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A growing body of research suggests that time in nature can support mental health. Researchers are especially interested in two related outcomes: lower stress and stronger attention control. Attention is a foundational cognitive process for learning, decision-making, and other higher-order thinking.
Recognizing how quickly this interdisciplinary field is expanding, CU Denver’s Dr. Jason Watson spearheaded the launch of a new affiliate meeting of the Society for Nature and Cognition. The inaugural, biennial meeting took place during the 66th Annual Meeting of the Psychonomic Society and was hosted in Denver in November 2025.
This milestone reflects CU Denver’s innovation mindset and our commitment to bringing people together across disciplines to move research forward.
Collaboration That Made It Possible
The first Society for Nature and Cognition affiliate meeting was supported through shared investment and partnership, including generous funding from:
- CU Denver’s Department of Psychology
- CU Denver’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- The Psychonomic Society
- The Nature and Health Alliance
New Pathways For Nature And Cognition
The theme of the first gathering, New Pathways for Nature and Cognition, focused on emerging ideas and timely questions in the field of human-environment interaction. The meeting created space for researchers to:
- Spotlight new perspectives on how nature may influence attention and emotion
- Challenge assumptions about which cognitive processes benefit most from nature exposure
- Build momentum for the next wave of research and collaboration
Twenty talks, ten posters, and one Keynote Address were delivered at this inaugural meeting of the Society for Nature and Cognition. This work is especially relevant as scientists continue to debate which aspects of cognition are most likely to improve through interacting with natural environments.
What’s Next: Understanding Nature And Cognition In 2026
Building on the energy and connections from the Denver meeting, Dr. Watson and collaborators from the affiliate group submitted a competitive proposal for a follow-up research symposium: Understanding Nature and Cognition.
The symposium will be held in November 2026 at the 67th Annual Meeting of the Psychonomic Society in San Diego, California.
The Goal: Grow The Community, Grow The Impact
The primary goal of the 2026 symposium is to bring expert speakers from the Society for Nature and Cognition to a broader Psychonomic Society audience, sharing cutting-edge findings on human-environment interaction. By expanding visibility and engagement, the symposium aims to encourage more researchers within Psychonomics to pursue empirical work at the intersection of nature and cognition.
For students, emerging scholars, and community partners, this kind of field-building matters. It strengthens networks, accelerates discovery, and keeps research focused on outcomes that can support well-being in real-world settings.
FAQ
What is “nature and cognition” research?
It’s research that examines how interactions with nature may shape core mental processes like attention and emotion, often alongside measures related to stress and well-being.
Why does attention matter in this research?
Attention supports learning and complex thinking. Researchers are investigating whether nature exposure can help restore or strengthen attention control.
Where will the next CU Denver-connected symposium take place?
At the 67th Annual Meeting of the Psychonomic Society in San Diego, California, in November 2026.