The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute and FENS are offering a Science Writer Fellowship of up to EUR 2,500 to cover the travel, accommodation and daily expenses at the FENS Forum 2022 in Paris, France. The volunteer would also receive a free press registration. The Chen-FENS Science Writer would ideally be someone with a neuroscience background and demonstrable interest in science communication.

The Chen-FENS Science Writer will be present on site in Paris from 9 to 13 July 2022 and support the FENS Forum Press Office during the event while receiving practical guidance, advice and mentorship.

The selected fellow would prepare a 3-page report on the FENS Forum Brain Debate “Building and understanding brains: How can AI research inform neuroscience?” on 9 July 2022 to be published on the TCCI and FENS websites and provide onsite support to the Forum Press Office for the duration of the Forum. For more information, check the terms and conditions.

This is an ideal opportunity for candidates interested in developing skills in writing, science communication and experience with the media. The Chen-FENS Science Writer will be selected through a competitive application process.

Application process

Applications should be addressed through the online application form.

You would need to send a cover letter describing why you would like to be a Science Writer at the FENS Forum, and include your CV with emphasis on any previous relevant experience in the area of science communications.

The deadline for submitting applications is 16 May 2022.

Phone interviews should be taking place in early June 2022. All applicants will be informed of the status of their application in due course.

You can download the full call here.

Under the supervision of the Press Officer and the FENS Communications Manager, the Chen-FENS Science Writer will support the smooth running of the Press Office in the following ways:

• Assist in supporting the running of the Press Office in Paris
• Meet and greet the journalists, check registration and press office credentials, explain the Press Office facilities, and ensure the availability of correct information at all times
• Cover the FENS Forum Brain Debate “Building and understanding brains: How can AI research inform neuroscience?” on 9 July 2022
• Assist with press conferences and interviews
• Assist with the distribution of press releases
• Reporting: two weeks after the meeting, the Chen-FENS Science Writer will provide TCCI with a 2-to-3-PAGE co-authored written report with a high-level description of the Brain Debate and several “bullet points: that address the following:
  • The debate discussions/finding the scholar found particularly exciting
  • Controversies that were discussed
  • A view of future issues that need to be addressed

• The Chen-FENS Science Writer should ideally be someone with a neuroscience background and a genuine interest in science communication and the media.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work in a team but also independently

• Duration: 9 July to 13 July 2022
• Location: Porte de Versailles Congress Centre in Paris, France (Forum venue)
• Reporting: 3-page report on the FENS Forum Brain Debate “Building and understanding brains: How can AI research inform neuroscience?” (9 July 2022, https://forum.fens.org/the-brain-debate/) to be published on the TCCI and FENS websites
• Onsite support: Support the functioning of the Forum Press Office for the duration of the Forum.

About the Press Centre

Journalists from around the world attend the FENS Forum. The role of the Press Centre is to draw the media’s attention to some of the latest developments in brain research being presented at FENS, and to help raise the profile of FENS. Preparation for the FENS Forum Press Centre starts in May. The Press Centre hosts press conferences, interviews and informal discussions between neuroscientists and journalists, and press releases are distributed to the media.  Social media is integral to the publicity for the Forum.

About the FENS Forum (9-13 July 2022, Paris, France)

The FENS Forum is the main international meeting for brain related research in Europe. It facilitates true scientific exchange and inter-disciplinary collaboration between researchers worldwide. The upcoming FENS Forum in Paris will offer a high quality and wide-ranging scientific and social programme designed to showcase the frontiers of neuroscience. The FENS Forum will provide a great platform to discuss science and learn about new concepts and technological developments.

About FENS – the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies

The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) is the main organisation for neuroscience in Europe. FENS was founded in 1998 at the first Forum of European Neuroscience. Currently, it represents 44 European national and single discipline neuroscience societies, with 22,000 member scientists from 33 European countries.

Website: www.fens.org

Contact information: communications@fens.org

About the Communication Committee

The FENS Communication Committee works together with FENS Communications, Community Outreach Manager and Communications Assistant to define and implement the communication strategy. The FENS Communication Committee is especially involved in increasing and maintaining the visibility of FENS and information about FENS activities within the neuroscience community.

About the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute

The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute (TCCI®) was created in 2016 by Tianqiao Chen and his wife Chrissy Luo, the founders of Shanda Group, with a US $1 billion commitment to help advance fundamental brain research around the world. The organization’s vision is to improve the human experience by understanding how our brains perceive, learn and interact with the world.