Community Program
Events taking place during NetSci 2026 will be listed here as they are announced, so please stay tuned.
In the meantime, if you're looking for things to do around Cambridge while you're not at the conference, take a look at the itinerary prepared for conference attendees by the Cambridge Office of Tourism, or explore their AI Itinerary Planner to build a personalized day of your own.
A Higher Order Hackathon
Sunday, May 31 | Renaissance Park, Northeastern campus
On Sunday, May 31, the organizers in collaboration with NetSci 2026 will host a hackathon on higher-order networks. The purpose of this hackathon is to offer an energetic opener to the conference experience, develop skills in higher-order network analysis, and build connections between early-career researchers interested in this rich area of network science. The hackathon will center around the recently-released A Blue Start dataset, which contains higher-order network data from the Bluesky social media platform. The mission of the hackathon is to explore this rich data set using higher-order network analysis techniques to learn about the distinctive features of multiway user interactions on social media. The hackathon will take place on the Northeastern University campus, and the registration deadline is March 13, 2026.
Paper Unwind
Sunday, May 31 | Location TBA
Paper unwinds offer a behind-the-scenes look at how great papers come to life, including the nonlinear twists, turns, setbacks, and breakthroughs that make science exciting, challenging, frustrating, and rewarding all at once. Join us Sunday at 6:00 pm for a paper unwind with Professor and Network Science Society President Michelle Girvan, who will share the backstory behind one of her projects. This event is jointly hosted by NetPlace and Women in Network Science (WiNS).
Red Sox Game
Tuesday, June 2 | Fenway Park
As part of the opening days of NetSci 2026, we’re kicking off the conference with a fun and informal outing to a Red Sox game on Tuesday, June 2nd. It’s a great opportunity to experience Boston, relax after travel, and connect with fellow attendees before the conference programming begins. Using the ticket link will allow you to purchase seats within the NetSci group section so you can sit and enjoy the game alongside friends, colleagues, and other conference participants while taking in one of Boston’s most beloved traditions.
*Please note that due to demand we have sold out of our Right Field Grandstand Section 3 tickets, however the Red Sox have added a new block of tickets in Bleacher Section 39, on a first come first serve basis.
Welcome Poster Reception
Wednesday, June 3 | Amesbury Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
To kick off the main conference, join us for the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, June 3, at the conference venue, the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge. The reception will include a poster session, providing an interactive space for researchers—particularly students and early-career scholars—to present new work, share ideas across disciplines, and engage in one-on-one discussions that foster collaboration and highlight the breadth of research within the network science community. The event will take place in the Amesbury Ballroom, offering a welcoming setting for attendees to connect with colleagues, meet fellow participants, and begin the conference together. Light refreshments will be served, and the reception is included for all registered participants.
Social Dinner
Thursday, June 4 | Riverside Pavillion, Hyatt Regency
On Thursday, June 4, join us for a memorable evening at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, beautifully situated along the Charles River in the heart of the Boston–Cambridge innovation corridor. This special Social Dinner will bring conference attendees together to connect with colleagues and friends in an elegant and welcoming setting. The evening will take place in the hotel’s Riverside Pavilion, an impressive space with an adjoining outdoor garden patio and courtyard—perfect for enjoying conversation, networking, and a relaxed atmosphere after a full day of conference activities. Tickets for the Social Dinner can be purchased through the conference registration page.