Calls Paper in Neuroscience Award: EPNA – Biomedical 2025 and EPNA – ELSA 2025

Applications are now open for Calls Excellent Paper in Neuroscience Award 2025 (EPNA – Biomedical 2025) and Excellent Paper in Neuroscience Award (ELSA 2025), promoted by ERA-NET NEURON. The initiative aims to recognize outstanding and exceptional scientific publications in the field of neuroscience by early-career researchers from 24 eligible countries, including Portugal.

The Call – Biomedical 2025 Call focuses on Mechanisms of Resilience and Vulnerability in the Face of Environmental Challenges in Mental Health. Articles should contribute to the advancement of relevant translational research questions on the neurobiological mechanisms that influence resilience or vulnerability to environmental challenges in mental health. Original articles published between January 1 and December 31, 2024, whose first author is unique and affiliated with one of Call partner countries, are eligible.

The Call – ELSA 2025 Call focuses on the theme Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects (ELSA) of Neuroscience. Articles should address ethical, philosophical, legal, and sociocultural issues related to recent advances in neuroscience, contributing to an informed debate in science and society. Original articles published between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024, are eligible, provided they have a single first author affiliated with one of the partner countries.

The best proposal for each Call a prize of €3,000. Winners will be invited to present their work as special speakers at the FENS Forum 2026, which will take place from July 6 to 10, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain, or at another suitable international scientific event. ERA-NET NEURON will cover travel and accommodation costs.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (UTC-GMT). Proposals must be sent by email to the ERA-NET NEURON Secretariat, accompanied by the required documents, as indicated in the texts of Calls: EPNA – Biomedical 2025 and EPNA – ELSA 2025.

ERA-NETS (European Research Area Networks) aim to promote cooperation between scientific research funding agencies, ministries, and/or research institutes in Member States and associated countries of the European Union, as well as third countries. The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) coordinates national participation in this instrument.