean to body—and how this intersects with advances in biology, genetics, and precision nutrition.

Gregory Marcus

Marilyn C Cornelis

William Ristenpart

Ingrid Pultz

4:50 PM
Closing Remarks

Aryeh Ganz, Managing Partner, Cornucopian Capital

5:00 PM
Evening at the Coffee Center: Networking Reception

Conclude a day of insightful discussions by joining a dynamic community of partners who share a passion for innovation and collaboration. Enjoy self-guided tours of the UC Davis Coffee Center and cascara cocktails crafted by Coffee Center Faculty Director William Ristenpart. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Caffree’s startup spotlight—connect with their executive team to learn about their new transformative enzymatic technology and beverage industry use cases.

Putah Creek Lodge (685 Putah Creek Lodge Dr, Davis, CA 95616)

IIFH Involvement