Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)

Founded in 1998, the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) is an international non-profit organisation based in Brussels, Belgium. It supports and promotes neuroscience in Europe and beyond to advance the understanding, care and awareness of the brain, nervous system and human health. It achieves this mission by providing several opportunities based on the needs of the neuroscience community. These include but are not limited to: scientific research: education and training; networking and exchange; and the facilitation of multi-scale engagement, advocacy and outreach activities. A particular emphasis is placed upon impactful support for early career researchers and increasing sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion in the field. The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) is the main organization for neuroscience in Europe, currently representing 44 scientific societies across 33 European countries and more than 22,000 member scientists.

Exchange and interaction between scientists is promoted within and outside Europe through scientific meetings such as the the biennial FENS Forums and FENS Regional Meetings. The FENS Forum of Neuroscience is FENS’ flagship event and the largest international neuroscience meeting in Europe. It brings together more than 7,000 participants from across the globe and fosters scientific exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists from discovery research in academia, to preclinical and clinical scientists who work on translational understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain diseases. This meeting alternates with the FENS Regional Meetings, organised in odd years to support the achievements of smaller regional neuroscience communities.

Higher education and training benefits from programmes related to hands-on and online training courses, short intensive schools, exchange programmes and awards and prizes in recognition of scientific excellence. FENS also facilitates the dissemination of scientific information and highlights advancements in research across all areas of neuroscience through its peer-reviewed scientific journal, the European Journal of Neuroscience (EJN).

Through the creation and nurturing of professional networks for students and scientists at different career stages, FENS fosters mentorship and community development with the aim to make European neuroscience more inclusive and accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. It initiates and engages in outreach and advocacy initiatives through dedicated committees - the Committee on Animals in Research (CARE) and the ALBA Network - with the goals to raise public awareness about the benefits of brain research, to increase research investment, to reduce workplace discrimination and bias, to promote an equitable and inclusive research culture, to increase visibility of underrepresented groups of researchers, and to expand science capacity globally.