FENS/IBRO-PERC ECR Training Programme

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 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 EUR 1000 to help cover the costs of the visit.

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 first author abstract submitted to FENS Forum 2026.
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)

Grant Amount

A stipend of EUR 1000, 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.

Host Labs

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

Find out more and apply HERE*.

*Please know that you will be directed to the FENS/IBRO-PERC Early Career Training Programme call for applications on the FENS Forum webpage.

For any queries regarding this program, please contact chet@fens.org.

Visit funding web page
(https://ibro.org/grant/early-career-training-prog-ectp/)