Community Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The open exchange of ideas, the freedom of thought and expression, and respectful scientific debate are central to the goals of CCN; this requires a community and an environment that recognizes and respects the inherent worth of every person. As a community, we welcome scientists from all around the world. We acknowledge that each of us may hold diverse intersecting identities, including but not limited to training, expertise, gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, geographic location, sexual orientation, age, religion, neurodiversity and disability status. We are aware that our identities influence how we engage in scientific exchange. We hold the obligation to build an environment that fosters respectful scientific exchange for all. We are committed to taking actions that facilitate the participation and belonging of all individuals in scientific exchange, at all levels of the conference. We firmly believe that this commitment will both strengthen our community and improve our science. And we pledge to create a responsive culture and to address harms and inequalities if they occur. If you have concerns related to your participation at CCN, or observe someone else’s difficulties, or have any other concerns related to inclusion, please contact the organizers.
Current Initiatives
The CCN DEI Committee, established in 2024, works year-round to develop and sustain initiatives that strengthen our community. In 2026, our focus is on building a structured DEI program that complements the scientific program by creating opportunities for researchers at all career stages to connect, learn from one another, and foster a welcoming, inclusive conference environment. Ongoing efforts include:
Continuing Community Initiatives
Several initiatives have become valued traditions at CCN and continue to support a more accessible, inclusive, and connected conference experience.
Travel Awards
First introduced in 2025, the Community Travel Awards provide $500 to researchers facing personal, financial, regional, or societal barriers to attending CCN. These awards help broaden participation and support a more globally representative conference community. Travel Awards 2026 are sponsored by Natural & Artificial Minds at Princeton University.
Caregiver Awards
CCN continues to offer $500 Caregiver Awards to help attendees offset caregiving expenses incurred during the conference, such as childcare or babysitting services. By reducing practical barriers to attendance, these awards help make participation more accessible for researchers with caregiving responsibilities. Caregiver Awards 2026 are sponsored by Natural & Artificial Minds at Princeton University.
A longstanding and beloved CCN tradition, the annual Community Networking Lunch provides an informal and welcoming space for attendees to discuss the future of our community, exchange ideas, and reflect on how we can continue building a more inclusive scientific environment.
Public Conference Talks
To extend the reach of the conference and improve accessibility, CCN continues to make conference talks publicly available through our YouTube channel after the meeting.
New for CCN 2026
Mentorship Program
With the generous support of The Transmitter, CCN is launching its inaugural mentorship program, connecting early- and mid-career researchers with experienced mentors to support career development both within and beyond academia. The first cohort includes 30 mentees matched with 15 mentors, with priority given to researchers navigating career transitions. The year-long program begins with a launch lunch at CCN 2026.
Growing Up in Science
The popular Growing Up in Science returns to CCN for the first time in New York, co-organized with Weiji. Two early-career researchers will share their personal journeys through science, reflecting on both the successes and challenges of research careers. By encouraging honest conversations, the event aims to foster connection, resilience, and a stronger sense of community.
Early-Career Faculty Social Lunch
New in 2026, this informal lunch brings together early-career faculty to meet peers, exchange experiences, discuss shared challenges, and build lasting professional networks.
Transparency in Conference Policies
Working closely with the Program Committee, we have further developed the conference talk selection process to promote fairness and transparency. For CCN 2026, we will also publish conference transparency and inclusivity metrics, providing greater insight into our ongoing efforts to build an equitable and representative scientific meeting.