Imagine sitting across from someone describing two movies to you. You listen attentively, trying to decide which one interests you more — but during that time, without noticing, your face already reveals what you prefer. You smile slightly when they smile, raise your eyebrows when they surprise you, tense your muscles when they emphasize something. This phenomenon is called facial mimicry — and it turns out to be a better predictor of your choice than anything else.

The 2026 MRS International Risk Conference will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, from July 17 to 19, 2026. Hosted by the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii and jointly organized by China Finance Review International (CFRI) and the Modern Risk Society (MRS), the conference invites submissions from scholars worldwide on a broad range of topics related to risk and capital markets. Under the theme “AI in an Uncertain World,” the conference aims to advance research on global financial risk management with a particular focus on modern and emerging risks. Selected papers presented at the conference will be considered for a special issue of the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal. The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Torben G. Andersen of Northwestern University and will present multiple research excellence awards. The submission deadline for conference papers is February 10, 2026 (Eastern Time).

Cambridge-led study calls for urgent increase in international aid for education to address learning losses and the severe psychological impacts of Gaza war.

Researchers estimate children have lost the equivalent of up to five years of learning since 2020, first due to COVID-19, then war.

Eyewitness accounts gathered for the study also report children’s loss of hope and diminishing faith in values such as peace and human rights.