Conference

 

About the Conference

The Society for Cognitive Studies of the Moving Image (SCSMI) is an interdisciplinary organization of scholars interested in cognitive, philosophical, aesthetic, historical, psychological, neuroscientific, and evolutionary approaches to the analysis of film and other moving image media.

The annual conference provides a space for dialogue between moving image theorists, historians, critics, philosophers, and scientifically-oriented researchers. The 2026 edition will be hosted by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) in the Netherlands from June 10 to June 13, 2026.

Conference presentations will support the Society’s mission to foster rigorous, interdisciplinary conversations around how we understand, create, and experience film, television, and other audiovisual forms.

For questions about the conference, contact the organizing team at scsmi.conference.2026@vu.nl. The team includes:

• Dr. Katalin Bálint (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Lead Co-Organizer)
• Dr. Cynthia Cabañas (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Lead Co-Organizer)
• Gaya Yonah (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
• Dr. Tess Lankhuizen (University of Amsterdam)
• Margriet Schager (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
• Sylvia Gielink (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Presenter Information

Presenters should plan to physically attend the conference. However, a limited number of online presentation slots will be made available on a needs basis, and can be requested as part of your presentation proposal.

Presenters unable to attend for financial reasons are encouraged to apply for a Travel Award.

SCSMI will sponsor five travel awards for presenters in the amount of $1000 apiece. Travel award procedures and criteria are listed on the submission portal. If applicants do not receive a travel award, or if the award is not sufficient to cover their expenses, or in the case of a chronic health condition or comparable circumstance, participants may petition to give a remote talk provided they have a justified reason. Such petitions should include a short paragraph explaining the reason for the request.

The registration deadline is 23:59 MST on Saturday, April 4th. Late registrations will be subject to a higher registration fee.

Presenters must be current members of the Society. Nonmembers may submit a proposal but, if accepted, they must join SCSMI by Saturday, March 15, 2026 or acceptance will be withdrawn. For more information about SCSMI, to join, or to learn about membership costs and privileges, visit https://scsmi-online.org.

Regular fees: €200
Student fees: €100
Regular late fees: €300
Student late fees: €150

Registration

Please register via this link.

Venue

The conference will be held at the NU Building on the campus of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam:

Address: De Boelelaan 1111, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands

[📍 Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TCufCkbGNfy4BHj99 ]

The NU Building offers:

• A 120-seat plenary space
• Multiple breakout rooms for panels and parallel sessions
• Full AV and livestreaming support
• On-site café, restaurant, and bar
• Step-free, wheelchair-accessible facilities

The Zuidas district, where VU is located, is Amsterdam’s modern business and academic hub — home to multinational companies, legal offices, and cultural institutions. It’s exceptionally well-connected:

• Amsterdam Zuid Station: 10 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport
• Easy access to the city center by metro, tram, or bus
• Ample restaurants, hotels, and green spaces within walking distance

More about Amsterdam can be found in: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en