Message from the FENS President: opening of registration for the FENS Forum 2022 on 1 December 2021

26 November 2021

FENS News

Dear colleagues, dear friends,

After a long and challenging period for all in the neuroscience community and wider society, it gives me great pleasure to announce some encouraging news. FENS events, having successfully transitioned to online formats throughout the pandemic, are now starting to emerge out of this virtual and remote reality. FENS leadership and staff are looking forward to meeting members face to face once again through an exciting year of planned in-person and online neuroscience activities.

This begins with the FENS Winter School taking place on 9-15 January 2022 in Obergurgl, Austria. During a week of lectures, world-leading experts will deliver a state-of-the-art programme providing early career neuroscientists with the tools and knowledge to probe psychiatric disorders.

Then come two Brain Conferences planned for 2022 in Rungstedgaard, Denmark. The first Brain Conference from 3-6 April will discuss the latest research covering genetic and epigenetic mechanisms responsible for creating and maintaining the integrity of the brain. The second happening from 26-29 June focuses on the genetics and mechanisms of migraine. Having attended the last Brain Conference in October 2021, I can wholeheartedly recommend them as great opportunities to learn, interact and exchange ideas about topical neuroscience subjects with like-minded researchers.

The final and most important event to mark in your calendars is the FENS Forum 2022, taking place from 9-13 July in Paris, France. It is the largest celebration of neuroscience in Europe. Though the FENS 2020 Virtual Forum was a great success, the FENS 2022 event at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles plans to welcome back the neuroscience community with an unparalleled in-person experience.

An inspiring, diverse scientific programme will be complemented by lively poster sessions, special interest events, networking and social activities, providing numerous opportunities to connect face to face with world-class experts, peers and old and new friends in a safe and meaningful way. To secure your place, early registration, abstract submission and the FENS/IBRO-PERC Forum travel grant applications open on 1 December 2021.

In other news, FENS recently appointed Tasia Asakawa as the organisation’s new Executive Director. On behalf of the FENS leadership, I would like to welcome Tasia. Given her vast experience at the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), where she supported the global neuroscience community and promoted neuroscience around the world, she is ideally suited to overseeing the FENS administration’s management, operations and strategic development. I look forward to working closely with her in advancing and improving the organisation.

Lastly, I would like to remind you of the benefits of publishing your research with the European Journal of Neuroscience (EJN). The official journal of FENS, EJN is run by scientists for scientists. There are no submission fees or page charges, FENS members have free online access, and the journal supports transparent peer review and open access. With EJN papers read by half a million scientists every year, it’s a fantastic platform for people to share their research around the world. The journal also accounts for the largest portion of FENS’ annual income. So, when you publish with EJN, you are re-investing in the international neuroscience community through all of the activities and actions of FENS.

I look forward to meeting and welcoming you in person at the FENS Forum 2022 in Paris. In the meantime, I wish you, your colleagues, families and friends the well-deserved joys of the festive season.

Jean-Antoine Girault
FENS President