CNS 2026 | Workshops, Socials & Special Events
Satellite - International Sleep Replay Workshop
Friday, March 6, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Salon F
03/6/2026 8:00 AM
03/6/2026 6:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Satellite - International Sleep Replay Workshop
Salon FThe International Sleep Replay Workshop (ISRW) brings together scientists from around the world who study the interface between sleep and memory. The focus of the workshop is on understanding how reactivation of memories during sleep impacts consolidation. Talks and discussions center on studies manipulating and monitoring reactivation, primarily in humans. Learn more about previous ISRWs using the menu options. The 5th International Sleep Replay Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 6th, 2026. The workshop will include symposia, short talks, discussion groups, posters, and tutorials, as well as time to interact informally. More information, including a full schedule, will be available in late 2025.
Join us for the 5th International Sleep Replay Workshop – March 6th in Vancouver!
The International Sleep Replay Workshop (ISRW) brings together scientists from around the world who study the interface between sleep and memory. The focus of the workshop is on understanding how reactivation of memories during sleep impacts consolidation. Talks and discussions center on studies manipulating and monitoring reactivation, primarily in humans.
The 5th International Sleep Replay Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 6th, 2026. The workshop will include symposia, short talks, discussion groups, posters, and tutorials, as well as time to interact informally. Learn more here: https://isrw.bio.uci.edu/
The workshop is open to all: experience with sleep research is not required. Registration for this satellite event is separate to CNS 2026. You can register using this link: http://isrw.bio.uci.edu/ Registration Deadline, February 15th, 2026.
Satellite - The Virtual Brain Node: Personalized Simulations for Cognitive Neuroscience
Friday, March 6, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Salon D
03/6/2026 8:00 AM
03/6/2026 6:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Satellite - The Virtual Brain Node: Personalized Simulations for Cognitive Neuroscience
Salon DThis one-day satellite event introduces personalized brain network modelling using TheVirtualBrain (TVB), an open-source simulation platform. Participants gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in nonlinear dynamics, TVB software architecture, resting-state network modelling, and parameter optimization. Applications to aging, pediatrics, and workflows on high-performance computers are also explored. This satellite event is open to all and requires separate registration from CNS 2026. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Learn more and register at: https://tvbnode-cns2026.eventbrite.ca. This Satellite will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 6, 2026.
This one-day satellite event introduces personalized brain network modelling using TheVirtualBrain (TVB), an open-source simulation platform. Participants gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in nonlinear dynamics, TVB software architecture, resting-state network modelling, and parameter optimization. Applications to aging, pediatrics, and workflows on high-performance computers are also explored.
This satellite event is open to all and requires separate registration from CNS 2026. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Learn more and register at: https://tvbnode-cns2026.eventbrite.ca
CNS 2026 Welcome Reception
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Parq Grand Ballroom Foyer
03/7/2026 6:00 PM
03/7/2026 7:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
CNS 2026 Welcome Reception
Parq Grand Ballroom FoyerThe Opening Reception is always a highlight at CNS! Don't miss out — it's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, as well as meet new people and broaden your academic network. Join us as we kick off the CNS 2026 Annual Meeting and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar (Have a free drink on us when you use your drink ticket!). This eveent will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 7, 2026.
The Opening Reception is always a highlight at CNS! Don't miss out — it's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, as well as meet new people and broaden your academic network. Join us as we kick off the CNS 2026 Annual Meeting and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar (Have a free drink on us when you use your drink ticket!)
Workshop on Cognitive Neuroscience for Foundation Models
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Salon ABC
03/7/2026 12:15 PM
03/7/2026 1:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Workshop on Cognitive Neuroscience for Foundation Models
Salon ABCThis workshop explores how cognitive-neuroscientific methods and theories illuminate the study of foundation models, and vice versa. Presentations focus on behavioral-reductionist and interpretability methods to investigate computational substrates underlying cognitive functions exhibited by models trained on linguistic and/or multimodal inputs, offering insights for both AI development and cognitive science. This Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 7th, 2026.
This workshop explores how cognitive-neuroscientific methods and theories illuminate the study of foundation models, and vice versa. Presentations focus on behavioral-reductionist and interpretability methods to investigate computational substrates underlying cognitive functions exhibited by models trained on linguistic and/or multimodal inputs, offering insights for both AI development and cognitive science.
Workshop - Sound & Color: Depicting the Synesthetic Mind (screening)
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Salon ABC
03/8/2026 12:15 PM
03/8/2026 1:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Workshop - Sound & Color: Depicting the Synesthetic Mind (screening)
Salon ABCSound & Color, a short documentary, follows the process of animating synesthesia artist Sarah Kraning's visual experience of sound. Through its nuanced exploration of Sarah's mind, the film contemplates cross-sensory modalities, subjective perception, and art's role in transforming the personal into the universal. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. This Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 8th, 2026.
Discussants: Alissa Fagin, Sound & Color Documentary; Dr. Joan Ongchoco, Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the Director of the UBC Perception & Cognition Lab.
Sound & Color, a short documentary, follows the process of animating synesthesia artist Sarah Kraning's visual experience of sound. Through its nuanced exploration of Sarah's mind, the film contemplates cross-sensory modalities, subjective perception, and art's role in transforming the personal into the universal. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.
Workshop - MIND: A New Toolkit for Structuring Brain and Body Research Data
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Salon D
03/8/2026 12:15 PM
03/8/2026 1:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Workshop - MIND: A New Toolkit for Structuring Brain and Body Research Data
Salon DExtended reality (XR) and mobile biosensors (EEG, fNIRS, etc.) enable powerful, real-world measurement of brain and behaviour; however, inconsistent formats waste valuable time. In collaboration with Brain Vision, this workshop presents an open data standard and toolkit for unified data collection and streaming, enabling scalable and multimodal datasets to train AI that predicts human behaviour. This Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 8th, 2026.
Extended reality (XR) and mobile biosensors (EEG, fNIRS, etc.) enable powerful, real-world measurement of brain and behaviour; however, inconsistent formats waste valuable time. In collaboration with Brain Vision, this workshop presents an open data standard and toolkit for unified data collection and streaming, enabling scalable and multimodal datasets to train AI that predicts human behaviour.
Workshop -Practical Hyperscanning: From Setup to Analysis-Ready Data
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Salon E
03/8/2026 12:15 PM
03/8/2026 1:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Workshop - Practical Hyperscanning: From Setup to Analysis-Ready Data
Salon EAn academic workshop focused on efficient hyperscanning methodologies, highlighting fast study setup, minimal hardware overhead, and integrated software pipelines that merge multi-brain signals into synchronized, ready-to-process data suitable for real-world social neuroscience experiments. This Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 8th, 2026.
An academic workshop focused on efficient hyperscanning methodologies, highlighting fast study setup, minimal hardware overhead, and integrated software pipelines that merge multi-brain signals into synchronized, ready-to-process data suitable for real-world social neuroscience experiments.
The Brain Box Social
Monday, March 9, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, Parq Grand Ballroom Foyer
03/9/2026 12:00 PM
03/9/2026 1:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
The Brain Box Social (Lunch Provided)
Parq Grand Ballroom FoyerNeural connections happen better on a full stomach. Join us for The Brain Box Social, a versatile lunch hour designed for the busy scientist. Grab a boxed lunch and "migrate" to a table to meet new peers, or take it to-go if you’re heading to a workshop. Boxed lunches provided in the Parq Grand Ballroom Foyer.
Neural connections happen better on a full stomach. Join us for The Brain Box Social, a versatile lunch hour designed for the busy scientist. Grab a boxed lunch and "migrate" to a table to meet new peers, or take it to-go if you’re heading to a workshop. Boxed lunches provided in the Parq Grand Ballroom Foyer.
Workshop - Cognitive Neuroscience and Society: Resistance and Resilience During Science Funding Crises
Monday, March 9, 2026, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Salon ABC
03/9/2026 12:15 PM
03/9/2026 1:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Workshop - Cognitive Neuroscience and Society: Resistance and Resilience During Science Funding Crises
Salon ABCRecent U.S. policy changes threaten the scientific community. This workshop features opportunities to address this crisis and build resilience. We share insights from national advocacy initiatives led by early-career CNS researchers—the Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project and Scientist Network for Advancing Policy—complemented by professional development for trainees. This Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 9th, 2026.
Recent U.S. policy changes threaten the scientific community. This workshop features opportunities to address this crisis and build resilience. We share insights from national advocacy initiatives led by early-career CNS researchers—the Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project and Scientist Network for Advancing Policy—complemented by professional development for trainees
Workshop - Capturing Real-World Brains in XR: Seamless Brain-Behavior Experiments with DSI and LABO
Monday, March 9, 2026, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Salon D
03/9/2026 12:15 PM
03/9/2026 1:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Workshop -Capturing Real-World Brains in XR: Seamless Brain-Behavior Experiments with DSI and LABO
Salon DExtended reality (XR) and mobile biosensors (EEG, fNIRS, etc.) enable powerful, real-world measurement of brain and behaviour; however, inconsistent formats waste valuable time. In collaboration with Brain Vision, this workshop presents an open data standard and toolkit for unified data collection and streaming, enabling scalable and multimodal datasets to train AI that predicts human behaviour. This Workshop will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 9th, 2026.
Extended reality (XR) and mobile biosensors (EEG, fNIRS, etc.) enable powerful, real-world measurement of brain and behaviour; however, inconsistent formats waste valuable time. In collaboration with Brain Vision, this workshop presents an open data standard and toolkit for unified data collection and streaming, enabling scalable and multimodal datasets to train AI that predicts human behaviour.
10th Annual CNSTA Trainee Professional Career Panel: Survival to Sustainability: Building a Career That Lasts
Monday, March 9, 2026, 5:45 - 7:15 pm, Salon EF
03/9/2026 5:45 PM
03/9/2026 7:15 PM
America/Los_Angeles
10th Annual CNSTA Trainee Professional Career Panel: Survival to Sustainability: Building a Career That Lasts
Salon EFThe discussion will cover strategies for sustaining a long-term research career, including work–life balance, funding and mentorship, ethics and open science, adapting to evolving research environments, and building resilience through challenges and change.This Panel will be held in person in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 9th, 2026.
CNSTA Panel Moderators: Taryn Green and Frederik Bergmann
Panelists: Morgan Barense, Ajay Satpute, Caterina Gratton, and Regina Lapate
The discussion will cover strategies for sustaining a long-term research career, including work–life balance, funding and mentorship, ethics and open science, adapting to evolving research environments, and building resilience through challenges and change.
CNS Student Trainee Social Night
Monday, March 9, 2026, 7:30 - 10:00 pm, Greta Bar
03/9/2026 7:30 PM
03/9/2026 10:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
CNS Student Trainee Social Night
Greta Bar, 50 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8, CanadaJoin us immediately after the panel for a trainee social at Greta Bar - offering a vibrant mix of vintage arcade games, air hockey, and skee-ball paired with an expansive craft beer list and a globally-inspired "street food" menu.
When: Monday, March 9, 7:30-10:00 PM
Where: 50 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8, Canada
Join us immediately after the panel for a trainee social at Greta Bar - offering a vibrant mix of vintage arcade games, air hockey, and skee-ball paired with an expansive craft beer list and a globally-inspired "street food" menu.
March 7 – 10, 2026