News: IWORDD 2026 bridge the gap between brain research and the classroom

• The BCBL will gather next October world-renowned neuroscientists, psychologists, educators and clinicians at the 5th edition of International Workshop on Reading and Developmental Dyslexia.

How does the human brain learn to read? What happens neurologically when this process is disrupted? To answer these and other critical questions, the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) has announced the 2026 edition of the International Workshop on Reading and Developmental Dyslexia (IWORDD). This prestigious scientific gathering will take place this autumn, between October 7 and 9, at the Palacio de Miramar in San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa, Spain).

Bringing together world-renowned neuroscientists, psychologists, educators, and clinicians, the congress aims to translate the latest neurocognitive discoveries into tangible, real-world solutions for individuals with reading disorders.

IWORDD 2026 is structured into two distinct phases to maximize its impact. The first two days are purely dedicated to cutting-edge science. Through four keynote lectures, invited symposia, and poster presentations, researchers will share the latest neuroimaging data and cognitive models regarding reading development and dyslexia.

However, these scientific insights will not remain trapped in the laboratory. The third day, titled "From Theory to Practice," is specifically designed to transfer this knowledge directly to society. With simultaneous interpretation provided in English, Spanish, and Basque, this session will bring together researchers, parents, teachers, and speech therapists to discuss effective remediation programs and inclusive educational policies.

"We are bringing the most advanced neuroscience directly to the people who need it most," explains Marie Lallier, researcher at BCBL and member of the Scientific Committee of the congress. "By understanding the precise neural mechanisms that occur in dyslexia, we can develop better early-detection and diagnostic protocols and more effective, evidence-based remediation techniques for the classroom," she adds.

The BCBL is designing a stimulating environment for networking and knowledge exchange. The event will feature four main keynote lectures delivered by leading international experts in the field of language and reading, as well as  neurocognition and genetics: Michelle Luciano, professor from the School of Philosophy of the University of Edinburgh; Dr. Nadine Gaab, head of the Gaab Lab of the Harvard Graduate School of Education; the French cognitive neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene; and Dr. Jason Yeatman, associate professor in the Graduate School of Education and Department of Psychology at Stanford University.

Key dates of IWORDD 2026

• Abstract deadline: April 15, 2026.
• Notification of abstract acceptance: May 15, 2026
• Registration deadline: October 7, 2026.

The 5th edition of the congress is made possible thanks to the structural support of the Basque Government, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, and European research frameworks, alongside BCBL's collaborating institutions.