Call for Extended Abstracts & Papers | New Data, Methods, and Theory: Life-Course Cognitive Inequality

This workshop will chart a forward-looking agenda for aging and disparities research by integrating rigorous social theory with computational innovation, causal inference, and new measurement strategies. The organizing committee aims to bring together researchers across sociology, epidemiology, psychology, economics, neuroscience, statistics, and data science to drive the next wave of conceptual and methodological breakthroughs in the field.

Submission Guidelines

Organizers welcome submissions of either an extended abstract (1,200-1,500 words, excluding references) or a full draft paper. Submissions should clearly articulate the research aims, innovation and contribution, data sources and methodological approach, and any expected or preliminary findings. Authors should also discuss how their work advances understanding of social inequality and life-course processes in cognitive health. 

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: March 1, 2026
• Notification of acceptance: March 9, 2026
• Conference dates: May 11-12, 2026

Funding & Support

All participants will receive catered meals and workshop materials during the event. Accommodation costs for presenting authors will be covered. Limited funding for economy or economy-equivalent class travel expenses may be available upon request, and priority will be given to early-career presenters.

Organizing Committee

• Emma Zang, Yale University
• Becca Levy, Yale University
• Xi Chen, Yale University
• Deborah Carr, Boston University
• Hui Zheng, University of Toronto

How to Submit

Click on the following link to submit your extended abstract or paper via Google Forms:

For questions, please email Yongxin Shang: yongxin.shang@yale.edu.