SSM Annual Meeting 2026

The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Society for the Science of Motivation will be held in Barcelona, Spain on May 28, 2026, at the Hotel Vincci Marítimo, in advance of the Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science (APS). It will be a great opportunity to hear inspiring keynotes, connect with fellow motivation scientists, and spark new ideas for future projects.

The conference will feature two hot topics: conscious and unconscious processes, and the significance of theory building and development.

Keynote speakers:
Prof. David Melnikoff (Stanford University)
Prof. Susann Fiedler (Vienna University of Economics and Business)

Call for Submissions
We welcome theory-based and data-driven submissions in the forms of single talks and posters on these themes — and on other innovative and thought-provoking topics as well. When submitting, please indicate if your contribution fits with one of our hot topics. Overall, we are planning two parallel tracks to provide plenty of opportunities for discussing motivation research from diverse fields. 
  
Please submit your contribution until January 15th here:

Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by early February 2026.
  
Opportunities for Early Career Researchers

Travel Grants
To facilitate participation for students, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral fellows as first author contributors we are awarding travel grants of $(US) 500 each. We especially encourage applications from individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend. To apply, please use the submission portal and upload your CV as well as a statement including a brief description of your financial need and how receiving this travel award would make it possible for you to attend SSM’s meeting.

Young Scientist Poster Award
Please indicate within the submission portal whether you would like to apply for the Young Scientist Poster Award. Click here for more information.

Early Career Award
As every year the society also calls for nominations and self-nominations for the Early Career Award for outstanding empirical and/or theoretical contributions by early career researchers. Click here for more information.

Scientific Program
Details to be announced.

Social Program
Please mark the evening of May 27th in your calendar. Details to be announced.
We also plan to organize a joined excursion for those interested.

Registration
Registration is open and closes on the day of the meeting. Early bird rate closes on March 1, 2026.

Member: $80 (early bird) / $120 (regular)
Non-Member: $160 (early bird) / $200 (regular)
Student Member: $40 (early bird) / $60 (regular)
Student Non-Member: $80 (early bird) / $100 (regular)

(Members must log in via the upper right corner to receive the reduced registration rate)

Venue
Hotel Vincci Marítimo
Carrer de Llull, 340, Sant Martí
08019 Barcelona, Spain
https://www.vinccimaritimo.com/en/

Best regards,
Cathleen Kappes (University of Hildesheim) and Ariane Marion-Jetten (University of Hamburg)
Co-chairs, SSM 2026 annual meeting