Special Events

PS Town Hall: Current threats to psychological science - what's going on and what you can do about it?

Friday, November 21, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM US MT (Time subject to change)

Organizer: Lisa Fazio, Vanderbilt University, USA

From grant terminations to funding cuts and politicized attacks, higher education and science are facing multiple challenges. This panel discussion will give attendees a greater understanding of current threats to science, scientific funding, and the pressures facing universities in the United States. We will discuss specific ways to productively engage with university leadership, policymakers and the general public. In addition, we hope to hear from the audience about current actions and how the society can best support its members. While the session will focus primarily on the US context, many governments around the world are becoming more hostile towards scientists and scientific research. Thus, we hope the session will offer ideas on how to cope, preserve our science, and better advocate for all Psychonomes. 

Speakers: Juliane Baron, Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences (FABBS); Betty Tuller, U.S. National Science Foundation, USA; Sarah Heilbronner, Science Homecoming and Baylor College of Medicine, USA, TBD, Staffer from Colorado Governor's Office.

Moderator: Lisa Fazio, Governing Board, Psychonomic Society and Vanderbilt University 

Note: Speakers and topics may change to best represent current issues in November 2025. 

Lunchtime Workshops

Science Outreach and Advocacy (Organizer: Jared Medina, Emory University, USA)
Friday, November 21 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM US MT

 Currently, there is a strong interest in helping the public understand the value of what we do as cognitive psychologists. However, many scientists have little experience with science advocacy, with limited knowledge regarding how to advocate and develop messages that resonate with the public and elected officials. Our workshop will provide an introduction to science advocacy, with four speakers who have significant experience in this domain.

Speakers: Jeffrey Zacks, Washington University in St. Louis, USA and President, Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences (FABBS); Ozge G. Fischer Baum, Rice University, USA; Pooja K. Agarwal, Berklee College of Music, USA, and Paula Croxson, President, Stellate Communications, USA.

Encouraging Future Scientists: Supporting Undergraduates at Psychonomics (UP) (Organizers: Abhilasha Kumar, Bowdoin College, USA; Jessica Karanian, Fairfield University, USA; Nayantara Kurpad, St. Mary's College of Maryland; and Jackson Colvett, Berry College, USA )
Friday, November 21 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM US MT

Current undergraduate and graduate students are the future of the Psychonomic Society. The goal of this lunchtime workshop is to welcome talented young scientists to Psychonomics, introduce a variety of career stories and career advice from cognitive psychologists, and encourage them to network with one another and more senior scientists. The focus of this year’s workshop is on beginning and succeeding in graduate school and beyond, with perspectives from current and recent graduate students.

Unconfirmed speakers: Channing Hambric, Bowdoin College, USA; Jessica Udry, East Texas A&M University, USA; Zohara Assadipour, Iowa State University, USA, Ebony Pearson, Vanderbilt University, USA; Van Liceralde, Vanderbilt University, USA; Sagarika Devarayapuram Ramakrishnan, Brandeis University, USA; and McKinzey Torrance,  Brandeis University, USA.

Information session: Funding at the U.S. National Science Foundation (Organizer: Betty Tuller, U.S. National Science Foundation)
Saturday, November 22 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM US MT

The U.S. scientific enterprise is experiencing challenges and instability, including in how science is funded. This panel will bring together a group of current and/or former NSF program directors to facilitate a discussion on the current state of scientific funding as it relates to the kind of research being presented at the Psychonomics conference.

Unconfirmed speakers: Amy H. Criss, Syracuse University, USA, Simon Fischer-Baum, Rice University, USA; Anna V. Fisher, Carnegie Mellon University, USA, Rachel M. Theodore, University of Connecticut, USA; Jorges R. Valdes Kroff, University of Florida, USA; and Trisha Van Zandt, Ohio State University, USA.

Keeping Your Options Open: Alternative Non-Academic Career Paths (Sponsored by the PS Graduate Student Postdoc Committee)
Saturday, November 22 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM US MT

 For many researchers, navigating career paths can be arduous, with both academia and industry offering unique opportunities and challenges. However, the majority of advisors and students are more familiar with academic options, while opportunities outside academia often remain unclear for both mentors and mentees. To explore some of the diverse career options available, especially for graduate students and early-career researchers, this Lunchtime Workshop will feature a panel of experts with a PhD in cognitive psychology or a related field, who transitioned to an industry role as well as those who have transitioned back to academia.

Diversity & Inclusion Reception

Friday, November 21, 5:45 PM - 7 PM MT (Time subject to change)
Sponsored by the Psychonomic Society's Diversity & Inclusion Committee. 

Please join us for a reception to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field. We hope to foster an environment of inclusivity, where all individuals feel welcome, valued, and heard. We encourage you to engage with one another, share your experiences, and celebrate the unique perspectives that each of you bring to the conversation.

Student Social
Friday, November 21, 9:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight MT
Location:  TBD
Supported by the Psychonomic Society

Kick back and relax as you meet other student members at the Annual Meeting. Light hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket good for beer, wine, soft drinks, or water will be handed out per person (limited availability). You must be over 21 to attend. Bring an appropriate ID and your PS Annual Meeting name badge.

Jogonomics
Saturday, November 22, 6 AM MT (Time subject to change based on weather)
Organizers: Andrew Butler, Washington University in St. Louis

Join your fellow Psychonomes on a 5k or 5-mile run. Meet up at the lobby of the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. You choose a distance and a pace that works best for you. Sign up for Jogonomics when you register for the meeting. The required waiver can be found here.

Awards & Business Meeting
Saturday, November 22, 5:10 - 6:30 PM MT (Time subject to change)