What happens when the mind is left to its own devices? 

Boredom, mind-wandering, curiosity, and solitude are often studied in isolation, but they share a common theme: they all emerge when the mind turns inward, away from external demands. 

This one-day symposium brings together leading researchers across these fields to explore their intersections. Through a series of talks and structured discussions, we aim to identify shared mechanisms, open questions, and new directions that cut across these traditionally separate literatures. A central goal is to lay the groundwork for future collaborations and/or a joint paper.  

The symposium is supported by the Matariki Network and is open to researchers with an interest in intrinsic cognition and the psychology of solitude.