The Cognition & Behavior Evolution Network is pleased to announce its annual conference, set to take place on September 18-19, 2025. This year’s theme, "Looking Back & Looking Forward," reflects on the foundational contributions of past researchers while embracing the future directions of our field.

Scientific progress is built on the discoveries of past generations, and this year, we explore this dynamic in the study of cognition and behavior. We dedicate our program to honoring foundational contributions while highlighting new research shaping the future. Our two-day conference will focus on two interwoven perspectives:

Day 1: Behavior & Primatology – Honoring the past and future of primate behavior research.

• Keynote: Dr. Zanna Clay (Durham University) will give a keynote talk honoring the late Frans de Waal, celebrating his legacy and exploring how his pioneering work continues to shape our understanding of primate social cognition.
• Keynote: Dr. Koen Margodt, a collaborator of Jane Goodall, will share insights from his research on animal ethics.

Day 2: Cognition & Evolutionary Psychology – Solid foundations and future orientations in cognitive science.

• Keynote: Prof. Leda Cosmides (UC Santa Barbara), one of the core founders of evolutionary psychology, will discuss the origins and impact of evolutionary cognitive science.
• Keynote: TBA

In addition to our keynote speakers, the conference will feature PhD student and early-career researcher talks, ensuring a vibrant discussion about the next generation’s contributions. The planned program at a glance:

Thursday September 18 2025

Morning Session - Venue:  Promotiezaal Grauwzusters

• 09:00 – 09:30 – Welcome, coffee and registration (at the patio)
• 9:30 – 10:30 – Keynote 1
• 10:30 – 11:00 – Coffee Break
• 11:00 – 12u30 –  4-6 junior research presentations
• 12:30 – 14:00 – Lunch break (on your own)

Afternoon Session - Venue:  Promotiezaal Grauwzusters

• 14:00 – 15:30 – 4-6 junior research presentations
• 15:30 – 16:00 – Coffee Break
• 16:00 – 17:00 – Keynote 2
• 17:00 – 18:00 – Interactive poster session with reception (at the patio)

Optional: Conference dinner

Friday September 19 2025

Morning Session - Venue:  Promotiezaal Grauwzusters

• 09:00 – 09:30 –Coffee
• 9:30 – 10:30 – Keynote 3
• 10:30 – 11:00 – Coffee Break
• 11:00 – 12u30 – 4-6 junior research presentations
• 12:30 – 14:00 – Lunch break (on your own)

Afternoon Session - Venue:  Promotiezaal Grauwzusters

• 14:00 – 15:30 – 4-6 junior research presentations
• 15:30 – 16:00 – Coffee Break
• 16:00 – 17:00 – Keynote 4
• 17:00 – 18:00 – final words & goodbyes

Keynote  Speakers

Prof. Dr. Zanna Clay - https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/zanna-e-clay/

Dr. Koen Margodt - https://www.koenmargodt.com/

Prof. Dr. Leda Cosmides - https://psych.ucsb.edu/people/faculty/leda-cosmides

We invite submissions from PhD students and early-career researchers working in behavioral sciences, cognition, primatology, evolutionary psychology, and related fields. We welcome abstracts that fit within our broad theme: historical perspectives, contemporary advances, and future directions in cognition and behavior.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Primate social behavior and cognition
• Evolutionary perspectives on decision-making
• Comparative cognition
• Human and non-human communication
• Cognitive biases and adaptive heuristics

Submission guidelines:

• Abstracts should be max. 250 words.
• Please indicate whether you prefer an oral or poster presentation.
• Submission deadline: May 1^st 2025
• Submit via the online subscription form​

When you submit an abstract, please also let us know if you would be interested in the following activities, se we can plan this ahead:

1/ Conference Dinner: on Thursday September 18, 19-23u, extra cost of +/- €75, to be paid at registration

2/ Visit to Zoo Planckendael, to visit the bonobo experts of the Antwerp ZOO Centre for Research and Conservation, extra cost of +/- €50 (€35 entry ticket and extra costs for public transport) to be paid on the day of the event (we aim for Wednesday September 17^th, not confirmed yet)

 https://www.antwerpzoofoundation.com/en/projects/lomako-bonobo-project-congo

Registration is required and can be done using the online registration form. 

Via this weblink you can also register to join us for dinner on Thursday night at an additional cost of €75 (including drinks). Please register before August 15th 2025.

Venue

The venue for this meeting in University of Antwerp, City Campus (map: https://www.uantwerp.be/en/campus-life/on-your-way-to-campus/)

Building S, Grauwzusters - Lange Sint-Annastraat 7, 2000 Antwerp

Accommodations

The venue is located in the city centre of Antwerp. Many hotels are close by, ranging from budget to high end.

Organization & Questions

CBEN2025 is organized by Charlotte De Backer and Carolyn Declerck. If you have any questions, contact Charlotte De Backer:  charlotte.debacker@uantwerpen.be