Uniting cognition and memory researchers in the Pacific Northwest

Khushi Sharma, UBC Psychology undergraduate student researcher

UBC Psychology undergraduate students Sanjana Subramaniam and Khushi Sharma presenting at NOWCAM 2026

NOWCAM: Where research meets revelry

From May 12–14, 2026, researchers, trainees, and faculty from across the Pacific Northwest gathered at the Northwestern Cognition and Memory (NOWCAM) conference on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

With a focus on conversation, discovery, and community, NOWCAM brings together cognitive scientists and student researchers to share their latest research on memory and cognition. It offers emerging researchers a supportive, inclusive space to present their work and attendees a chance to build lasting connections that extend beyond the event.

In 2026, the conference reached a milestone: selling out with 170 attendees. Despite its growth, NOWCAM 2026 kept its intimate feel.

Conference organizer Dr. Daniela Palombo, a cognitive scientist and associate professor in the department of psychology, shares what makes NOWCAM special, why regional gatherings matter for the field, and her favourite moments from the event.

“I loved seeing some of our students give their very first conference talk. It is not easy to stand up in front of a full room, but they did it.”

Daniela Palombo

Associate Professor, UBC Psychology

What makes NOWCAM an exciting event for researchers in cognition and memory?

NOWCAM is a small conference — though we sold out this year, possibly for the first time ever at 170! It provides a more intimate opportunity for researchers on the West Coast to come together and share the latest discoveries from their labs in a friendly and inclusive environment.

View the 2026 NOWCAM program

Why is it valuable to bring together researchers from across the Pacific Northwest for a meeting like this?

It allows our trainees to network and build their professionals development and presentation skills while keeping the event small and intimate (so it is not so intimidating). Repeated interactions (which happen more easily when an event is smaller) can turn into collaborations, grad opportunities, or even friendships.

What was your favourite moment?

I loved seeing some of our students give their very first conference talk. I got a behind-the-scenes look at some of the earlier versions of some of the talks and it was a highlight to see it all come together into a polished and professional format. I think some students were pleasantly surprised with how well they rose to the occasion. It is not easy to stand up in front of a full room, but they did it. I also loved seeing the energy in the room, even as the conference was winding down. Our final keynote – Dr. Sharda Umanath – delivered her talk at the end of the final day. The room was full and there was plenty of discussion. It was exhilarating.

Best Presentation

Omran Safi receiving the D. Stephen Lindsay Award

Congratulations to Omran Safi, a PhD student in the department’s cognitive area, who received the D. Stephen Lindsay Award for Best Presentation.

Quotes from NOWCAM attendees

“Attending NOWCAM has been incredibly meaningful to me. It was my first major conference last year, so it felt really special to return this year not only to present again, but to share both a talk and a poster while seeing many familiar and supportive faces. NOWCAM has become one of my favourite conferences because it creates such a welcoming environment for genuine learning, collaboration, and growth. I’ve always come away with thoughtful feedback, new ideas, and inspiring conversations with researchers from across the field at all stages of their careers, from students to faculty. I feel very grateful and fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of this community again this year.”

Khushi Sharma

Undergraduate Student, UBC Psychology

Additional attendee quotes:

“NOWCAM was a welcoming place with many curious minds. I’m delighted that it was my first conference and now I look forward to attending many more in the future.”

“It’s always inspiring to see cognitive researchers from across the Pacific Northwest (and beyond) come together to share their latest findings, as well as their passion for the work they do. Great conversations, great colleagues, and great memories.”

“This was the best conference I’ve attended, from scheduling, to pricing, to the length of talks. It was insightful and a fantastic format for interacting with new and familiar research.”