MCCS 2026

Welcome

Our mission is to promote inclusive dialogue and exchange of data and ideas about the molecular and cellular bases of cognition. Our meetings are characterized by diverse, inter-disciplinary neuroscience, and a focus on scientific presentations by trainees.

MCCS 2026

Join us in Washington DC for MCCS 2026!

MCCS will be held in person in DC on November 12 - 13, 2026. At the conference you can share your work with the broader MCCS community, apply to give an invited talk, network with other neuroscientists, and so much more. 

Symposium:

The MCCS Symposium will be held from 9.00 AM - 6.30 PM on Friday November 13th, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001)

Soirée: November 12, 2026. 6-9pm at Throw Social (1401 Okie St. NE Ste. 102, Washington, DC)

At this year's MCCS pre-meeting soirée, we're holding a Star Tank (a play on Shark Tank) competition for trainees. The goal of the competition is for trainees to present their work and a panel of judges will vote on the best presentation. There will be prizes! Judges will be Serena Dudek, Karyn Frick, Johannes Gräff, and Tahilia Rebello.

In addition to the Star Tank, we'll be featuring stories from Bianca Jones Marlin, Steve Ramirez, and Sydney Trask in our "Failing Forward" session.

We’ll also be joined by Two Photon Art and Brainbow.Art, who will be showcasing their incredible science-inspired art and jewelry, including pieces that will be featured as prizes! And while you’re there, we highly recommend taking advantage of the axe throwing at THRōW Social as a fun way to connect and unwind with fellow attendees ($20-$29 per person: link to book). Axe Pros will be onsite to provide the skills and techniques you need to safely enjoy the experience.

Come enjoy Star Tank, “Failing Forward” talks, science art, and axe throwing (optional) as we kick off MCCS 2026 ahead of the symposium the following day!

Career Networking Lunch: During lunch time on Friday, November 13. Time TBD
The Career Networking Lunch will feature Nesha Burghardt (Hunter College, CUNY), André Fenton (NYU), Bailey Sarka (Stellate Communications), and Kelvin Xu (Meta).

Registration Fees:

Conference registration includes abstract submission, the Pre-Meeting Soirée, and the conference day. If you plan to attend the Career Lunch on the conference day, there is an additional $30 fee. If you plan to only attend the Pre-Meeting Soirée, the early bird fee is $30 and $40 after Oct 12. Early bird pricing ends on October 12.

Faculty: $250.00 ($300.00 after Oct 12)

Postdoctoral researchers: $150.00 ($200.00 after Oct 12)

Graduate students: $120.00 ($180.00 after Oct 12)

Research assistants/technicians: $120.00 ($180.00 after Oct 12)

Undergraduate students: Free