2026 Sempre PGR/ECR Conference

Overview

The 2026 SEMPRE PGR/ECR Conference will take place on 16 April 2026 at the Faculty of Music, University of Cambridge. The event is hosted by the Centre for Music and Science (University of Cambridge) in collaboration with the Music, Mind and Brain group (Goldsmiths, University of London).

The conference focuses on music psychology and music education, with particular emphasis on postgraduate and early career researchers (PGRs/ECRs). Over 120 participants will present their research in oral and poster sessions.

In addition to presentations from PGRs and ECRs, Dr Marcus Pearce (Queen Mary University of London) will be delivering a keynote presentation. Marcus is a key figure of the music cognition community, having developed one of the most prominent computational models of musical expectation, and having published widely on the cognitive and brain mechanisms involved in the perception, creation, and appreciation of music.

Key Dates

Please note the following important dates for the 2026 SEMPRE PGR/ECR Conference. Prospective presenters and attendees are encouraged to observe the relevant deadlines for submission, registration and travel award applications.

• Call for papers: 14 October 
• Submission deadline: 5 December
• Acceptance decisions delivered to authors: 9 January 
• Travel Award submission deadline: 19 February 
• Registration opens: 28 February (thc)
• Award-winners are notified: Early March
• Registration closes: 26 March (11pm)
• Conference: 16 April

Registration

Registration is now open for the 2026 SEMPRE PGR/ECR Conference! In addition to those with accepted paper submissions, we welcome non-presenting attendees of all backgrounds.

Accepted authors are kindly asked to complete their registration via this link. The Conference website is also now live. It contains key information about the programme, venue, travel and important dates. Please take a moment to review the details and ensure that you register by the relevant deadline.

If you have any questions, please For further information, please contact [email protected].

The day of the conference

The conference will begin with registration in the morning, followed by a welcome address and keynote presentation. The day features two talk sessions showcasing research by PGR and ECR presenters, alongside two dedicated poster sessions providing opportunities for discussion and networking. Lunch and coffee breaks are built into the schedule to encourage informal exchange among participants. The conference will conclude with closing drinks in the early evening. 

Timings (provisional)

• 9.00-9.30: Registration
• 9.30-10.30: Welcome + keynote
• 10.30-11.30: Talk Session 1
• 11.30-13.00: Posters
• 13.00-14.00: Lunch
• 14.00-15.30: Talk Session 2
• 15.30-17.30: Coffee + Poster Session 2
• 17.30-18.30: Closing drinks

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].