2026 International Congress for Neuroethology
July 26-31, 2026
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Welcome to ICN 2026
On behalf of the International Society for Neuroethology (ISN), I am thrilled to invite you to attend the biennial International Congress of Neuroethology (ICN) at the stunning University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver. At this meeting, you’ll not only hear the latest scientific discoveries in neuroethology but also have the opportunity to connect with colleagues who may become life-long collaborators and friends.
The University of British Columbia offers beautiful spaces for lectures, workshops, poster sessions and socializing at the ICN. It also provides comfortable and very affordable semi-private two-bedroom housing for students and postdocs. Note that early registration fees, shown in Canadian dollars, are significantly reduced for members of the International Society for Neuroethology (ISN), so if you are not currently an ISN member, you’ll find a link on the ICN 2026 website to join ISN before finalizing your registration. I’d also like to bring to your attention that ICN 2026 registration must be capped at a lower level than the meeting in Berlin, so please register early to ensure your participation in the meeting.
The ICN 2026 scientific program committee, chaired by Marie Dacke and Michael Dickinson, has done a spectacular job and introduces an exciting new format designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and celebrate the diversity of research in our field. 114 presentation slots will feature topics selected from submitted abstracts, and for the first time, new findings will also be showcased in an engaging Science Slam. Abstract submission opens in January!
We are proud to present an outstanding lineup of Keynote Lectures delivered by world-leading experts. Alongside these, 15 invited symposia will cover some of the most compelling topics in neuroethology. In addition, 4 special sessions will explore science-adjacent themes that are shaping academia.
The ICN 2026 local organizing committee, chaired by Doug Altshuler, has thoughtfully booked meeting rooms best suited for the ICN, coordinated satellite symposium scheduling, and also planned a scenic dinner boat cruise and a final banquet at the Museum of Anthropology, all designed to combine science and fun.
Join us at ICN 2026—where science, creativity, and community come together. We look forward to welcoming you!
Cindy Moss
ISN President 2024-2026
Join us for a Special Workshop: Beyond the Bench: Connecting Neuroscience, Ecosystems, and Society
Sunday July 26, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am PT, breakfast available starting 9:00am
Many scientists working at the intersection of neurobiology and changing ecosystems are looking to navigate or explore the broader implications of their work. Doing so benefits from understanding the societal context: how does the public think about science, climate, and environmental change? And how do you connect your research to those conversations in ways that are accurate, credible, and meaningful? The Kavli Foundation is sponsoring this session exploring what is known about trust in science and science communication with a Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems lens. This session will focus on the existing data, peer-reviewed scholarship, and best practices on the publics’ relationship with science, including insights and evidence to help you think about your work in a broader societal context. Register here
