The Society for the Neuroscience of Cognitive Abilities (SfNCA) is a research community focused on understanding the neural and biological foundations of human cognitive abilities—especially reasoning, intelligence, and other forms of higher cognitive functioning. We bring together researchers who use neuroimaging and related methods to explain how complex cognition is implemented in the brain, why individuals differ in cognitive performance, and how these abilities develop and change across the lifespan.

SNCA supports work that integrates neuroimaging, genetics, and causal/intervention approaches—including noninvasive brain stimulation techniques such as tDCS and TMS—to test mechanistic hypotheses about higher cognition. Our goal is to foster rigorous, collaborative, and theory-driven science by providing year-round opportunities for connection and exchange.

We host an annual meeting to share new findings, compare approaches, and catalyze collaborations across labs and disciplines. Between meetings, members can connect through an ongoing chat community and stay up to date through paper-sharing and curated research highlights on our website. SNCA aims to be a welcoming home for researchers and trainees dedicated to advancing a cumulative, transparent, and impactful science of cognitive abilities.