The 12th Annual Conference of Cognitive Science (ACCS-12) successfully wrapped up its proceedings on Sunday at the Centre of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (CBCS), University of Allahabad in Prayagraj. The multi-day event brought together leading minds to discuss the latest advancements and research in the field of cognitive science.
Keynote Insights and Language Research
The final day commenced with a keynote address by Prof Samar Hussain from IIT Delhi. His lecture, "Towards a Typology of Language Processing," provided a deep dive into the mechanisms of how we process language. Prof Hussain argued for a more systematic classification within psycholinguistics, offering theoretical frameworks that captivated the audience.
Following this, an oral session dedicated to language and cognition featured presentations on diverse topics. Scholars shared findings on:
- Number-feature processing in the Hindi language.
- Phenomena related to subject drop in sentences.
- The role of morphological priming in visual word recognition.
- How age and cognitive structure affect multilingual thinking.
Exploring Memory, Music, and Industry Applications
A subsequent session shifted focus to motor memory. One standout study demonstrated the innovative use of eye-tracking technology to detect states of mind-wandering and mind-blanking, showcasing cutting-edge methods in cognitive research.
Another engaging session revolved around music, motivation, and cognition. Experts discussed how music modulates emotions, the neural patterns involved in perceiving and imagining music, and how EEG (electroencephalogram) can be used to study consumer attention and sensory appeal.
The conference also facilitated a bridge between academia and industry. Representatives from Tiden Technologies delivered a talk highlighting the importance of collaboration and the real-world applications emerging from cognitive science research.
Poster Showcase and Award Ceremony
A vibrant poster session displayed a wide array of research, covering critical areas like:
- Attention and emotion.
- Decision-making and cognitive flexibility.
- Neuroplasticity and mindfulness.
- Perceptual processes and human-AI interaction.
The conference concluded with a valedictory ceremony where the prestigious Prof Chandrasekhar Pammi Award for best presentations was distributed. The award for the best oral presentation was secured by Nayana Raj and Naman Payasi from IIT Delhi. Meanwhile, the best poster award was claimed by Lipika Taneja from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
The event underscored the dynamic growth of cognitive science in India, fostering dialogue and recognizing excellence in research that spans from theoretical linguistics to practical technological applications.
