Early career researchers are an integral part of the ECNP Congress and ECNP has installed a variety of measures to ensure that their participation is made as easy as possible.
Definition of an Early Career Scientist (ECS)This special event for Early Career Scientists will take place on Saturday 11 October from 18.00-20.00 CEST at the first floor lounge in the congress venue.
Meet peers from across the world, enjoy complimentary drinks and food, and put your networking skills to the test with the fun and interactive ‘Research Bingo’ challenge.
Spaces are limited and attendees are admitted on a first-come basis. No registration required.
45 minutes; livestreamed; available for in-person and virtual participants
The Career Development Sessions are training sessions with a leading expert in the field. The topics of these sessions focus on building your scientific career – writing scientific papers, improving presentation skills, creating a spin-off company or finding a job in the industry are just a few examples. They are specially designed to appeal to Early Career Scientists.
60 minutes; livestreamed; available for in-person and virtual participants
For this innovative format, ECNP challenges four Early Career Scientists to explain their research to a lay public audience. The contest is not just about what is presented, but also about how it is presented — 'storytelling' and 'engagement' are key concepts. The performances will be evaluated by a jury, and the best one will receive an award.
During this – by invitation only – matchmaking session pre-clinically and clinically oriented Early Career Scientists can get to know each other. Selected 'matches' will receive funding from ECNP to organise a short translational internship.
The deadline to apply for Meet Your Translational Match 2025 is 21 September.
ECNP offers a reduced registration fee for early career scientists of only EUR 56 (excl. VAT). Register here.
Abstracts accepted for publication will be published in a digital supplement to the ECNP open-access journal Neuroscience Applied.
During the abstract review you will have a chance to win an ECNP Excellence Award; this award was established to encourage Early Career Scientists to present a poster during the annual ECNP Congress.
Up to three Early Career Scientists whose research in applied and translational neuroscience has the potential to advance the science, treatment and prevention of the brain can be annually honoured with an ECNP Rising Star Award.
At the Congress, you will also have the chance to win a ECNP Poster Award (not exclusively for early career scientists). These awards are given on-site to the posters of the highest scientific excellence, presented most effectively. The award consists of EUR 500 and a commemorative certificate.
The ECNP Early Career Academy (ECA), established in 2023, provides a home within ECNP for Early Career Scientists. The primary objective is to serve as a springboard, facilitating sustained engagement of ECS and supporting them throughout their careers within ECNP.
The ECA members are involved in the organisation of the above mentioned Congress activities and will be present at the Science on the Rocks event to welcome you to the Congress.
