Early Career Academy

This group is focused on supporting educational opportunities and science communication within the ECNP community. The group will play an active role in contributing to ECNP’s educational and scientific activities, including online courses, the Brains-on-Brains podcast series, blog posts summarising significant research findings, and commentaries in the ECNP journals. 

To further support researchers, the group may also deliver online training sessions designed to enhance skills in effective science communication. These sessions will address critical topics such as strategies for engaging with the public via social media and debunking misinformation, thereby helping researchers to communicate their work clearly and responsibly to both academic and non-specialist audiences. 

This group is dedicated to advancing research practices by promoting evidence-based methodologies and encouraging a culture of transparency and replicability in science. The group focuses on generating new evidence, developing and discussing methodological guidelines, and addressing common research design and analysis challenges. 

This group is a platform for fostering bidirectional collaboration and knowledge exchange between preclinical and clinical scientists. The aim is to address shared challenges and explore innovative approaches to strengthen translational neuroscience research and improve the flow of knowledge between the lab and the clinic and vice versa.  

Group activities may include writing a review paper on translation, back-translation and major issues in the field, involvement in ECNP’s initiatives at the Congress to foster translation, and hosting virtual seminars with experts in translational neuroscience. The group may also be a platform to explore innovations in neuroscience research methods, and match clinical and preclinical scientists to collaborate in emerging translational projects. 

This group is dedicated to supporting early career researchers and those transitioning into leadership roles, such as group leaders or principal investigators. It aims to address key challenges through activities like webinars, presentations, and mentorship programs. Topics will include securing grants, interviewing for faculty positions, hiring and managing personnel, supporting mental health and well-being, and navigating the transition to independent leadership roles. 

The group also emphasises networking and skill development, providing structured opportunities for Early Career Academy members to connect with peers and senior mentors, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Additionally, it will evaluate the career progression of early-career researchers within ECNP networks, potentially by monitoring career trajectories, and conducting surveys to better understand their needs, struggles, and expectations.