Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between TSC 2026 and the Tucson conferences?

The Science of Consciousness 2026 (CS26) is the 32nd edition of the international interdisciplinary conference on consciousness that began in Tucson, Arizona in 1994 under the name The Science of Consciousness (TSC). Following the release of the Epstein files in early 2026 and the cancellation of TSC 2026 by the University of Arizona, the conference has been reorganized under new leadership and governance at UC San Diego. CS26 continues the scientific tradition of the series while operating under an independent organizing committee and a new donor and speaker vetting protocol.

What about the Epstein connections to the previous conference?

We take this issue seriously and address it with full transparency. The predecessor conference (TSC) received a $50,000 donation from Jeffrey Epstein in 2017, and several former speakers and organizers were named in the Epstein files. TSC 2026 has been reorganized under entirely new leadership. All donors, sponsors, and invited speakers are now screened through a structured vetting protocol before any funds are accepted or invitations extended. Full details are available on our Donor & Speaker Vetting page.

How is gender balance addressed in the program?

The TSC 2026 Scientific Committee has balanced gender representation, and we are actively working to achieve balanced representation among plenary speakers as well. Ensuring diverse perspectives is a priority for the organizing committee across all aspects of the program.

How is the conference funded? Who are the sponsors?

TSC 2026 is funded through registration fees, institutional support, and vetted sponsorships. All potential sponsors undergo our vetting protocol before any funds are accepted. We will publish a list of sponsors on the website as they are confirmed. If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring the conference, please contact us at info@tsc2026.org.

Why is registration expensive?

TSC 2026 is a non-profit conference, and registration fees are set to cover costs, not generate profit. The fee covers five full days of programming, including plenary talks, concurrent sessions, workshops, two receptions, food trucks on site every day, and professional filming of talks with videos released freely after the conference. Unlike many conferences of similar scope, TSC 2026 does not charge separately for workshops or social events. For comparison, the 2026 OHBM annual meeting (Organization for Human Brain Mapping) charges over $1,260 for non-member early registration alone, before educational courses or membership fees.

The negotiated hotel rates at Paradise Point are also well below the resort’s standard pricing — student rooms start at $199/night with the resort fee waived. Students pay a reduced registration fee ($495 early / $595 regular), and a streaming-only option is available at $130 for those who cannot attend in person. See the registration page for full details.

What are the food options?

Food trucks will be on site every day during the conference. The resort also has its own restaurants and a small convenience market. For affordable grocery shopping, Trader Joe’s is just 8 minutes away by car (13 minutes by bike, 45 minutes on foot) and offers excellent quality at reasonable prices.

Can I take photos at Paradise Point Resort?

Yes, attendees are welcome to take photos for personal use throughout the resort grounds. We ask that you respect the privacy of other participants during sessions. The resort grounds, marina, and bay views make for excellent photography.

What activities are available at Paradise Point?

Paradise Point Resort & Spa sits on a 44-acre island on Mission Bay and offers a wide range of on-site activities, including five swimming pools (one adult-only), a full-service spa, beach access on Mission Bay, bicycle and watercraft rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats), a fitness center, tennis courts, volleyball, and waterfront dining. The resort also features walking and jogging paths through its tropical gardens.

Is childcare or daycare available?

The conference does not provide childcare or daycare services. Paradise Point Resort does not offer on-site childcare either. Attendees who need childcare arrangements should plan accordingly before arriving. San Diego has a number of licensed childcare agencies that provide in-room babysitting services at local hotels; the resort concierge may be able to suggest options.

Can I swim at the venue? What about the ocean?

Yes — you can swim right in Mission Bay at the resort. The bay water is calm and sheltered, and tends to be slightly warmer than the open ocean. San Diego ocean temperatures in mid-October are typically around 18–20°C (65–68°F), not quite Hawaii, but still manageable. Air temperatures average 22–25°C (72–77°F) with mostly sunny skies.

The ocean beach is about a 45-minute walk from the resort. For runners, there is a beautiful bayside jogging route — you can run along the bay to the ocean and back in about 40 minutes, a great way to start the morning.

Where can I eat and go out near the venue?

Paradise Point is ideally situated between two of San Diego’s liveliest beach neighborhoods:

• Pacific Beach — just to the north, with a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars along Garnet Avenue and the boardwalk. The scene is youthful and energetic, popular with surfers, students, and locals enjoying rooftop patios and ocean-view dining.
• Ocean Beach — just to the south, with a relaxed, eclectic character and a long-established community feel. Newport Avenue is lined with independent restaurants, craft beer spots, vintage shops, and live music venues. OB has a bohemian, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a favorite among locals.

Both neighborhoods are less than 10 minutes from the resort and offer everything from casual tacos to sit-down seafood dinners.

What other activities are available in San Diego?

San Diego offers many attractions close to the venue:

• Balboa Park — 1,200-acre urban park with 17 museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
• San Diego Zoo and Safari Park — world-renowned wildlife parks.
• La Jolla — scenic coastal cliffs, tide pools, sea caves, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
• Old Town San Diego — historic district with museums, restaurants, and shops.
• Gaslamp Quarter — downtown dining, nightlife, and entertainment district.
• USS Midway Museum — aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront.
• Cabrillo National Monument — panoramic views, tide pools, and whale-watching (gray whale season begins in mid-October).
• Sunset Cliffs — dramatic ocean bluffs, popular for sunset viewing.
• Surfing and beaches — Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Coronado are all nearby.

The venue is centrally located on Mission Bay, with most attractions within a 15–25 minute drive.