Early Childhood Research Summit

CYFS Early Childhood

Research Summit

Save the Date: April 28, 2026

Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center
Register Now

Creating Connections Among Research, Practice & Policy in Nebraska

Welcome

Established in 2010, the CYFS Early Childhood Research Summit brings together partners from across Nebraska to connect and share new research and practices that make a difference for young children.

The eighth biennial summit, presented by the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (CYFS) in partnership with the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research, will be held April 28, 2026.

Join us to network and exchange ideas that have the power to improve children’s outcomes — and shape Nebraska's future.


Explore past summits

Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2026 CYFS Early Childhood Research Summit.

Deadline to register is March 30.

Register Now

Get Involved

Share your early childhood research! We are now accepting proposals for summit research presentations and posters from University of Nebraska faculty and graduate students. For full consideration, please submit all proposals by Feb. 23, 2026.

Submit Faculty Proposal Submit Graduate Student Poster

Sponsors

Keynote speaker

Ying Xu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Harvard University

"AI and the Developing Child: Myths, Evidence and Open Questions"

Ying Xu will examine the role and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on children’s cognitive and social development. Drawing on emerging evidence, she will highlight how children interact with, perceive and learn from AI systems, including the ways they develop trust in “AI companions.” The keynote will also consider open questions about whether generative AI tools shape children’s curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Xu will conclude with a discussion of how education and psychology researchers can strengthen their efforts to ensure AI is safe and beneficial for children.

Read full bio

Summit Goals

Building on the progress of past summits, the summit will:

  • Communicate cutting-edge early childhood research findings from University of Nebraska-affiliated researchers and colleagues.
  • Link ongoing efforts in early childhood research, practice and policy.
  • Advance the science of early childhood education and development via connections among community partners, policymakers, early childhood practitioners and researchers.