As the most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide, caffeine plays a central role in both daily life and health. While it’s most often consumed through coffee, its biological and societal impacts are remarkably complex—and increasingly relevant to both public health and product innovation.
This day-long convening of researchers, industry leaders, investors, students and more explores caffeine from multiple perspectives.
The morning begins with the UC Davis Coffee Center Annual Research Symposium, where faculty and graduate students will share cutting-edge research on roasting, extraction, defect detection, sensory science, and other innovations shaping the future of coffee.
In the afternoon, the IIFH Discovery Forum expands on the day’s conversation to explore caffeine’s bioactivity and emerging research, highlighting the potential for personalized approaches informed by chronobiology, genetic variability, and life-stage factors—within the evolving field of precision nutrition.
Bill Ristenpart | Faculty Director, UC Davis Coffee Center
Alice Dien | Graduate Student Researcher, UC Davis
Willian Huber | Graduate Student, Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Program
Ned Spang | Associate Professor, UC Davis Food Science and Technology
Irwin Donis-Gonzalez | Associate Professor, UC Davis Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Flagg Miller | Professor, UC Davis Department of Religion, Culture and Society
Bill Ristenpart | Faculty Director, UC Davis Coffee Center
Following lunch, stroll over to the UC Davis Coffee Center for a self-guided tour of the space and treat yourself to an afternoon affogato.
Justin Siegel | Faculty Director, IIFH
Peter Giuliano | Executive Director, Coffee Science Foundation
Peter brings a human-centered lens to the evolving ways people think about caffeine. In a world where consumers increasingly seek balance, transparency, and personal agency, caffeine is no longer just a stimulant—it’s a choice woven into daily rituals, identity, and well-being. This talk will explore how cultural values, storytelling, and scientific understanding are reshaping preferences around caffeine—and what that means for coffee professionals, brands, and innovators alike.
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.
Moderator: Meghan Phillips | CEO/Founder, Honey Agency
Gregory Marcus | Professor of Medicine, UCSF | Caffeine’s Impacts on Human Physiology
Marilyn C. Cornelis | Associate Professor, Northwestern | Human Metabolism of Caffeine
William Ristenpart | Faculty Director, UC Davis Coffee Center | Processing Effects of Caffeine Load
Ingrid Swanson Pultz | Chief Science Officer, Caffree | Breakthrough Technology to Manage Caffeine
Aryeh Ganz | Managing Partner, Cornucopian Capital
Conclude a day of insightful discussions by joining a dynamic community of partners who share a passion for innovation and collaboration. Take part in immersive tours of the UC Davis Coffee Center, offering a deeper look into their research spaces and innovations. Enjoy 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.
Join us at Shields Library to explore UC Davis’s growing coffee collections. Guided by Food and Beverage Curator Audrey Russek, guests will view rare texts, pamphlets, and exhibits from the library archives. President of La Minita Coffee, Russ Kramer, will also share his journey in collecting coffee texts.
Coffee service provided by the Human-Powered Espresso Delivery System, developed in partnership with UC Davis Mechanical Engineering students and the Coffee Center.
Location: Putah Creek Lodge (685 Putah Creek Lodge Dr, Davis, CA 95616)
Parking: Visitor Parking Lot PCL, Davis, CA 95616
Hotel recommendations:
