ECTP at the FENS Forum 2026

 

The Spanish Society of Neuroscience (SENC), the Host Society of the FENS Forum 2026 , in partnership with the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience (SPN), are pleased to announce the Early Career Training Programme (ECTP), supported by FENS and the IBRO-Pan European Regional Committee (PERC).

 

Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from around the world can apply to visit and work in a host lab in Spain or Portugal for the 2-3 weeks preceding the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona. Host labs are located throughout Spain and Portugal, and successful applicants will receive a stipend of 1000 EUR to help cover the costs of the visit.

 

What is the Early Career Training Programme?

The ECTP provides an opportunity for ambitious, talented ECRs to undertake a 2-3 weeks lab stay preceding the FENS Forum. Research projects are short and focused, and provide training and networking opportunities for future exchanges. The successful applicants will meet with senior and junior scientists in the host lab, learn new techniques and data analysis pipelines, possibly establish collaborations, as well as experience a different working culture. This programme facilitates opportunities for ECRs wishing to advance their careers by experiencing a different research environment.

 

ECTP awards

A stipend of  1000 EUR,- will be awarded to the successful applicants. The award may be used to cover travel expenses within the host nations and other costs associated with visiting the host laboratory.

 

Location of available host laboratories

Please find here the list of the available host laboratories and research topics in Spain and Portugal.

 

Eligibility for the ECTP

  1. Applicants must be Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
    ECRs are defined as

      • Postgraduate students undertaking MSc, MD, PhD, or assistant/trainee in the clinical sciences. A valid student/trainee enrolment form (or letter on official letterhead) is required to prove eligibility. Applicant name, institution name, and enrolment status must be indicated.
      • Researchers within the first five years of completing their highest degree (e.g., BSc, MSc, MD, PhD, or other professional doctorate) or, for clinical psychologists, the first five years after starting work as a clinical psychologist. Copy or photograph of diploma (or letter on official letterhead) is required to prove eligibility. Applicant name, institution name, and graduation date must be indicated. This five-year period will be extended in case of maternity leave or other justifiable leaves of absence.
  2. Applicants must not be currently working in a laboratory in Spain or Portugal. Spanish or Portuguese citizens who are not based at institutions in either country may apply if they have been working outside of the host nations for at least 18 months.
  3. Applicants must be registered to attend the FENS Forum 2026.
  4. Applicants must have a abstract submitted to FENS Forum 2026, as a first author and presenter.
  5. Please note that applicants are eligible to receive one stipend for FENS activities per year (e.g., either a FENS Forum travel grant or an ECTP stipend)

 

Application procedure

  1. Applicants must first fill out and submit the ECTP application form, and then must send in it the following documents:
    • Proof of ECR status:
      • An official document provided by a college or university that proves your enrolment status (Applicant name, institution name, and enrolment status must be indicated), or
      • a copy or photograph of the diploma is required to prove eligibility (Applicant name, institution name, and graduation date must be indicated). The five-year period will be extended in case of maternity leave or other justifiable leaves.
    • The first-author abstract submitted to the FENS Forum 2026.
    • Curriculum vitae, including education and degrees earned, current research projects/techniques, publications/abstracts/presentations, and any other relevant information (CV on max. 2 pages).
    • A recommendation letter from the current supervisor indicating name, affiliation, and contact details (max. 250 words).
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Early Career Training Programme Host LABS_2026