On Friday, February 6, 2026, a significant online event, Neuropaz 2026, will convene leading minds to delve into the critical nexus of behavioral science and the complex challenges of peace and conflict resolution. The full-day virtual conference, scheduled from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST (New York time), promises a deep exploration of the obstacles and potential pathways toward fostering a more peaceful world. The event is free to attend, with registration and access available via a provided link. A recording of the full event will also be made available.
The urgency surrounding conflict prevention and peace promotion has intensified, marked by ongoing conflicts, displacement, and the destabilizing influence of global political dynamics. The proliferation of digital technologies has further complicated these landscapes, creating new arenas for societal friction and ideological battles. Behavioral science, with its focus on understanding human attitudes, emotions, social norms, and institutional influences, offers a powerful lens through which to examine the root causes of conflict and to envision pathways toward peace. Neuropaz 2026 directly confronts these realities under its overarching theme, "Hard Truths & Paths Forward," acknowledging the multifaceted roadblocks hindering progress in this vital field.
Addressing Obstacles: Funding Cuts, Digital Divides, and Political Realities
The theme of Neuropaz 2026 is particularly resonant given the contemporary challenges. Research and aid agencies dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution have faced significant funding cuts in recent years. According to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), official development assistance (ODA) dedicated to peace and security has seen fluctuations, with some donor nations re-evaluating their commitments in light of competing domestic and international priorities. This financial strain directly impacts the capacity to implement evidence-based interventions and conduct crucial research.
Furthermore, the digital landscape presents a dual-edged sword. While offering new avenues for communication and connection, technologies also amplify outrage, facilitate the spread of misinformation, and create fertile ground for polarization. The algorithms that drive social media platforms can inadvertently create echo chambers, reinforcing existing biases and making dialogue across divides increasingly difficult. This phenomenon, coupled with political environments where partisan interests may supersede the pursuit of peace, creates a complex web of challenges that Neuropaz 2026 aims to unravel.
The event aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including leading scientists, on-the-ground practitioners, policymakers, and funders. Through open and candid discussions, the conference seeks to identify these systemic obstacles and collectively chart new strategies and solutions. The focus is not only on acknowledging the difficulties but on actively seeking actionable paths forward, grounded in scientific understanding and practical experience.
A Day of Insight and Recognition: The Neuropaz 2026 Program
The full program for Neuropaz 2026 is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of current thinking and practical applications in behavioral science for peace. The day begins with a welcome and introduction at 9:00 AM EST, featuring insights from Andrés Casas and Evan Nesterak, who will outline the event’s objectives and present a brief video tribute to the work of Emile Bruneau, to whom the event is dedicated. Bruneau’s contributions to understanding the psychology of peace and conflict are widely recognized, making this dedication a fitting start to the day’s proceedings.
A significant highlight of the morning will be the presentation of the inaugural Neuropaz Lifetime Achievement Award to Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia (2010-2018) and a key architect of the historic peace agreement in Colombia. This award marks the tenth anniversary of the agreement, a landmark achievement in conflict resolution. President Santos will engage in a conversation with Andrés Casas, reflecting on the decade since the agreement’s signing and discussing his ongoing commitment to peacebuilding through his work with Fundación Compaz. This segment offers a valuable perspective on the long-term implications and sustained efforts required for lasting peace.
Following this, a session titled "Building Peace in Colombia 10 Years After the Historic Peace Agreement" will delve into two lines of applied research that emerged in the wake of the 2016 accord. These case studies will serve as powerful examples of how behavioral science is being effectively deployed to foster peace and mitigate conflict within Colombia and potentially beyond its borders.
Understanding Social Dynamics and Conflict Behavior
The concept of "social gravity," a fundamental force that draws individuals towards shared ideas and behaviors within their social spheres, will be introduced by Betsy Levy Paluck at 10:30 AM EST. Paluck’s research explores how this "social gravity" influences individual and group behavior, particularly in contexts marked by conflict and the pursuit of peace. Understanding these inherent social dynamics is crucial for designing interventions that can either reinforce destructive patterns or redirect them towards constructive outcomes.
At 11:15 AM EST, the focus shifts to "Understanding Behavior During an Active Conflict." This session will address the critical question of the value and methodology of studying human behavior in real-time conflict zones. Presentations will cover individual-level interventions in places like Syria, research on the propagation of hate speech in online digital communities, and the fundamental importance of a behavioral perspective in constructing enduring democratic institutions. The challenges of ethical research and data collection in such volatile environments will likely be a key consideration.
Scholarly Reflections and Future Prevention
The afternoon will feature a panel of scholars reflecting on past and ongoing violence at 12:45 PM EST. This session offers a unique opportunity for academics with personal connections to regions affected by conflict to share their experiences, navigating the complexities of their work, and rethinking their approaches. This introspective panel promises deeply personal and insightful perspectives on the human cost of conflict and the academic pursuit of peace.
A forward-looking session, "Could Behavioral Science Prevent a War?" will commence at 2:15 PM EST. This discussion will bring together researchers, practitioners, and technologists to explore the potential of behavioral science in proactively averting armed conflict. The conversation is expected to cover the discovery and field-testing of new solutions, the crucial role of funding these initiatives, and the leveraging of technology for improved targeting, forecasting, and scaling of peacebuilding efforts. This session addresses the ambitious yet vital goal of preventing conflict before it escalates.
Innovations in Peace Funding and Concluding Thoughts
The critical issue of funding for peace initiatives will be addressed in "Innovations in Peace Funding" from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM EST. This session acknowledges the significant reduction in bilateral aid for peace and foreign assistance, while new capital sources emerge with a demand for quantifiable outcomes. The discussion will explore how to advocate for investment in peace amidst competing funding paradigms, identify innovative models, and bridge the gap between traditional peace funders, emerging investors, and practitioners to ensure that vital work, even when impact is challenging to measure, receives the necessary support.
The event will conclude with a reflective keynote address at 3:50 PM EST by James Robinson, who will share "Reflections on Hard Truths" encountered throughout his career. This segment will offer insights into lessons learned, shifts in perspective, and future directions in his work. Finally, Andrés Casas and Evan Nesterak will provide concluding remarks and outline avenues for attendees to access resources and remain engaged with the speakers’ work.
Neuropaz 2026, by bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, aims to foster a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between human behavior and global peace. The event’s commitment to addressing "hard truths" while actively seeking "paths forward" underscores the urgent need for innovative, evidence-based approaches to conflict resolution in an increasingly complex world. The availability of the recording ensures that the valuable insights shared will have a lasting impact beyond the live event.