Cognitive Computational Neuroscience

2026

CCN 2026 Transmitter Mentorship Program

CCN 2026 Transmitter Mentorship Program

We are excited to announce a brand new CCN mentorship program sponsored by The Transmitter. This initiative connects early- and mid-career academics with experienced mentors to support career exploration both within and beyond academia. The program is designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive CCN community through structured and flexible mentoring and networking.

How the program works

  • Participation is open to individuals at all career stages
  • You may sign up as a mentor, mentee, or both
  • Selected participants commit to active engagement and preparation
  • Attend an in-person mentorship lunch at CCN 2026 (sponsored by the Transmitter)
  • Mentoring takes place in 4 structured mentor meetings (one on one or two) over 12 months.

Of course, we hope that mentees and mentors will develop their own relationship outside of the program’s structured elements. Our hope is to provide a gentle reminder to continue conversations beyond the in-person conference.

Each mentor will be paired with 1–2 mentees. Space is limited, and selection is based on alignment, clarity of goals, and commitment. We explicitly encourage early-career researchers, particularly those in career transition stages, to apply.

We also warmly encourage faculty members to participate as mentors. In addition to the structured mentor–mentee meetings, we will organize informal mentor meetups at CCN 2026 to foster peer-to-peer exchange, reflection, and community building among faculty participants.

Applications for The Transmitter Mentorship Program closed on June 1.

Host CCN

Host CCN 2028

CCN 2028 will be held in North America, in August or the beginning of September. We invite researchers and institutions based in the region to submit a proposal to host and organize this meeting.

The organizing chairs are central to making CCN happen. They are not simply local hosts — together with the committee chairs, they shape the scientific and organizational identity of the conference.

Submit a Proposal

Proposals will be evaluated on the commitment of the organizing chairs, the suitability and accessibility of the proposed venue, the quality and appeal of the host city, and the financial and logistical feasibility of the proposed dates.

To express your interest in hosting CCN 2028, please complete the form below. If you have questions before submitting, please contact the CCN Steering Committee at [].

Please Submit a Proposal. The deadline to submit a proposal is August 31.

Mind Matching

Mind Matching

Monday, August 3, 10:00 – 11:15 am, Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium

CCN 2026 is once again partnering with Neuromatch to offer Mind Matching, a structured networking event designed to help conference attendees forge new collaborations and connections. Taking place Monday, August 3,10:00 - 11:15 am, in Eisner & Lubin, Kimmel Center, the event gives participants the chance to engage in a series of small group conversations over the course of an hour — a great way to kick off the conference!

To make matches as meaningful as possible, Neuromatch uses a proprietary machine learning and semantic processing approach that analyzes your publications and research interests to identify your most compatible scientific peers. Registration is required to participate, and your personalized matches will be waiting for you when you pick up your badge on site. More details about the matching process can be found on the Neuromatch website. If you would like to participate in this Mind Matching opportunity, please register.

The Registration Form is now live. Registration closes July 15, 2026.

NYU Dorms

NYU Dorms

CCN has negotiated special rates for accommodations at NYU Summer Housing in University Hall located at 110 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 for Sunday, August 2 through Friday, August 7. CCN encourages delegates to book early to secure a room, but be aware of cancellation policies.

Room Rate: $141 a night, these are single rooms (no shares) – the hall type is Manhattan Apartment-style (Single bedrooms in shared suites, apartment style). Note that full payment is required upfront at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policy: There is a $50 cancellation fee per reservation. If you cancel on the day of your reservation or do not check in, you will not receive a refund.

Reservation Deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026

To ensure a smooth arrival and comfortable stay in our residence halls, please review the following details regarding your housing reservation:

  • Linen Pick-Up: To provide the most flexible service, linens are provided upon check-in. Please collect your linen pack at the front desk when you receive your room key.

  • Suite-Style Living: Rooms are arranged in suites, which feature a shared bathroom located within the unit. These facilities are shared only with other attendees staying in your specific suite.

  • Guest Policy: Please note that this is a no-guest facility. For the safety and security of all academic participants, only registered attendees are permitted access to the residential areas.

Check-In: After 9:00 am
Check-Out: Depart NYU by 12:00 pm

Accessibility at University Hall

This hall has an accessible entrance located on 11th St and 3rd Ave. Accommodations in this building include:

  • Air conditioning
  • Suites without carpet
  • Wheelchair and mobility-related modified suites
  • Access to kitchens
  • Suites with visual fire alarms for the hearing impaired

For more information about accessible housing, including information on other types of accommodations available and those that are available in any building, please visit the Moses Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Culture and find other information on Accessible Housing.

Location Accessibility

This hall is located approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from Washington Square Park. The closest NYU Shuttle stop is at 13th St and 3rd Ave, served by the Route C Shuttle. The closest dining location is NYU Eats at Third North, located within the building.

Note: NYU is currently engaged in a comprehensive review to enhance accessibility throughout its residence halls. The information listed above is subject to change and updates as the project progresses.

Residence Hall Security

Safety and security are everyone's responsibility, but it is the NYU Department of Campus Safety's top priority. Each residence hall has a Campus Safety officer assigned to its entrance at all times.

You can contact NYU's Department of Campus Safetyopens in a new tab at (212) 998-2222

Personal Property Protection

Although it is an infrequent occurrence, the University is not responsible for the loss of, damage to, or theft of personal property.

Additional Information

ACCESS. NYU reserves the right, at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion, to enter the room without prior notice to guests to make repairs; to inspect for compliance with health, fire, or building codes or with NYU policies or regulations; or because of any situation that NYU, in its sole discretion, deems to be a danger to health, safety, or property.

PERSONAL PROPERTY. NYU shall not be liable or otherwise responsible in any way for any loss of or damage to personal property, whatever the cause of such loss or damage. Use of the laundry room is at your own risk. Any personal property left behind after you vacate may be disposed of by NYU.

VISITING GUEST POLICY. Conference Group participants are not permitted to have guests in the residence hall.

VACATE PROCEDURES. Guests shall officially check out, and return all keys. If you do not officially check out and/or return keys, and/or vacate the space by the end of the Conference, NYU reserves the right to change the locks for the room and not to allow you to enter the room or the facility in which it is located. You will be responsible for all costs and direct or indirect damages suffered by NYU in connection with your failure to check out and timely vacate, including, without being limited to, the cost of accommodations for each person who would otherwise have occupied the assigned space, as well as use and occupancy charges at the market rate.

CONDITION OF PREMISES. (A) Guests shall maintain the room in a clean, safe, and undamaged condition at all times. Guests will not permit noise or odors to emanate from the guests room in such a way as to unreasonably disturb other residents, including those sharing a room/suite. Guests shall not store food so as to cause the infestation of the assigned space. Guests and any other persons assigned to the room shall be jointly responsible for cleaning and maintaining any kitchens, bathrooms, or other common areas. (B) Guests shall not alter the room or any furnishings therein in any way without RLHS prior written consent. (C) When vacating the assigned space, guests shall remove all personal property and leave the room and any furnishings clean and in the same condition they were in upon check in, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Licensee agrees that NYU may promptly dispose of any personal property left in the room after the end of the License Period. NYU will assess cleaning, repair, and disposal charges equally among all those assigned to the room, unless individual responsibility is established before departure. (D) Charges for damage to any public areas or furnishings in a housing facility may be assessed, in NYU’s sole discretion, against any or all of those assigned to the floor or the entire facility.

Reserve a Dorm Room

Accommodations

Accommodations

For the convenience of our meeting attendees, CCN has arranged special room rates at several hotels located near New York University: NYU Dorms, Washington Square Hotel, The Marlton Hotel. The Standard, East Village, and Hyatt Union Square New York.

Hyatt Union Square New York

Room Rate: $299+tax/per night - Standard Single King Room
Cancellation Policy: each individual reservation holds a 14-day cancellation policy- any cancellations made 14 days or less prior to arrival will be subject to one night room & tax.
Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 CLOSED
Perks & Concessions: 

  • Waived Destination Fee (valued at $30+ per night)
  • Premium Internet Access
  • Daily Coffee station served in the Lobby [7am-11am]
  • Daily bicycle rental [subject to availability]
  • Digital Press Reader access to news, magazines and thousands of publications from around the globe, including the New York Times
  • Discounts to selected Broadway shows [please see Front Desk for full list of plays & access]
  • 10% Discount and preferred entry to Museum of Ice Cream
  • 10% discount on treatments and services at Haven Spa NYC

The Standard, East Village

Room Rate: $359+tax/per night - Standard Queen until sold out, then Standard King.
Cancellation Policy: In the event that any Guest guarantees a reservation and does not arrive at the hotel this will be deemed a “no-show” and charged at 100% of the anticipated room revenue for the reservation to the credit card of the individual on file. Number of Days Prior to Arrival Date:

  • 14 Days prior to arrival, no charge
  • 13 Days or less prior to arrival, 100% Room Charge

Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 CLOSED
Perks & Concessions: 

  • Waived facility fee ($30+ value per room, per day)
  • 2 Complimentary water bottles in room - replenished daily
  • Complimentary Wireless High-Speed Internet Access
  • Complimentary passes to Crunch Fitness Bowery

NYU Dorms

Room Rate: $141 a night, these are single rooms (no shares) – the hall type is Manhattan Apartment-style (Single bedrooms in shared suites, apartment style.). Note that full payment is required upfront at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy: There is a $50 cancellation fee per reservation. No cancellations can be made after July 27, 2026.
Reservation Deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026 CLOSED

To ensure a smooth arrival and comfortable stay in our residence halls, please review the following details regarding your housing reservation:

  • Linen Pick-Up: To provide the most flexible service, linens are provided upon check-in. Please collect your linen pack at the front desk when you receive your room key.

  • Suite-Style Living: Rooms are arranged in suites, which feature a shared bathroom located within the unit. These facilities are shared only with other attendees staying in your specific suite.

  • Guest Policy: Please note that this is a no-guest facility. For the safety and security of all academic participants, only registered attendees are permitted access to the residential areas.

Check-In: After 9:00 am
Check-Out: Depart NYU by 12:00 pm

Washington Square Hotel

Room Rate: $245+tax/per night, Queen and Full-size bedded rooms, based on availability at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy: A Cancellation fee of the full stay, including tax, is charged for individual cancellations within 14 days of arrival.
Reservation Deadline: Sunday, June 1, 2026 CLOSED

Additional Places to Stay:

The Marlton Hotel
The Bowery Hotel
St. Marks Hotel
Moxy NYC East Village
The Mercer Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/SoHo
The Dominick Hotel
Walker Hotel - Greenwhich Village

Partner Prospectus: CCN 2026 New York

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Cognitive Computational Neuroscience conference is excited to announce our 9th annual conference will be held at New York University from August 3-6, 2026.

To fill the growing need for interaction and collaboration among AI, cognitive science, and neuroscience, the CCN conference was started in 2017, and it has seen steady growth over the last few years. We expect more than 650 attendees from around the world. CCN attracts scientists who use AI models to better understand the human mind and brain as well as engineers who use insights from cognitive science and neuroscience to build more human-like AI.

We are currently seeking partners who are committed to enhancing scientific exchange within this community.

We offer several sponsorship packages (below) or would be happy to tailor a package to suit your needs and goals.

Sponsorship Levels

Keynote Lecture: Alona Fyshe

Keynote Lecture: Alona Fyshe

Wednesday, August 5, 8:30 – 9:30 am, Skirball Theater

Play YouTube Recording

Alona Fyshe, University of Alberta
Associate Professor of Computing Science and Psychology

Alona Fyshe is an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in the Computing Science and Psychology Departments at the University of Alberta.  She is a fellow at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) and holds a Canada CIFAR AI Chair.  Alona received her BSc and MSc in Computing Science from the University of Alberta, and a PhD in Machine Learning from Carnegie Mellon University.

Alona uses machine learning to analyze brain images collected while people read text or view images, which allows her to study how the human brain represents meaning.  Alona also studies how computer models learn to represent meaning when trained on text or images.  Alona leverages the connections between computer representations of meaning and those found in the human brain in order to advance our understanding of the brain, and the state of the art in machine learning.

Presentation title: Can a (stochastic) parrot understand you? Contemplating intelligence in the era of LLMs

Keynote Lecture: Doris Tsao

Keynote Lecture: Doris Tsao

Monday, August 3, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Skirball Theater

Play YouTube Recording

Doris Tsao, UC Berkeley
Chief Scientist, Astera Neuro and Professor, UC Berkeley

Doris Tsao is the Chief Scientist for Neuro at Astera and Professor at UC Berkeley in the Neuroscience Department. She is known for elucidating the anatomical anatomy and coding principles of the primate face-processing system and for demonstrating its integration into a broader map of object space. Her recent theoretical work proposes a topological account of how object representations emerge in the visual system. She now aims to build on these advances to develop a deeper understanding of perception and consciousness through large-scale, causal manipulation of neural circuits.

Presentation Title: Representing the visual world: from faces to consciousness

 

Keynote Lecture: Kalanit Grill-Spector

Keynote Lecture: Kalanit Grill-Spector

Thursday, August 6, 9:30 – 10:30 am, Skirball Theater

Play YouTube Recording

Kalanit Grill-Spector, Stanford University

Susan S and William H Hindle Professor, Department of Psychology, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute

Kalanit Grill-Spector is the Susan S and William H Hindle Professor in Psychology and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University. She received her PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and was a postdoctoral fellow in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT before joining Stanford University. At Stanford, she has served as director of the graduate studies in the Department of Psychology from 2017-2021, and the Chair of the Department of Psychology from 2021-2024.

She is renown for foundational discoveries on the functional organization of the human ventral visual stream, the development of the visual system from infancy through adulthood, and the creation of biologically inspired topographic deep neural networks. Her pioneering research established key principles governing the organization of the human ventral visual stream, revealing how the brain represents faces, objects, places, and words and how this neural activity relates to perception. Her developmental research has transformed our understanding of how the human visual system develops by linking changes in cortical function, microstructure, and white matter connectivity from infancy through adulthood, revealing which features of visual cortex are present at birth and which emerge through development and experience. More recent work with her students and in collaboration with Daniel Yamins has developed topographic deep neural networks that accurately predict the organization of the visual cortex, from fine-scale structure such as orientation columns in V1 to the large-scale organization of multiple visual streams, providing a unified computational framework for understanding how cortical maps arise from spatial constraints and self-supervised learning.

Presentation Title: Understanding the functional neuroanatomy of the visual system using topographic deep neural networks and spatiotemporal receptive fields