CAN2026 | Integrate And Fire

Integrate and Fire
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Canadian Association for Neuroscience

CAN 2026 Pre-Conference Satellite Event Montreal, Quebec | May 18th, 2026

About the event

The Integrate and Fire Satellite Symposium is a full-day, trainee-centered event designed to foster genuine interdisciplinary connections among early-career neuroscientists ahead of the CAN 2026 conference.

Participants present their work in thematic sessions organized around shared, big-picture questions in neuroscience, with extended, guided discussions that prioritize dialogue over data. The program also features algorithmic speed networking based on participants’ research abstracts, along with clustered poster sessions—creating multiple, structured opportunities for meaningful connection. Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided throughout the day. Cash prizes available for best talk ($200) and best poster ($100) — sponsored by the Centre for Integrative and Applied Neuroscience

*** Registration now open! ***

SPEAKER ABSTRACT DEADLINE: [Extended] Monday April 20th

Poster/Speed Networking Deadline: Monday May 4th

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome! Whether you're attending CAN or not, whether you're an undergraduate or faculty member, all are welcome to come and
enrich our discussions. But limited tickets are available to non-CAN attendees and non-trainees so be sure to register soon!

What are the seminar topics? How are speakers selected?

Depends on our audience! Once speaker abstract submissions close, we will run Neuromatch's Mind Matching Algorithm to cluster speakers into groups of 3-4 based on overlapping ideas expressed in their abstracts. Our team will then brainstorm seminar topics based on these groups and select the 3 groups we think would generate the most interesting interdisciplinary discussions on a shared big picture question in neuroscience. Check out our past seminars to see some examples!

How are the seminars structured?

We've specifically designed our seminars to maximize engagement and discussion, ensuing broad relevance to neuroscientists of all backgrounds. Speakers give a 10-minute talk on their work, focusing on the themes and perspectives their research brings to their assigned seminar rather than the nitty-gritty details of their data and methodology. Speakers have a chance to win a $200 cash prize based on how well they engage with their seminar theme. After 3-4 talks, all speakers engage in guided discussion with the audience, facilitated by one of our hosts to keep debates and conversations flowing naturally.

How does the speed networking work?

A separate matching algorithm will be run on all attendees that sign up for talks, posters, and speed networking. You will receive a personalized list of matches when you arrive and will get a chance to chat with them during our dedicated speed networking roundtables towards the end of the event.

This is so cool! Can I help run this event? Can we run this at our institution?

Absolutely! If you’re interested in helping us out, either by hosting a seminar session, volunteering at the event, donating, or spreading the word at your institution, contact us at ifss.ipn@mcgill.ca We’re also happy to help you get started in running these kinds of events at your home institution!