bergelsonlab
@bergelsonlab.bsky.social
Official account for the Bergelson Lab at Harvard, sporadically maintained by the PI:).
Just a lab, trying to figure out how babies learn language, somehow caught in the crosshairs of gov't admin battles.
Just a lab, trying to figure out how babies learn language, somehow caught in the crosshairs of gov't admin battles.
a little too on the nose there, door.
November 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
a little too on the nose there, door.
Reposted by bergelsonlab
CogSci in Aarhus is hiring, open rank (assi, asso or full prof).
We want somebody working on and teaching computational modelling of cognitive processes and/or social processes. Students are amazing, work/life balance very satisfactory, and colleagues are nice!
international.au.dk/about/profil...
We want somebody working on and teaching computational modelling of cognitive processes and/or social processes. Students are amazing, work/life balance very satisfactory, and colleagues are nice!
international.au.dk/about/profil...
Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Full Professor of Cognitive Science - Vacancy at Aarhus University
Vacancy at School of Communication and Culture - Linguistics, Cognitive Science and Semiotics, Dept. of, Aarhus University
international.au.dk
November 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM
CogSci in Aarhus is hiring, open rank (assi, asso or full prof).
We want somebody working on and teaching computational modelling of cognitive processes and/or social processes. Students are amazing, work/life balance very satisfactory, and colleagues are nice!
international.au.dk/about/profil...
We want somebody working on and teaching computational modelling of cognitive processes and/or social processes. Students are amazing, work/life balance very satisfactory, and colleagues are nice!
international.au.dk/about/profil...
Reposted by bergelsonlab
starting fall 2026 i'll be an assistant professor at @upenn.edu 🥳
my lab will develop scalable models/theories of human behavior, focused on memory and perception
currently recruiting PhD students in psychology, neuroscience, & computer science!
reach out if you're interested 😊
my lab will develop scalable models/theories of human behavior, focused on memory and perception
currently recruiting PhD students in psychology, neuroscience, & computer science!
reach out if you're interested 😊
November 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
starting fall 2026 i'll be an assistant professor at @upenn.edu 🥳
my lab will develop scalable models/theories of human behavior, focused on memory and perception
currently recruiting PhD students in psychology, neuroscience, & computer science!
reach out if you're interested 😊
my lab will develop scalable models/theories of human behavior, focused on memory and perception
currently recruiting PhD students in psychology, neuroscience, & computer science!
reach out if you're interested 😊
random h.s. student: can you be an expert advisor on my project about [not at all my specialty]?
me: no, that is not at all my specialty. [this space left blank to show the other things i left unsaid]
random h.s. student: thanks SO MUCH! can you connect me to anyone who could be my expert advisor?
me: no, that is not at all my specialty. [this space left blank to show the other things i left unsaid]
random h.s. student: thanks SO MUCH! can you connect me to anyone who could be my expert advisor?
November 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
random h.s. student: can you be an expert advisor on my project about [not at all my specialty]?
me: no, that is not at all my specialty. [this space left blank to show the other things i left unsaid]
random h.s. student: thanks SO MUCH! can you connect me to anyone who could be my expert advisor?
me: no, that is not at all my specialty. [this space left blank to show the other things i left unsaid]
random h.s. student: thanks SO MUCH! can you connect me to anyone who could be my expert advisor?
Reposted by bergelsonlab
Students applying for grad school, or reaching out to professors. I have an important piece of advice for you: STOP DOING THIS 👇 (a thread) #STEM #PhD #gradschool #academictips
November 21, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Students applying for grad school, or reaching out to professors. I have an important piece of advice for you: STOP DOING THIS 👇 (a thread) #STEM #PhD #gradschool #academictips
Reposted by bergelsonlab
whenever a new video-generation model comes out I check if it can create centaurs from the prompt 'half-man, half-horse'.
The answer is almost always 'no'.
This is Veo 3.1's response to "a half-man, half-horse creature running along the beach"
The answer is almost always 'no'.
This is Veo 3.1's response to "a half-man, half-horse creature running along the beach"
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
whenever a new video-generation model comes out I check if it can create centaurs from the prompt 'half-man, half-horse'.
The answer is almost always 'no'.
This is Veo 3.1's response to "a half-man, half-horse creature running along the beach"
The answer is almost always 'no'.
This is Veo 3.1's response to "a half-man, half-horse creature running along the beach"
Reposted by bergelsonlab
hey #linguistics peeps! have you ever taken (or taught) a syntax class? we want to hear your opinions (good or bad) about it! We're doing focus group interviews (on zoom, or in person at select conferences) - if you're at all interested, you can fill out our interest form: forms.gle/nhBtz78hQXNA...
SynTeach Focus Group Interest Form
SynTeach is a project researching peoples' experiences teaching and learning syntax in higher education. We have conducted surveys of the field including syntax instructors and students, and we are pl...
forms.gle
November 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
hey #linguistics peeps! have you ever taken (or taught) a syntax class? we want to hear your opinions (good or bad) about it! We're doing focus group interviews (on zoom, or in person at select conferences) - if you're at all interested, you can fill out our interest form: forms.gle/nhBtz78hQXNA...
Reposted by bergelsonlab
As a post-doc I remember noticing that the parking garage was free, but the gym cost money.
What you subsidize is what people will do!
What you subsidize is what people will do!
University students who were provided with a free gym card (in a randomized experiment) exercised more and had a significant improvement in academic performance. The treated students were also less likely to drop out of classes
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10....
www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10....
University of Chicago Press Journals: Cookie absent
www.journals.uchicago.edu
November 24, 2025 at 9:34 PM
As a post-doc I remember noticing that the parking garage was free, but the gym cost money.
What you subsidize is what people will do!
What you subsidize is what people will do!
Reposted by bergelsonlab
The latest evaluation of bike lane projects in Boston continues to show that if you build bike infrastructure, people will use it.
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
November 24, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The latest evaluation of bike lane projects in Boston continues to show that if you build bike infrastructure, people will use it.
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
Reposted by bergelsonlab
Looking for a funded Ph.D. in #CogSci in an interdisciplinary, research-first program? Apply to CEU!
cognitivescience.ceu.edu/admission
Deadline February 4, 2026. Please share with any interested students!
#PsychSciSky #DevPsych #CogPsych
cognitivescience.ceu.edu/admission
Deadline February 4, 2026. Please share with any interested students!
#PsychSciSky #DevPsych #CogPsych
Applications Are Now Open for Academic Year 2026-2027 | Department of Cognitive Science
cognitivescience.ceu.edu
November 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Looking for a funded Ph.D. in #CogSci in an interdisciplinary, research-first program? Apply to CEU!
cognitivescience.ceu.edu/admission
Deadline February 4, 2026. Please share with any interested students!
#PsychSciSky #DevPsych #CogPsych
cognitivescience.ceu.edu/admission
Deadline February 4, 2026. Please share with any interested students!
#PsychSciSky #DevPsych #CogPsych
Reposted by bergelsonlab
November 23, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Reposted by bergelsonlab
This policy comes as they 1) install cronies as Institute Directors - eg, JD Vance's old roommate is NIEHS Director 2) reject Council slates & 3) ignore scientific program staff.
In sun, politicos (rather than scientists trained in the appropriate field) can skip applications with no justification
In sun, politicos (rather than scientists trained in the appropriate field) can skip applications with no justification
This is concerning.
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
November 24, 2025 at 3:40 AM
This policy comes as they 1) install cronies as Institute Directors - eg, JD Vance's old roommate is NIEHS Director 2) reject Council slates & 3) ignore scientific program staff.
In sun, politicos (rather than scientists trained in the appropriate field) can skip applications with no justification
In sun, politicos (rather than scientists trained in the appropriate field) can skip applications with no justification
Reposted by bergelsonlab
Origins of language, one of humanity’s most distinctive traits, may be best explained as a unique convergence of multiple capacities each with its own evolutionary history, involving intertwined roles of biology & culture. This framing can expand research horizons. A 🧵 on our @science.org paper.🧪1/n
What enables human language? A biocultural framework
Explaining the origins of language is a key challenge in understanding ourselves as a species. We present an empirical framework that draws on synergies across fields to facilitate robust studies of l...
www.science.org
November 23, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Origins of language, one of humanity’s most distinctive traits, may be best explained as a unique convergence of multiple capacities each with its own evolutionary history, involving intertwined roles of biology & culture. This framing can expand research horizons. A 🧵 on our @science.org paper.🧪1/n
small potatoes relative to (waves hands all around) but just my yearly lament that PhD programs can't get their ish together to get *1* portal for uploading a letter for grad apps like med/law etc. instead of 50 separate ones, each w/their own bespoke rating scales/required questions. #AcademicSky
November 21, 2025 at 9:19 PM
small potatoes relative to (waves hands all around) but just my yearly lament that PhD programs can't get their ish together to get *1* portal for uploading a letter for grad apps like med/law etc. instead of 50 separate ones, each w/their own bespoke rating scales/required questions. #AcademicSky
Reposted by bergelsonlab
🧪Let’s set the record straight. AGAIN
Andrew Wakefield’s paper was RETRACTED by The Lancet in Feb 2010.
Andrew Wakefield’s paper was RETRACTED by The Lancet in Feb 2010.
November 21, 2025 at 3:10 AM
🧪Let’s set the record straight. AGAIN
Andrew Wakefield’s paper was RETRACTED by The Lancet in Feb 2010.
Andrew Wakefield’s paper was RETRACTED by The Lancet in Feb 2010.
seeing same for fellowship panels! Also got a general 'plz plz review if/when we ask you' from NICHD, which i assume is bc reconstituting/rescheduling panels will leave gaps on grants that have some but not all reviews teed up. Not sure what happens w/rev's where r can no longer be on panel tho?
Ditto(ish) for our section. Rescheduled from early November to early January!
Just to add a data point: A study section I'm on that was originally scheduled for late October is now being rescheduled for mid-January. #nihgrants
November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM
seeing same for fellowship panels! Also got a general 'plz plz review if/when we ask you' from NICHD, which i assume is bc reconstituting/rescheduling panels will leave gaps on grants that have some but not all reviews teed up. Not sure what happens w/rev's where r can no longer be on panel tho?
Reposted by bergelsonlab
Inspiring Q and A with Dick Aslin! Look for more such content over the next few months from @psychscience.bsky.social
www.psychologicalscience.org/publications...
www.psychologicalscience.org/publications...
Collective Action Is Essential for Universities in Current Political Climate
In this Q&A, Richard Aslin shares his thoughts on the real meaning of “academic freedom” and why members of the higher education community have reason to be cautiously optimistic.
www.psychologicalscience.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Inspiring Q and A with Dick Aslin! Look for more such content over the next few months from @psychscience.bsky.social
www.psychologicalscience.org/publications...
www.psychologicalscience.org/publications...
Reposted by bergelsonlab
Here is a short piece in the Conversation about the Spoon Illusion: doi.org/10.64628/AA....
#psychscisky #neuroskyence but not-really #visionscience
#psychscisky #neuroskyence but not-really #visionscience
Auditory illusions: new research discovers how our ears play tricks on us
Without visual clues, our ears mishear sounds produced in front of us. Knowing more about why this happens will give new insights into how the brain works.
doi.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Here is a short piece in the Conversation about the Spoon Illusion: doi.org/10.64628/AA....
#psychscisky #neuroskyence but not-really #visionscience
#psychscisky #neuroskyence but not-really #visionscience
Reposted by bergelsonlab
The 2026 APS Student Grant Competition is OPEN! This competition provides “seed grant” #funding to support research in its initial development stages, e.g., the purchase of research materials or other expenses incurred prior to data collection
Learn more
www.psychologicalscience.org/members/gran...
Learn more
www.psychologicalscience.org/members/gran...
Student Grant Competition
Submissions for the APS Student Grant Competition Open on November 17th. Submit by December 21st for "seed grant" funding to support your research in its development stages!
www.psychologicalscience.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The 2026 APS Student Grant Competition is OPEN! This competition provides “seed grant” #funding to support research in its initial development stages, e.g., the purchase of research materials or other expenses incurred prior to data collection
Learn more
www.psychologicalscience.org/members/gran...
Learn more
www.psychologicalscience.org/members/gran...
Reposted by bergelsonlab
APS joined 49 scientific societies & research institutions in urging Congress to protect & sustain funding for the Social, Behavioral, and Economic (SBE) Sciences Directorate at #NSF in the FY 2026 appropriations process @fabbs.org www.psychologicalscience.org/redesign/wp-...
www.psychologicalscience.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
APS joined 49 scientific societies & research institutions in urging Congress to protect & sustain funding for the Social, Behavioral, and Economic (SBE) Sciences Directorate at #NSF in the FY 2026 appropriations process @fabbs.org www.psychologicalscience.org/redesign/wp-...
Reposted by bergelsonlab
Lots one could say about Harvard right now, but please remember the young people there are amazing.
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
6 more Harvard students awarded Rhodes Scholarships — Harvard Gazette
Three U.S. winners are among the recipients of full support for graduate studies at Oxford University in England.
news.harvard.edu
November 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Lots one could say about Harvard right now, but please remember the young people there are amazing.
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
compensated online study opportunity for parents of 11-13mo! (for this one babies need to be: full term (>37wks), in the u.s., primarily learning English). i'm part of the broader study team but not driving the bus, just helping spread the word! childrenhelpingscience.com/studies/900e...
How do babies learn about their world?
- Children Helping Science
childrenhelpingscience.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:28 PM
compensated online study opportunity for parents of 11-13mo! (for this one babies need to be: full term (>37wks), in the u.s., primarily learning English). i'm part of the broader study team but not driving the bus, just helping spread the word! childrenhelpingscience.com/studies/900e...
anyone else ever hit the wrong little extension icon and then there you are saving your sushi order to your citation manager or adding a password for a random academic website or...😆
November 17, 2025 at 4:16 PM
anyone else ever hit the wrong little extension icon and then there you are saving your sushi order to your citation manager or adding a password for a random academic website or...😆
anyone have any insight on how NIH study section catchup is unfolding? Don't wanna bother POs since I imagine backlog is bananas, but seeing section rosters posted for mtgs listed as 'did not take place'; curious ab what kinds of timelines we might expect from here (also seems odd to post rosters?)
November 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
anyone have any insight on how NIH study section catchup is unfolding? Don't wanna bother POs since I imagine backlog is bananas, but seeing section rosters posted for mtgs listed as 'did not take place'; curious ab what kinds of timelines we might expect from here (also seems odd to post rosters?)
Reposted by bergelsonlab
It is actually an incredibly frustrating time to be a theoretical neuroscientist right now imo, for this reason
Same for neuroscience. The lack of ability to measure many neurons’ activity, perturb them, and measure intracellular processes and connections is what limits understanding the brain.
The key barriers are not algorithms or AI.
🧪#neuroscience 🧠🤖 #MLSky
The key barriers are not algorithms or AI.
🧪#neuroscience 🧠🤖 #MLSky
November 17, 2025 at 1:23 AM
It is actually an incredibly frustrating time to be a theoretical neuroscientist right now imo, for this reason