Overview
The FENS-Kavli Scholars 2026 programme is one of Europe’s most prestigious neuroscience leadership networks. It brings together outstanding researchers committed to excellence, innovation, and collaborative scientific growth.
Selected participants join a community of 30 top scientists who drive interdisciplinary projects, public engagement, policy contributions, and mentoring initiatives across Europe.
Being part of the FENS-Kavli Scholars 2026 cohort offers unparalleled visibility, networking, and long-term impact on the European neuroscience landscape.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Title | FENS-Kavli Scholars 2026–2030 |
| Focus Keyword | FENS-Kavli Scholars 2026 |
| Organisers | FENS & Kavli Foundation |
| Location | Europe (all eligible member states) |
| Eligibility | Independent PIs in neuroscience |
| Career Stage | Early/mid-career (typically 4–12 years post-PhD) |
| Selection Slots | 15 Scholars |
| Interview Dates | 20–26 April 2026 |
| Application Method | Online form |
| Application Form | https://form.jotform.com/223331954302347 |
| Official Website | https://fenskavlinetwork.org |
| Call Document (PDF) | https://fenskavlinetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Call-for-Applications_FKNE_2026.pdf |
| Current Scholars | https://fenskavlinetwork.org/who-we-are/fens-kavli-scholars/ |
| Alumni | https://fenskavlinetwork.org/who-we-are/alumni/ |
Table of Contents
What is the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence?
The FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) is a highly selective community of 30 active Scholars representing the most promising neuroscientists across Europe. Members:
- Serve two 2-year terms (4 years total)
- Join scientific working groups
- Organize workshops, symposia, training sessions, and policy actions
- Promote responsible research practices
- Strengthen collaboration within the neuroscience community
View the current cohort:
👉 https://fenskavlinetwork.org/who-we-are/fens-kavli-scholars/
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Ideal applicants for the FENS-Kavli Scholars 2026 cohort are:
- Early & mid-career neuroscientists with independent PI positions
- Researchers with significant scientific achievements
- Scientists demonstrating leadership, creativity, and collaboration
- Applicants engaged in community, education, or advocacy
- Innovators across all subfields of neuroscience (experimental, computational, clinical)
- Diversity of background, research domain, gender, nationality, and scientific approach is a major priority.
Applicants must:
- Hold a PI role at a European academic or research institution
- Be located in a FENS society country OR be an individual FENS member in a Council of Europe state
- Usually be 4–12 years post-PhD (flexibility for career breaks)
- Provide two strong recommendation letters
- Submit their application through the official form
- Be available for interview between 20–26 April 2026
Relevant links:
- FENS Societies: https://www.fens.org/membership/societies
- Council of Europe States: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/members-states
Selection Priorities
The FENS-Kavli Scholars 2026 evaluation committee will assess candidates on:
- Excellence in scientific output
- Engagement with scientific and public communities
- Leadership potential
- Creativity and interdisciplinary impact
- Diversity across the cohort
- Ability to contribute to FKNE activities
What FENS-Kavli Scholars Do
Selected Scholars actively participate in:
- High-level scientific discussions
- Policy and advocacy groups
- Training and mentoring of younger scientists
- Developing collaborative European projects
- Public engagement initiatives
- Annual retreats and FKNE network events
FKNE Alumni continue to contribute to the network beyond their term:
👉 https://fenskavlinetwork.org/who-we-are/alumni/
Application Requirements
Your application must include:
- Online application form
👉 https://form.jotform.com/223331954302347 - Two letters of recommendation from internationally recognized neuroscientists
(One may come from a FENS society) - Evidence of independence, excellence, and engagement
- Commitment to participate fully in FKNE activities during 2026–2030
Applicants must also be available for a 20-minute online interview between 20–26 April 2026.
Full call document:
👉 https://fenskavlinetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Call-for-Applications_FKNE_2026.pdf
How to Apply
Submit your complete application via the online system:
🔗 https://form.jotform.com/223331954302347
Applications must be submitted directly by the candidate.
Key Dates
- Call Opens: Now
- Application Deadline: (Official deadline pending announcement — expected Q1 2026)
- Interviews: 20–26 April 2026
- Selection of 15 New Scholars: First half of 2026
- Programme Term: 2026–2030 (two 2-year terms)
Who can apply?
Early and mid-career neuroscientists in independent PI positions at European academic or research institutions.
Is FENS membership required?
You must be either:
Employed in a European country with a FENS national society, or
An individual FENS member in any Council of Europe member state.
How many Scholars will be selected?
15 new Scholars will join the network for the 2026–2030 cohort.
Is an interview required?
Yes — shortlisted candidates will attend a 20-minute online interview between 20–26 April 2026.
Do applicants need recommendation letters?
Yes — two letters from internationally recognized neuroscientists (one may come from a FENS member society).
Explore more global opportunities: https://oppotify.com
