APEX 2026 Research Competition & Call for Papers
Advancing Cognitive Security Through Education, Research, and Professional Practice
September 8–9, 2026 | Reston, Virginia
As governments, militaries, industries, and societies confront increasingly sophisticated influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and cognitive warfare activities, the need for cognitive security education, research, and professional development has never been greater.
Hosted by the Information Professionals Association (IPA), APEX 2026 is a two-day educational forum dedicated to advancing the emerging field of cognitive security. Bringing together educators, researchers, students, practitioners, government representatives, and industry leaders, APEX seeks to foster collaboration, strengthen professional expertise, and contribute to the development of future approaches to Operations in the Information Environment (OIE).
As part of this effort, APEX invites students, researchers, and practitioners to submit original papers for consideration in the 2026 Research Competition and Presentation Program.
Research presented at APEX 2026 will contribute to broader discussions supporting:
- Development of a Cognitive Security Certification Framework
- Establishment of an Educational Consortium and Community of Practice supporting Operations in the Information Environment
- Advancement of research and scholarship within the emerging field of cognitive security
WHY PARTICIPATE?
- Selected finalists will present their research before a distinguished audience of military leaders, government officials, educators, industry experts, and researchers from organizations involved in national security, operations in the information environment, and cognitive security.
- Compete for Cash Awards in Undergraduate, Graduate/Post-Graduate, and Open Categories.
Selected papers will be published on the Information Professionals Association website and considered for inclusion in future conference proceedings, research collections, or professional publications.
TOPICS OF INTEREST
- Cognitive Security
- Cognitive Warfare
- Foreign Influence and Malign Information Activities
- Operations in the Information Environment (OIE)
- Information Operations and Information Warfare
- Political Warfare
- Strategic Communication
- Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Security
- Disinformation and Misinformation
- Trust, Resilience, and Democratic Institutions
- Social Media and Influence Operations
- Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
- Human-Machine Teaming in the Information Environment
- Information Environment Assessment and Measurement
- Emerging Technologies and Cognitive Competition
- Education and Workforce Development for Cognitive Security
SUBMISSION CATEGORIES
1. Undergraduate Track: Associate or bachelor’s degree students.
2. Graduate/Post-Graduate Track: Master’s, professional, law, and doctoral students.
3. Open Category: Independent researchers, government professionals, military personnel, industry practitioners, and collaborative teams.APEX RESEARCH AWARDS
Awards will be presented in each category recognizing excellence in research, originality, relevance, and contribution to the field of cognitive security. The awards lay down is as follows:
- Undergraduate Track: 1st Place: $500 | 2nd Place: $250 | 3rd Place: $150
- Graduate Track: 1st Place: $1,000 | 2nd Place: $500 | 3rd Place: $250
- Open Category: 1st Place: $1,000 | 2nd Place: $500 | 3rd Place: $250
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Maximum 3,500 words
- Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
- Double-spaced
- Times New Roman, 12-point font
- APA or Chicago citation format with endnotes
- Original and unpublished work
- Include a 50-word author biography
REVIEW PROCESS
Submissions will undergo blind review by a panel of subject matter experts representing academia, government, industry, and professional practice.
KEY DATES
July 31, 2026 – Submission Deadline
August 1–9, 2026 – Review and Evaluation Period
August 12, 2026 – Finalist Notifications
September 8–9, 2026 – APEX 2026 Research Presentations and Awards CeremonyHOW TO SUBMIT
Submit completed papers electronically no later than 11:59 PM EDT on July 31, 2026 to the following email:
Cognitive security is an emerging field requiring innovative ideas, rigorous research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. APEX 2026 provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of this growing discipline while engaging directly with leaders helping shape its future.
We encourage students, researchers, practitioners, and innovators to join us in advancing cognitive security through education, research, and professional practice.
