Starting Grant
Starting Grant 2026
SOON AVAILABLE
From April 15th to July 3rd
The application is now closed
One experiment to rule them all!
Neuroscience is one of the most challenging fields of research. Although our understanding of the nervous system keeps growing exponentially, we still have much to learn, especially regarding the intricate interplay between all the different cell types involved in maintaining its homeostasis and counteracting the insults. Indeed, cell-to-cell communication between neurons, astrocytes, microglia, pericytes, endothelial cells and immune cells can significantly impact the nervous system biology, both in physiological and pathological conditions.
The BraYn Association will fund PhD students, post-docs, early-career principal investigators, neurology residents and neurologists to answer an experimental question with a focused research plan in the field of neuroscience, either to validate a hypothesis that concludes a story or to test a hypothesis being the base of a new story. The story and/or approach proposed should be highly innovative. Topics that may be covered are the following: Neuroimaging & Clinical Neurology, Neurodegeneration, Neurodevelopment, Neuro-oncology, Neuroinflammation, Neurophysiology & Neural Plasticity, Cognitive Neuroscience. PhD students or Post-docs at a very early stage of their career from anywhere worldwide can apply.
Applicants must be registered for the BraYn 2026 conference
(Registration here)
and must be a member of the BraYn Association
(New/Renew Membership here)
The grant proposal should be structured as follows:
- Two pages including a brief introduction, scope of the research, preliminary results (optional), a key experimental approach, and a clear indication of the topic(s) covered among those indicated above.
- Not included in the two pages limit:
– One page for references (maximum of 10).
– One figure page (optional).
– Financials. Funds should be spent on consumables.
– Two-pages curriculum vitae (CV). - Applications using funds for stipends, mice, or equipment will not be accepted.
The successful candidate will be asked to submit a report by two months after the end of the grant period and will be offered the possibility to present the results obtained at the next BraYn Conference in 2027.
- Time: 6 months (starting January 2027). Funds must be disbursed to the research host institution by December 22, 2026.
Eligibility criteria:
Applicants are eligible if they are within 3 years from the date of PhD award, calculated as of July 3, 2026 (application deadline). This is the only eligibility criterion regarding career stage.
PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, medical residents, neurologists, and early-career researchers can apply provided they fall within this time window.
If applicants are unsure about their eligibility, they are encouraged to contact the BraYn Association before submitting the application.
Examples of eligibility
- I am a PhD student → I can apply.
- I graduated in Medicine / Biology or other but I do not have a PhD yet → I can apply.
- I obtained my PhD in 2025 → I can apply.
- I obtained my PhD in 2024 → I can apply.
- I obtained my PhD after July 3, 2023 → I can apply.
- I obtained my PhD before July 3, 2023 → I cannot apply.
In summary: Eligible applicants must have obtained their PhD no earlier than July 3, 2023
- Valid contract until the end of the project.
- Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file to info@braynconference.com.
- Funding: 5000 euros.