Important Deadlines 

Early Registration Deadline: November 18, 2026 

Scholarship Deadline: September 22, 2026 

Short Talk Abstract Deadline: September 22, 2026 

Poster Abstract Deadline: December 28, 2026  

Meeting Summary 

Title: Sensory Systems: Interoception and Exteroception 

Date: January 18 - 21, 2027 
Location: Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO, USA 

Scientific Organizers: Alexander Chesler, Stephen Liberles, and Vanessa Ruta 

Keynote Speaker(s): Misha Ahrens, Janelia Research Campus 

Sensory Systems: Interoception and Exteroception brings together leaders across neuroscience, physiology, and systems biology to explore how organisms sense, integrate, and respond to both the external world and internal bodily states. From exteroceptive senses such as touch, taste, olfaction, vision, and hearing to rapidly advancing insights into interoception, this meeting highlights how sensory systems shape perception, behavior, homeostasis, and disease. 

The program features joint plenary sessions, focused talks, and abstract-selected spotlights that span molecular sensors, neural circuits, and systems-level integration. An emphasis is placed on interoception – how signals from organs such as the gut, heart, and lungs are detected, encoded, and interpreted by the nervous system – revealing new frameworks for understanding behavioral and physiological responses. Sessions also explore somatosensation, chemosensation, mechanosensation, and multisensory integration, linking foundational mechanisms to organism-level outcomes. 

By convening researchers working across model systems, technologies, and disciplines, the meeting creates space for new connections and conceptual synthesis. Poster sessions and career roundtables foster open exchange and mentorship, making this an ideal forum for both established investigators and emerging scientists. Together, these conversations illuminate how sensory biology– especially the growing field of interoception – is reshaping our understanding of how the brain listens to the body and guides adaptive behavior. 

*This meeting will be held jointly with Neurobiology of Appetite Control 

View the program 

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*Keystone Symposia Scholarships & Awards* 

Keystone Symposia offers discounted registration to students in undergraduate, M.S., Ph.D., or M.D. programs, providing access to the latest scientific advances, technologies, and approaches to further research and careers.  

In addition, several financial aid opportunities are also available to support attendance at its scientific meetings: 

• Student and Postdoctoral Scholarships provide up to $1,200 to help defray travel, lodging, registration, and related costs when presenting a poster at an in-person conference. Awards are competitive, based on the abstract’s scientific quality and relevance, and you must apply by the individual scholarship deadline for the desired meeting (abstract + mentor letter required).   

• Early-Career Travel Awards (ECITAs) support early-career investigators with funding to attend meetings; these also require application by the posted deadline for each conference.  

• Global Health Travel Awards (GHTAs) provide financial aid for scientists, clinicians, fellows, and students from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to participate in select Keystone Symposia meetings, especially those focused on global health topics. These awards may cover registration, lodging, airfare, and ground transportation, and applications are submitted through the Financial Aid Portal by the listed meeting deadlines. Learn which meetings have in-person GHTAs available: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid/global-health-awards/ghta-listing 

For details on eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for financial aid, visit: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid.