The ECNP Congress offers a variety of opportunities for Early Career Scientists to learn, connect, and grow. Discover the latest research, build your network, develop new skills, and take advantage of special events, awards, and career development activities designed to support the next generation of neuroscience researchers.
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, first-served basis. No registration required.
80 minutes; livestreamed; available for in-person and virtual participants
New Findings in Applied Neuroscience is a special symposium that gives six promising Early Career Scientists – selected from the best research presented at the ECNP Workshop on Applied Neuroscience 2026– the opportunity to present their latest findings. Each lecture ends with a short questions and answers segment.
45 minutes; livestreamed; available for in-person and virtual participants
The Career Development Sessions offer training led by experienced experts in the field. These intimate sessions cover a range of topics aimed at supporting your scientific career, such as writing research papers, enhancing presentation skills, launching a spin‑off company, or exploring career opportunities in industry. Designed especially – though not exclusively – for Early Career Scientists, each session concludes with an interactive questions and answers segment.
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 non-specialist audience. The contest is not only about what is presented, how the data is presented is equally important — 'storytelling' and 'engagement' are key concepts. The performances will be evaluated by a jury and the best one will receive an award.
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.
ECNP offers a reduced registration fee for early career scientists. See registration fees.
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.
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.
