President’s message

As 2019 progresses, we are getting closer to a number of key FENS activities and events that I would like to emphasize here.

The first one is that very soon, on 25 March, the Forum 2020 call for symposia will open (with a deadline of 20 May 2019). I would like to encourage all eligible scientists to submit a proposal and be part of the next Forum 2020 in Glasgow. This is a great opportunity for a bottom-up impact on the scientific programme, that will be complemented by networking opportunities, special interest and satellite events. 

In case you did not yet have the opportunity to check the outstanding programme of the FENS Regional Meeting that will take place on 10-13 July 2019 in Belgrade, I invite you to do so. There is still time until 1 April to submit an abstract and, thus, have exposure to a truly international neuroscience conference. Registration is open and will remain open till the meeting takes place.

In fact, the programmes for the various national and thematic society meetings already advertised on their respective websites also look outstanding. As a way to strengthen communication between FENS and its member societies, FENS will be present throughout the year at several of these meetings. On the immediate horizon, FENS participation will be particularly prominent at the British Neuroscience Association (BNA) Festival of Neuroscience in Dublin (14-17 April) to promote the Forum 2020 which, of course, will be hosted by the BNA.

Importantly, this is a very special week for neuroscience. I would like to congratulate, for your excellent and important work, all of you involved in local activities within the Brain Awareness Week (BAW) 2019, that takes place on 11-17 March. These outreach events are essential for our so-much needed dialogue with society and an ideal way to update people on the importance of brain research. Thanks to a grant from the Dana Foundation, FENS could fund this year 36 BAW projects held in 20 countries. 

I would like to wish you a great continuation of your scientific and personal lives. Stay tuned for upcoming news through the FENS website and social media, and be part of this vibrant neuroscientific community! As you know, FENS provides important membership benefits and opportunities in higher education and training, meetings, exchange programmes, and many other occasions for scientific interactions.

Prof. Carmen Sandi
FENS President