FENS Forum 2026: Applications Open for the Early Career Training Programme

The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Neuroscience (SENC) and the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience (SPN), is happy to announce the opening of functions for the Early Career Training Programme (ECTP). This initiative is supported by FENS and the IBRO Pan European Regional Committee (PERC).

The programme is designed to supply Early Career Researchers (ECRs) with a singular alternative to achieve hands-on expertise in host laboratories in Spain or Portugal in the weeks main as much as the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona.

Programme Overview

• Duration: 2–3 weeks in a bunch laboratory in Spain or Portugal.
• Activities embody:
  • Short analysis tasks tailor-made to the applicant’s pursuits.
  • Opportunities to study and apply new laboratory methods.
  • Networking with researchers at totally different profession levels.
• Financial assist:
  • Selected candidates will obtain a EUR 1000 stipend.
  • The stipend is meant to cowl journey inside the host nation and different visit-related bills.

This programme isn’t solely an opportunity to increase technical expertise but in addition a approach to construct skilled networks and strengthen collaborations throughout Europe.

Deadline

• Application deadline: 27 January 2026 Applicants are strongly inspired to arrange their paperwork early to make sure well timed submission.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be Early Career Researchers. The following classes are eligible:

• Postgraduate college students:
  • MSc, MD, PhD candidates, or assistants/trainees in medical sciences.
  • Proof of enrolment is required (official letter or enrolment type).
• Researchers inside 5 years of finishing their highest diploma:
  • Degrees embody BSc, MSc, MD, PhD, or different skilled doctorates.
  • Clinical psychologists: inside 5 years of beginning skilled work.
  • Proof required: diploma copy/photograph or official letter.
  • The five-year eligibility interval could also be prolonged for maternity depart or different justified absences.
• Geographic restrictions:
  • Applicants should not presently be working in a laboratory in Spain or Portugal.
  • Spanish or Portuguese residents might apply if they’ve been working overseas for no less than 18 months.
• Additional necessities:
  • Applicants should be registered to attend the FENS Forum 2026.
  • Applicants should have submitted a first-author summary to the Forum.
  • Only one stipend per yr is allowed (both a FENS Forum journey grant or an ECTP stipend).

Application Process

To apply, candidates should full the on-line application type and supply the following paperwork:

• Proof of eligibility:
  • Enrolment doc or diploma copy/photograph.
  • Applicant identify, establishment identify, and enrolment/commencement date should be indicated.
• First-author summary submitted to the FENS Forum 2026.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV):
  • Maximum of two pages.
  • Should embody:
    • Education and levels earned.
    • Current analysis tasks and methods.
    • Publications, abstracts, and shows.
    • Any different related data.
• Recommendation letter:
  • Written by the present supervisor.
  • Must embody identify, affiliation, and get in touch with particulars.
  • Maximum size: 250 phrases.

Benefits of Participation

The Early Career Training Programme affords a number of advantages:

• Skill growth: Learn new laboratory methods and methodologies.
• Research expertise: Conduct brief tasks that will contribute to future publications.
• Networking: Meet friends and senior researchers from numerous backgrounds.
• Visibility: Present your work at the FENS Forum 2026.
• Financial assist: Receive a stipend to ease journey and dwelling prices.

Additional Information

• A full record of obtainable host laboratories and analysis matters is offered on the programme web page.
• Applicants are inspired to discover these choices fastidiously to align with their analysis pursuits.
• FENS additionally invites candidates and members to submit concepts for new coaching or academic actions.

The Early Career Training Programme is a useful alternative for younger researchers to achieve sensible expertise, increase their networks, and put together for future careers in neuroscience. By combining hands-on laboratory work with participation in the FENS Forum 2026, the programme ensures that early profession scientists are well-positioned to contribute to the world neuroscience neighborhood.

Applicants ought to put together their paperwork fastidiously, meet the eligibility necessities, and submit their functions earlier than the 27 January 2026 deadline. Apply Here.

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