events

We believe that what creates and advances science is the mutual exchange of ideas and a free space for discussion. That’s why we organize events that bring together researchers from diverse disciplines working in cognitive science as well as curious individuals from all backgrounds who want to learn more about the field. Take a look at our event series, each designed to meet different needs and expectations!

Artificial Language Models: A Brief Introduction – Çiğdem Taş | Courses #31

In our three-session Artificial Language Models course, guided by Çiğdem Taş, we took an in-depth look at the technologies shaping our present and future. Throughout the course, we explored the impressive journey from the initial dreams of chatting with machines to the rise of neural networks and today's large language models (LLMs). In this program, we discussed how language models are not merely technical tools; they are also a reflection of humanity's search for meaning, intelligence, and connection. Our participants had the opportunity to see, from an interdisciplinary perspective, how these technologies are transforming our ways of reading, writing, and thinking, and how, at the center of this transformation, lies the understanding of human language processes. We extend our sincere thanks to our instructor, Çiğdem Taş, for this eye-opening and content-rich course, and to all our participants who enriched the discussions with their valuable questions and contributions!

7, 14, 21 October 2025, Tuesdays – 19:30 – 22:30 – Zoom

How Does the Animal Mind Work? – Elif Karakoç | Courses #30

In the 'Animal Mind' course we held, led by Elif Karakoç, we approached the subject from a comprehensive and current perspective. Throughout the four-week program, we examined the historical development of animal cognition, current research methods, different cognitive abilities, and human-animal comparisons. We went beyond just learning the basic concepts to evaluate, from a holistic perspective, why non-human animal cognition is important and how it can be scientifically studied. We discussed the animal mind not only as a behavioral repertoire but also as a critical comparative field for understanding human cognition. We thank our instructor, Elif Karakoç, for this valuable program and all our participants for their insightful contributions!

24 September, 1, 8, 15 October 2025, Wednesdays – 19:30 – 22:30 – Zoom

Relative Age Difference and ADHD: Does School Starting Age Change Everything? – Damla Beşiktaş | Academy Cognition #36

In this Ankara session of our Akademi Kognisyon series, we listened to a presentation by Damla Beşiktaş, a student from the Karabük University Department of Nursing. In this event, Damla explored in-depth the multidimensional effects of children's school entry age on both their academic success and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis. Damla, who is also involved in a TÜBİTAK-supported project, used scientific research to highlight how relative age differences can lead to misdiagnoses, particularly of ADHD, providing striking examples from Turkey and other countries. In her presentation, she also touched upon the role of factors like gender differences, socioeconomic factors, and biological foundations to offer a more holistic perspective on the topic. We thank Damla Beşiktaş for this valuable and informative presentation, which focused on the critical intersection of child health and education, and all our participants who contributed to the discussion!

12 October 2025, Sunday - 17.00 - Walker's Coffee Tunalı, Ankara

Is Cognitive Science Possible Without the Mind? – Yunus Şahin | Academy Cognition #35

At the 35th Academy Cognition event, we listened to the presentation titled "Is Cognitive Science Possible Without the Mind?" by Yunus Şahin, the co-founder and coordinator of CogIST. In this presentation, Yunus reopened the concept of "mind," which is central to cognitive science, for discussion with a critical perspective. Drawing from his master's thesis, he argued that the question of "what mind is" and mental concepts should be removed from the foundation of cognitive science. He emphasized that most research traditions first seek an answer to "what is mind" and then shape their theoretical and methodological practices based on that answer. Yunus stated that by reversing this process and turning to the question "what is science," it could allow us to address the phenomena to which we attribute mentality in different ways and to approach discussions on the metaphysics of cognitive science from a neutral, agnostic ontological perspective. We thank Yunus Şahin and all our participants for this mind-opening and discussion-filled session!

28 September 2025, Sunday – 17:00 – Zoom

Understanding Neurodiversity: A Holistic Approach – Eda Denker | Courses #29

In a four-session course, we explored the concept of neurodiversity through the multidimensional framework of cognitive science. Across four sessions, we examined the scientific foundations of neurological diversity, the processes of language and cognitive development, as well as educational, technological, and ethical perspectives. The discussions encouraged participants to move beyond conventional distinctions between “typical” and “atypical” development and to consider inclusive and empowering ways of engaging with neurodiverse individuals. The course highlighted neurodiversity as an essential expression of human cognition, culture, and evolution. We thank all participants for their interests and contributions and Eda Denker for her precious guidance!

3, 10, 17, 24 September 2025, Wednesdays – 19:30 – 22:30 – Zoom

Music, Language, and the Brain – Sercan Şeker (PhD) | Courses #28

Under the guidance by Sercan Şeker, we examined the complex relationships between language and music from a neuroscientific perspective in this course. Throughout the program, we discussed how these two uniquely human systems intertwine not only with communication and aesthetics but also with cognition, emotion, sociality, and development. Drawing on disorders such as aphasia and amusia, we explored music-based therapies and examined methods that support linguistic and cognitive development in children. We also evaluated the evolutionary origins of language and music, AI-assisted neuro-music interfaces, and current research approaches. We extend our thanks to Sercan Şeker for his valuable guidance and to all participants who took part in the course!

19, 26 August, 2, 9 September 2025, Tuesdays – 19:30 – 22:30 – Zoom

Cave Art and the Brain: Interpretative Techniques and Neuropsychological Model – Göktuğ Halis | Courses #27

In this course led by Göktuğ Halis, we learned Upper Paleolithic cave art within its historical, cultural, and scientific contexts. We examined cave and rock paintings spanning from Europe to Africa and from Central Asia to North America, engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives from art history, archaeology, the history of religions, and neuroscience. We evaluated the continuity of cave art across different regions and discussed theories and critiques concerning its holistic interpretation. In particular, we studied J. D. Lewis-Williams’ “Neuropsychological Model” in detail, becoming acquainted with one of the most current and comprehensive approaches to understanding cave art. Many thanks to Göktuğ Halis for his helpful contributions, guidance and to everyone who joining this course!

14, 21, 28 August, 4 September 2025, Thursdays – 19:30 – 22:30 – Zoom

Türker Kılıç, Bağlantısallık, Yaşamdaşlık – Moderator: Yunus Şahin | Book Cognition #5

In the fifth session of Book Cognition, we read and discussed Prof. Dr. Türker Kılıç’s book Bağlantısallık, Yaşamdaşlık over the course of three weeks, on July 23 and 30 and August 6, Wednesday evenings from 20:00 to 22:00. In each session, the book’s theoretical framework was examined in relation to contemporary cognitive perspectives and the philosophy of science. We sincerely thank all participants who joined us throughout the three-session program!

23, 30 July, 6 August 2025, Wednesdays – 20:00 – 22:00 – Zoom

Visual Language Theory: Cognition and Drawing – Irmak Hacımusaoğlu | Courses #26

With Irmak Hacımusaoğlu’s guidance, we approached visual language from a different perspective, discussing how communication can be constructed through drawings beyond spoken and sign languages. We explored questions ranging from the linguistic status of sequential images to how modern visual narratives such as cartoons and comics generate meaning. We considered the universality of visual communication, whether everyone interprets visuals in the same way, and whether a “grammar” of visual language might be possible. In doing so, we gained a holistic perspective that brings together the cognitive, neuropsychological, and cultural dimensions of visual language.

14, 21, 28 July 2025, Mondays – 19:30 – 22:30 – Zoom