Member survey results: what do cognitive scientists want in 2026?

In February, we sent a survey to Intelligenzia's members asking about the future direction of the association. We wanted to know what kind of activities people want and which events they'd attend. Here are the results.

Low threshold, good company

One message came through loud and clear: people want to meet each other in relaxed settings. Nearly every respondent mentioned low-key events where you can catch up with old classmates and meet new people.

One respondent put it well: events every couple of months, where you can stay and chat over a beer afterward. But not just drinking.

Another respondent described Intelligenzia's role as a meeting place "for us weirdos," noting that having something fun to do together helps when small talk isn't your strongest skill.

Most popular event types

Respondents chose from a list of event types and suggested their own ideas. The favorites:

1. Afterwork with fellow cognitive scientists – the clear winner
2. Sauna and swimming – a summer highlight
3. Theory club or cognitive science seminar – academic interests remain strong
4. Board game night – easy to organize, low barrier to entry
5. Trip to Heureka Science Centre – nostalgia meets science
6. Museum or theatre visits – cultural outings were popular across the board
7. Courses and workshops – guided activities like an improv theatre workshop
8. Casual park sitsit – a summer event blending tradition with relaxation
9. Visit to the Botanical Garden – a surprisingly popular suggestion
10. Movie night – going to the cinema together

Among the write-in suggestions, classic pussikaljakiertue (drink in a park) got support from several respondents.

Members want to contribute

We asked whether respondents would help organize activities. Three said yes right away. Five said maybe, depending on the situation.

Members offered concrete ideas:

• A karate workshop exploring body awareness and brain-relevant observations
• A low-threshold improv theatre workshop
• Talks about their own research or work
• Written profiles for the Intelligenzia website

Where are cognitive scientists now?

Respondents work across many fields: machine learning and data science, UX design, marketing, psychology, academic research, and teaching. One is writing a doctoral thesis on collaboration, emotions, and irritation. Another teaches karate and studies body awareness from a cognitive perspective. A senior lecturer from Aalto's Department of Design also responded.

The paths of cognitive scientists branch wider each year. That's exactly why the community matters.

What's next?

Based on the survey, we're focusing on three things in 2026:

Regular afterwork meetups. Casual gatherings every couple of months at a bar, board game events.

Events with programming. The theory club returns, and we'll organize at least one visit to a museum, Heureka, or a similar venue.

Summer events. Pussikalja but with fewer meetups.

Thank you to everyone who responded. Special thanks for the encouraging messages to the board. Several respondents thanked us for carrying the torch, and that means a lot.

If you want to help organize activities or have ideas, reach out to the board. You can also join the mailing list to stay updated on upcoming events.