Season’s Greetings 2024 from the FENS President

19 December 2024

FENS News

Dear FENS Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to take the opportunity to reflect on 2024 and the years ahead.  As my presidency started in June, I have been overwhelmed by the energy, commitment, and teamwork that define FENS and its members.

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the FENS Forum 2024 in Vienna which was successful in all aspects.  With over 7000 attendees from all over the world, more than 4000 posters, and 250 speakers, this meeting remains Europe’s largest neuroscience event. Researchers at all career stages came together to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and forge connections that strengthen the neuroscience community across disciplines and borders. The Forum isn’t just a meeting: it has evolved into a platform that highlights neuroscience, emphasising the significance of scientific discoveries for society. Exactly what we want it to be.

The Forum also paved the way for other FENS activities such as the European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students, The International Brain Bee as well as the Early Career Training Programme and the FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships. These initiatives highlight FENS’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists.

In 2024, we hosted two high-level Brain Conferences: “Neuronal Protein Synthesis Mechanisms in Health and Disease” and “Circuits for Movement”, which were very well attended. Our FENS Schools addressed emerging frontiers in neuroscience, with the FENS-Chen Institute-NeuroLéman Summer School on “Monitoring and Manipulating the Affective State: Neurotechnologies and AI Tools” and the FENS-Hertie Winter School on “Protein Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Disorders”, gathered a diverse cohort of young scientists to learn about these important research themes.

The ALBA Network continues its work. It is amazing to see how, in such a short time, it has become a worldwide network that promotes diversity, inclusivity and equity in neuroscience. With support from FENS and many partners including the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) and the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), it has increased its activities and organised numerous workshops and webinars. Within this framework, a new initiative, the ALBA-Roche Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience, was launched this year.

The FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024 with alumni and present members continuing to contribute to the development of European Neuroscience, FENS activities as well as advocacy and scientific exchanges. On this topic, I am delighted to announce the formation of the new FENS Advocacy Committee, which will amplify our efforts to advocate for the importance of curiosity-driven science and increased resources for brain research in Europe.

Our journal, the European Journal of Neuroscience (EJN), continues to publish high-quality research.  With initiatives like transparency in peer review and a focus on early-career researchers, EJN is not just a journal but a resource that directly supports community activities. I want to specifically thank our editors-in-chief and the editorial board for their work in keeping the journal in such a good shape. The success of EJN is vital for FENS because it contributes directly to our activities. I therefore encourage all members to support FENS by publishing in EJN and making full use of this society resource.

I would also like to thank the current FENS leadership, committee and division members, and the administrative staff. Your work makes FENS functioning and growing for the benefit of neuroscience. On behalf of all our members, I would like to thank you so much for your commitment.

Looking ahead, it is exciting to see the many activities launched by the FENS Committee for Higher Education and Training (CHET), the FENS Committee on Animals in Research (CARE), and the FENS Communication Committee, and I am thrilled about the upcoming FENS Regional Meeting (FRM) in Oslo, Norway, which will take place from 16–19 June. The meeting is organised by the Norwegian Neuroscience Society with coordinated support from the Nordic Neuroscience Societies. This is the first time that a FRM is taking place in Scandinavia. Thanks to the organisers for creating a unique meeting in a united effort. I invite neuroscientists at all career stages to join us in Oslo for this exciting event.

We’re also gearing up for the FENS Forum 2026. Originally planned to take place in Madrid, the Forum has been relocated to Barcelona due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict with the construction of a new Formula 1 racing circuit around the convention centre in Madrid. Although it is sad to leave Madrid, we made the decision to move the Forum to Barcelona to ensure that the conference remains an attractive, safe and accessible event for all participants. I feel confident that Barcelona will be an outstanding setting for the Forum, and I look forward to welcoming you there.

Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to the former FENS leadership, and my predecessor, Prof. Irene Tracey. Irene Tracey’s leadership over the past two years has left a lasting impact on the organisation, and I’m very happy to continue building upon this foundation.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to 2025!

Best Wishes

Ole Kiehn

FENS President