Communication Science Futures 2026
About this Event
Communication Science Futures brings together leading scholars in Communication and adjacent fields to address pressing issues and emerging trends shaping the future of interdisciplinary social-scientific research into human communication and social behavior. After a successful inaugural meeting in 2024, Futures returns for its second iteration in 2026.
Rather than a traditional program of back-to-back talks, the conference pairs stage presentations and poster sessions with extended working-group discussions designed to foster scholarly debate and cross-cutting collaborations among participants. The 2026 meeting features a keynote from James Pennebaker and panels organized around the future of communication research, theory, and methods.
Communication Science Futures will take place September 18–20, 2026 on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Hotel block: East Lansing Marriott at University Place — 300 M.A.C. Ave, East Lansing, MI. +1 517-337-4440
Friday, September 18th
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Keynote: James Pennebaker
🕑: 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Opening Reception and Dinner
Saturday, September 19th
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome + Introduction
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Futures in Theory [Panel]
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Futures in Theory [Discussion Groups]
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch & Poster Session 1
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Futures in Research [Panel]
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Futures in Research [Working Group Discussions]
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Sunday, September 20th
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome + Introduction
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Futures in Methods [Panel]
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Futures in Methods [Working Group Discussions]
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Flex Time
Info: Time to meet with collaborators, continue discussions from working groups, tour MSU lab spaces, etc.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 125.00 to USD 250.00
