The European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics
15 – 18 September 2026 Siena, Italy
Workshop
Large Language Models (LLMs) arguably pass the Turing test and provide a level of general artificial intelligence (AI) that is capable of performing different kinds of tasks. Whilst LLMs have modelled natural language, they have emergent capabilities (e.g. reasoning, arithmetic, and passing benchmarks/exams from various domains such as medicine and law). LLMs can also be used for vibe designing, vide coding and for using ‘AI as a judge’ etc. Nevertheless, we obviously do not know the long term effects that LLMs may have on humanity, work, education, psychological wellbeing and cognition. We need to understand the capabilities of LLMs and how people interact with them. In addition, we should investigate the effect LLMs may have on our cognitive abilities (attention, working memory etc.), for example through AI dependence, automation bias and ‘cognitive offloading’. This workshop is fairly open in nature and may feature work related to user-LLM-interaction as well as research that study the effects of LLMs on human cognition and wellbeing. In addition, applications of LLMs (e.g. AI companions, interactive assistants etc.) may also be discussed as well as research related to the cognitive skills, personality and psychoanalysis of LLMs (for example, research related to ‘AI scheming’/manipulation, ‘AI consciousness’ etc.).
Further details, submission guidelines, and important dates will be provided soon.
1st ECCE Workshop on Cognition and Large Language Models
We look forward to seeing you at this exciting workshop!
Tentative Programme
- Introduction to LLMs and cognition
- Keynote talk
- Presentations on related research topics
- Interactive session/s may include:
- LLM impact assessment on the future of human cognition
- LLMs with relevance to cognition and ergonomics
- Generating hypotheses/research questions in relation to LLMs and cognition
- Experimenting with LLMs
Emergent Capabilities of LLMs
Exploring how large language models exhibit reasoning, problem-solving, coding, and other unexpected capabilities beyond natural language generation.
Applications and Social Implications of LLMs
Discussing the use of LLMs in AI companions, interactive assistants, education, healthcare, and creative workflows, alongside their broader societal effects.
Human–LLM Interaction and Cognitive Impact
Investigating how people use and rely on LLMs, including topics such as cognitive offloading, automation bias, attention, memory, and AI dependence.
Ethics, Personality, and Future AI Behaviour
Examining emerging questions around AI manipulation, “AI as a judge,” AI consciousness, scheming behaviour, personality traits, and long-term implications for human wellbeing and society.