FENS 2026: Graduate School Neuroscience students at the heart of international research

This summer, 25 Master’s students from Université Paris Cité’s Neuroscience Graduate School attended the FENS (Federation of European Neuroscience Societies) Forum 2026 in Barcelona, Europe’s leading neuroscience conference. This was a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of neuroscience research, discover the latest advances in the field, and meet scientists from around the world.

With more than 8,000 participants from 90 countries, the FENS Forum offered Graduate School students a unique opportunity to engage with the international scientific community. The programme included symposia, conferences, poster presentations, as well as social and artistic events.

Meetings that open up new perspectives

The conference was also an opportunity to reconnect with PhD students who are alumni of the Neuroscience Master’s programme and who shared their experiences since completing their degree. These valuable exchanges allowed students to discover the different paths they could pursue after their Master’s degree, while also making new connections.

Taking part in an international conference also helps students develop transferable skills that enrich their academic journey: communicating in English, presenting their research, expanding their professional network, and gaining confidence and ease in an international environment.

An experience to share

This year, the delegation was particularly large, with 25 students taking part for the first time on this scale. Back in Paris, they shared their experience with their peers at the Neuroscience Master’s Kickoff Meeting on 1 September.

“I chose this Master’s programme two years ago because of its international dimension, and this experience confirmed that choice. It was truly inspiring to see this level of excellence beyond our classroom, sharing the same space with more than 8,000 fellow neuroscientists and having the opportunity to discuss their research with them. Whether attending talks, presenting our project, or broadening our horizons by meeting new people in a city that is also rich in culture, it was a unique experience that I was able to enjoy thanks to the mobility funding provided by Université Paris Cité’s Neuroscience Graduate School. Thank you so much!” Selin Gildiz, first-year PhD student at the Paris Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (IPNP)

“The FENS Forum 2026 was a great experience and allowed me to attend a wide variety of interesting lectures and posters in numerous neuroscience domains. It was really fun to explore the city with friends and I felt it was a satisfying way to cap off the academic year. Big thank you to the Neuroscience Graduate School for offering a grant for this trip!” Yadu Gopakumar, Neuroscience Master’s alumni

For the Neuroscience Graduate School, which has been supporting its students in attending the FENS Forum for several years, these experiences perfectly illustrate the close connection between education, research and international engagement.